Liam Carter
Fake nails are a great way to save money and time on a trip to the salon. They can be made at home using common household materials, such as paper, plastic straws, and even toothbrushes. With the right tools and preparation, you can achieve a salon-worthy look without breaking the bank. This paragraph will discuss how to make fake nails with a toothbrush and provide a step-by-step guide to achieving long-lasting and stylish nails.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails by pushing back cuticles and buffing the surface
Preparing your nails is an important step in achieving a salon-worthy look and making sure your fake nails last. First, you need to push back your cuticles. This can be done by washing your hands and paying particular attention to drying your nails and cuticles. Make sure that everything around the nail bed is completely dry.
Next, you will buff the surface of your natural nails to roughen them. This step helps the fake nails adhere better. It is important to note that buffers come in a range of grit numbers, with lower numbers being coarser. Nail experts recommend using a buffer with no more than 180 grit to shape and finish. Gently buffing your nails will also help the adhesive tabs stick better if you are using those instead of nail glue.
After pushing back your cuticles and buffing your nails, you can apply a nail primer. A primer will remove any remaining dirt or oil from your nail plate, allowing your fake nails to stay on longer. Once your nails are prepared, you can move on to applying the fake nails.
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Cut and file the fake nails to the desired length
When cutting your fake nails, it is important to ensure that they are all even and consistent in length. You can use scissors to refine the shape of your nails and cut them to your desired length. Be careful not to cut them too short, as you may still need to file them to smooth out any rough edges.
After cutting your fake nails, use a nail file or buffer to shape and finish them. File in one direction only, as filing back and forth can weaken the nail and cause it to break. Be gentle and careful when filing, especially if you are using an electric nail file, as it is easy to file too much off and warp the shape of your nail.
If you have applied too much pressure and your nail is now misshapen, you can try to fix it by gently filing the other nails to match. However, it is best to avoid this situation by filing slowly and carefully, checking the length and shape of your nails often as you go.
When filing your nails, it is also important to consider the length and shape of your natural nails. You want your fake nails to extend slightly beyond the tip of your natural nail, so take this into account when cutting and filing. If your natural nails are very short, you may need to choose a different shape for your fake nails, such as a square or squoval shape, which will look more natural at a shorter length.
Finally, once you are happy with the length and shape of your fake nails, you can move on to the next step of the process, whether that is painting your nails or applying a top coat.
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Apply a small dot of glue to both the fake and real nails
When you're ready to apply your fake nails, start by washing your hands, paying particular attention to drying your nails and cuticles. If you have any nail polish on, remove it, and if your nails are bare, wipe over them with nail polish remover to get rid of any natural oils that might prevent the glue from lasting.
Now you're ready to apply a small dot of glue to both the fake and real nails. Use a strong acrylic nail glue, and apply a single, small dot of glue to the centre of your nail, closer to the cuticle than the tip. Do this one nail at a time, so the glue doesn't dry before you apply the fake nail.
Apply a small dot of glue to the fake nail, and then press it onto your real nail, keeping it straight. Use an orange stick to press down, so your fingers don't get glued to your nails. Hold for 10 seconds to ensure no air bubbles are present before you move on to the next nail.
Once your nails are applied, take a cotton swab and wipe around the cuticle to pick up any glue that has seeped out from under the fake nail.
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Press the fake nails down onto the nail bed for 10 seconds
When you're applying fake nails, it's important to press down on them for a full 10 seconds. This is an essential step in the process, as it ensures that the fake nail is securely attached to your nail bed. If it's not firmly in place, moisture can get underneath and cause lifting or even nail fungus.
To achieve this, use an orange stick to press down on the fake nail, instead of using your fingers. This way, you avoid the risk of gluing your fingers to your nails. Apply firm, steady pressure for 10 seconds. Make sure you don't move your hand while doing this, so that the acrylic doesn't slide and stick in the wrong position.
It's also important to prepare your natural nails before applying the fake ones. Push back your cuticles and buff the surface of your nails to roughen them. This will help the fake nails adhere better. You can also use a nail primer to remove any dirt or oil from your nail plate, which will help your press-on nails stay on longer.
After applying the fake nails, take a Q-tip and wipe around the cuticle to remove any excess glue. Then, once the nails are completely dry, use scissors to trim them to the desired shape and size. Smooth out any rough edges with a nail file or buffer.
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Paint your nails with your chosen colour and finish with a top coat
Painting your nails is the fun part of this process! Choose your favourite colour and apply it carefully and evenly, just like you would with a normal manicure. Be sure to allow the first coat to dry before adding any additional coats. If you want a more opaque colour, it is recommended to add a second or even third coat.
Allowing your nails to air-dry is an option, but this can take around 10 minutes. If you're short on time, you could use an LED lamp or a quick-dry top coat to speed up the process. Once your colour coats are completely dry, finish with a protective top coat. This will help your manicure last longer and protect your paintwork from chipping or smudging.
If you're using an at-home acrylic nail kit, you may find that the top coat is included. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your kit to achieve the best results.
It is important to note that, even with a top coat, your fake nails may not be completely waterproof. To prevent water damage, it is recommended to wear gloves when showering or cleaning with your fake nails on.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a toothbrush, nail tabs or skin-safe double-sided tape, nail polish, a nail file or buffer, and nail polish remover with acetone.
Wash your hands and ensure your nails and cuticles are completely dry. Remove any nail polish and wipe over your nails with nail polish remover to get rid of any natural oils. Push back your cuticles and buff the surface of your natural nails to roughen them, which will help the fake nails adhere better.
Cut the toothbrush head into the shape of your nails. Use nail tabs or skin-safe double-sided tape to stick the toothbrush nails onto your natural nails. Put a small dot of glue on both the fake and real nails to ensure they adhere. Press down on the fake nail and hold for 10 seconds.
Once the fake nails are attached, trim and file them to ensure they are even and at your desired length. Paint your nails with a couple of layers of clear basecoat, and then add your chosen nail polish colour. Finish with a protective top coat to make your manicure last longer.
