Switching up your manicure is one of the most fun ways to play with your beauty look. Whether you're a mani minimalist or love experimenting with maximalist nail art, the fun in getting your nails done is undeniable. And don't get us wrong, we love going to the nail salon to get a professional mani, but we're equally as fond of at-home solutions such as fake nails.
Fake nails come in handy for many reasons. For starters, sometimes you just don't have the time to make it down to the nail salon but need a mani stat. Other times, you're giving your nails a break from gel polish but still want to keep up a manicured look. And let's be real, if you struggle to grow your nails but want to have length, fake nails are drastically more affordable than getting professional nail extensions.
We could talk about our love for fake nails for days, but rather than spend time on that, let's get down to business and share how exactly to apply fake nails at home. We spoke to two professional nail experts and asked them how to do so while maintaining your nail health and achieving a salon-worthy look. Their insights, below.
Meet the Experts
- Christina Grant is a New York-based manicurist and founder of Manicurist Anonymous.
- Michelle Saunders James is a manicurist and founder of Saunders & James salon in Oakland, California.
Keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply fake nails at home.
What You Need to Apply Press-On Nails:
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary tools to nail the look. (Pun intended.) Most faux nail packets will come with everything you need, but just in case, keep the following at hand:
- Nail polish remover with acetone (the conditioning agents in acetone-free formulas can affect proper adhesion)
- Cotton pads
- Q-tips
- Orange stick
- Pack of nails
- Nail buffer
- Nail file
- Glue (Use nail glue only)
- Scissors (In case you need to cut back the top of the glue)
How to Prepare to Apply Fake Nails
Before you begin the application process, you'll want to wash your hands, paying particular attention to drying your nails and cuticles. Make sure that everything around the nail bed is completely dry.
Then clean off any nail polish; if your nails are bare, you'll still want to wipe over them with polish remover to get rid of any oils, natural or otherwise, from the surface of your nail. This ensures that the glue lasts and doesn't bubble up or chip.
You'll also want to remove the fake nails from the pack and arrange which nail will be suitable for which finger. If you arrange the appropriate shapes first, it will make things easier once you begin the application.
How to Apply Fake Nails:
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Clip Your Natural Nails
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Clip your natural nails down close to the fingertips, and file them into a smooth shape. Keeping your nails short is best as they won't interfere with the artificial nails you're about to apply.
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Gently Push Your Cuticles Back & Buff
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Then, very gently push your cuticles back using an orange stick. If your cuticles are sensitive, be sure to push them back slowly. Going too fast can cut them, and then you won't be able to continue applying the artificial nails.
After pushing back your cuticles, buff the surface of your natural nails to roughen them—this makes the fake nails adhere better. Note that buffers come in a range of grit numbers, with the lower numbers being coarser; Saunders recommends using a buffer with no more than 180 grit to shape and finish.
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Choose Your Nail Size
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Press-on nails come in different sizes, and finding the right fit will ensure your nails look natural and last. If they're too small, they may lift and come off prematurely. So in case you're in between sizes, it's best to size up. Press the fake nail against your real nail to ensure it fits. "Your natural nail shouldn’t be exposed," says Grant. Then, file your press-on nails until the edges line up with the edges of your natural nails.
Byrdie Tip:
Grant recommends using a nail primer before applying anything to your natural nails. A primer works by removing any dirt or oil from your nail plate, which will allow your press-on nails to stay on longer.
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Apply Nail Glue
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Put a dot of glue on the fake nail and one on the real nail—try to avoid over-gluing. A small drop is all you need because it will expand once it hits a flat surface. While nail adhesives are an option, Saunders does not recommend them because they are less durable.
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Press On the Fake Nails
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Place the fake nail just above the cuticle (keep it straight as you don't want any crooked-looking nails) and then press down onto the nail bed. Saunders says to press with the orange stick instead of your finger or nails so that they won't get glued together.
Keep pressure applied for 10 seconds to ensure no air bubbles are present before you move on to the next nail. This step is essential because if the fake nail is not secured to the nail bed, moisture may get underneath and cause lifting or nail fungus.
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Clean Up Excess Glue
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After your nails have been applied, take a Q-tip and wipe around the cuticle to pick up any glue that has seeped out from under the fake nail. Then, if you so choose, take a nail file and file down your set to your preferred length.
Keep the top of the nail glue as clean as you can (remember, if you wipe it with soft tissue, the tissue will stick), and keep the bottle upright so you can reuse it.
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The Final Look
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And there you have it: An easy, gorgeous full set without setting foot in a salon.
