Ava Monroe
Long fake nails can be a fun way to instantly switch up your look, whether you're going for a natural or glamorous style. There are several ways to make and apply fake nails at home, including using nail glue, nail tabs, wig tape, gel base coat, or even household items like paper and straws. Before applying fake nails, it's important to prep your natural nails by removing any old polish, soaking them in warm water, pushing back your cuticles, and filing and buffing your nails. Once your natural nails are prepped, you can attach the fake nails using your chosen method and decorate them with nail polish, sparkles, or more intricate designs. While fake nails can be a fun and creative way to enhance your style, it's important to be diligent about maintenance and regularly check for any signs of nail infections.
How to Make Fake Long Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Nail glue, nail tabs, wig tape, gel base coat, acetone, nail polish, nail file, cuticle softener, wooden stick, nail dehydrator, non-acid primer, gel nails, acrylic nails, fiberglass wraps, UV lamp |
| Prep | Push cuticles down with a cuticle softener and a wooden stick, file the nail bed, soak nails in warm water, remove old nail polish |
| Application | Apply nail glue, nail tabs, wig tape, or gel base coat to natural nails, press fake nails on top, file fake nails into the desired shape, decorate with nail polish, sparkle, or paint |
| Maintenance | Fill in the space between cuticles and artificial nails every 10-14 days, remove fake nails at the first sign of discoloration |
| Removal | Soak nails in an acetone-based solution for 45 minutes, soak off in soapy water, loosen with coconut or olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
Prep your nails
Prepping your nails is an important step in the process of applying fake nails. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your nails for fake nails:
Firstly, remove any old nail polish or fake nails that are still on your nails. This step is crucial as old polish or fake nails can prevent the new fake nails from sticking properly. Use a nail polish remover to take off the old polish, and be sure to wash your hands afterward as the chemicals in nail polish removers can dry out your nails.
Next, soak your nails in warm water for about five minutes. This will help soften your nails and cuticles, making the next steps easier. After soaking, dry your hands and nails with a cloth.
Now, it's time to push back your cuticles. Use a cuticle softener and a wooden stick to gently push back the cuticles. Be careful not to be too aggressive as you want to maintain healthy natural nails.
After pushing back your cuticles, trim and file your nails. Filing your nail bed will create a rough surface, which will help the fake nails adhere better. However, be cautious not to over-file your nails as you want to maintain their health.
Finally, some sources suggest dehydrating your nails and using a non-acid primer. Dehydrating your nails can be done with rubbing alcohol, which helps the application process. A non-acid primer will also help create a better surface for the fake nails to stick to.
By following these steps, you will properly prepare your nails for fake nails, ensuring a longer-lasting and better-looking manicure.
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Using nail glue
To make fake long nails using nail glue, you will first need to prepare your natural nails. Start by pushing your cuticles down with a cuticle softener and a wooden stick. File your nail bed, but be careful not to overdo it, as you want to maintain healthy natural nails. You can then use a buffer to roughen the surface of your natural nails, which will help the fake nails adhere better.
Next, you will need to clean your natural nails with alcohol to ensure that the glue lasts and does not bubble up or chip. Allow your nails to dry completely. You can then apply a nail primer, which will remove any remaining dirt or oil and help your press-on nails stay on longer.
Now you are ready to apply your fake nails. Put a dot of glue on the fake nail, and a light smear of glue on your natural nail. Press the fake nail down and hold it in place for at least 15-30 seconds.
Once all your fake nails are applied, use a Q-tip to wipe around the cuticles and pick up any excess glue that has seeped out. You can then file your fake nails to your desired length and shape.
To make your fake nails last longer, some people recommend applying cuticle oil after gluing on the fake nails. Others suggest drilling your natural nail and the fake nail slightly before applying glue, but be cautious as drilling your natural nail can be dangerous.
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Using nail tabs
Before applying nail tabs, it is important to prepare your nails. Start by removing any old polish or fake nails. Use a nail clipper or nail scissors to trim your natural nails short, but not too short that there is nothing for the fake nails to hold on to. Then, use a nail file to smooth out the edges of your natural nails.
The next step is to push back your cuticles. This can be done while your nail beds are soft after a soak, or with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. Pushing back your cuticles ensures that you are gluing the fake nails to your nails and not your skin. You can also buff your natural nails to create a textured base for better adhesion.
Additionally, it is important to remove any oil from your nails as it can prevent the nail tabs from sticking properly. Use a little acetone, rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover to wipe down your nails and ensure they are clean and free of any substances that may interfere with the adhesion of the nail tabs.
Once your natural nails are prepared, it's time to apply the nail tabs. Cut the nail tabs to fit your fingernails, then stick the tab onto your natural nail. Finally, press the fake nail of your choice on top of the nail tab. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label for proper removal, as different types of adhesive tabs may require soaking in soapy water or loosening with coconut or olive oil.
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Using wig tape
To use wig tape, start by cleaning and preparing your nails. Wash your hands and wipe each nail with a cotton ball dipped in non-acetone nail polish remover to remove any dirt or oil. You can also use a little acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any oils that may prevent the tape from sticking.
Next, cut the wig tape into small sections that fit your nails. Your nails are all different sizes, so try to cut each piece to fit an individual nail. If it's easier, you can stack two layers of tape together and cut two pieces at the same time. For instance, cut two pieces for your thumbs, as they are probably a similar size.
Now you're ready to apply the wig tape. Match one piece of tape to one nail, then carefully peel away one side of the backing. Lower the sticky side of the tape onto your nail and smooth it down with your finger to ensure it's secure. Repeat this process for each nail.
Once the tape is adhered to your nail, carefully peel away the top side of the backing. Now you can apply your fake nail, starting at the nail bed. Line up the bottom of the fake nail with your natural nail bed and press it down lightly, smoothing the tape as you go to ensure it sticks evenly.
To remove the fake nails, simply peel them off gently, then remove the tape from your natural nails. If there is any sticky residue left behind, wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
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Aftercare and maintenance
Prepare Your Nails Before Application
Before applying fake nails, it is essential to prepare your natural nails properly. Start by removing any old polish, as existing nail polish can hinder the adhesion of the fake nails. Soak your nails in warm water for about five minutes to soften them, then dry them thoroughly with a cloth. Next, push back your cuticles with a cuticle softener and a wooden stick. Be careful not to cut your cuticles, as this can increase the risk of infection. Instead, gently trim and file your nails, taking care not to over-file as you want to maintain healthy natural nails. Dehydrate your nails with a non-acid primer to ensure the fake nails adhere properly.
Care for Your Nails After Application
In the first 24 to 48 hours after application, be gentle with your fake nails. Although the glue dries quickly, the bonding process takes time to complete, and your nails are more vulnerable during this period. Avoid strenuous activities that may damage or lift the nails, as this can be painful and affect the health of your natural nails. Using cuticle oil can help seal and protect the nails during this time.
Maintain and Extend the Life of Your Fake Nails
To extend the life of your fake nails and maintain their appearance, regular maintenance is necessary. Every 2 to 3 weeks, get a touch-up to trim, file, and repaint your nails as they grow out. You can also use cuticle oil to moisturize the skin around your nails and prevent hangnails. Avoid getting your nails wet during household chores, as water can weaken the adhesive and cause the fake nails to loosen. Always wear waterproof gloves when doing dishes, cleaning, or any activity that involves water.
Prevent Infections and Discoloration
Artificial nails can increase the risk of nail infections, so it is crucial to be vigilant. If you notice any discoloration on your natural nails, remove the fake nails immediately and consult a dermatologist. Fungi and bacteria can accumulate under lifted nails, so if you notice any lifting or damage, address it promptly. To prevent infections, keep your nails clean by washing your hands regularly with mild soap and water. Use a soft-bristled nail brush to gently clean the surfaces of your fake nails, which tend to harbor more bacteria.
Choose the Right Type of Fake Nails
Different types of fake nails have varying effects on the health of your natural nails. Traditional acrylic nails are considered the strongest and most durable, but they can look thicker and more obviously fake if not applied in thin coats. Gel nails are more flexible and less damaging to your natural nails, but they can cause brittleness, peeling, and cracking. When choosing gel nails, opt for soak-off varieties instead of those that must be filed off, as filing can damage your natural nails. Fiberglass wraps are another option that can provide a natural, groomed look.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by removing any old nail polish and soaking your nails in warm water. Push back your cuticles, trim and file your nails, and then buff them. Lay out your fake nails and apply them one by one with a dab of glue on each finger.
Dehydrate your nails with rubbing alcohol before applying the fake nails. Push your cuticles down with a cuticle softener and a wooden stick. File your nail bed but be careful not to overdo it. Buy a dehydrator and a non-acid primer.
You can use nail tabs, which are double-sided adhesive tabs cut to fit your fingernails. Wig tape is another option, which is also double-sided and safe to use on your nails and skin. You can also use a gel base coat or nail polish as glue.
Fake nails need to be soaked in an acetone-based solution for about 45 minutes before they can be safely removed. You can also use coconut or olive oil to loosen them, or return to the salon to have them soaked off.
