Are you tired of constantly having to go to the salon to get your nails done? With a few simple steps, you can learn how to glue fake nails on at home and save yourself both time and money. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, follow these easy-to-understand instructions and you’ll be able to achieve salon-quality nails in the comfort of your own home.
First, you need to gather your supplies. You will need fake nails, nail glue, a nail file, and a cuticle pusher. Once you have your supplies, you can begin the process of gluing on your fake nails. Start by filing your natural nails to remove any shine and create a rough surface for the glue to adhere to. Next, apply a thin layer of nail glue to the back of the fake nail and press it firmly onto your natural nail. Hold the fake nail in place for about 30 seconds, or until the glue has had a chance to set.
Once the glue has set, trim and shape the fake nails to your desired length and style. You can then use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles and create a clean, finished look. With a little practice, you’ll be able to glue on fake nails like a pro and enjoy beautiful nails for weeks to come.
Prepare Your Nails
To achieve a flawless and long-lasting application of fake nails, it’s crucial to thoroughly prepare your natural nails. Follow these detailed steps to ensure an optimal foundation:
File and Shape
Start by gently filing the free edge of your natural nails to remove any rough or chipped areas. Shape them as desired, whether it’s square, round, or oval. Avoid filing too aggressively, as this can weaken your nails.
Clean and Dehydrate
Thoroughly cleanse your nails with soap and water, ensuring to remove any dirt or oil. Use a nail brush to gently scrub under and around the nails. Once dry, apply a dehydrating solution or rubbing alcohol to remove excess moisture and create a clean surface for the glue to adhere to.
Push Back Cuticles
Using a cuticle pusher or orange stick, gently push back your cuticles at the base of your nails. This will expose more of the nail bed, providing a larger area for the glue to bond with. Be careful not to cut or damage your cuticles, as this can lead to infection.
Remove Excess Shine
Using a fine-grit nail buffer or file, lightly buff the surface of your nails to remove any remaining shine or oil. This will help create a textured surface that the glue can adhere to more easily.
Wipe with Nail Cleanser
Finally, wipe down your nails with a nail cleanser or acetone to remove any remaining debris or residue. This will ensure a clean and optimal surface for the glue to bond with.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | File and shape nails |
| 2 | Clean and dehydrate nails |
| 3 | Push back cuticles |
| 4 | Remove excess shine |
| 5 | Wipe with nail cleanser |
Apply a Thin Layer of Glue
The key to long-lasting fake nails is the glue. Applying it properly will ensure your nails stay in place for weeks. Here’s how to do it right:
- Prepare your nails: File and clean your natural nails to remove any oils or debris. This will help the glue adhere better.
- Choose the right glue: There are two main types of fake nail glue – cyanoacrylate and acrylic. Cyanoacrylate glue dries quickly and creates a strong bond, while acrylic glue takes longer to dry but is more flexible. Choose a glue that is suitable for your needs.
- Apply a thin layer of glue: Using a toothpick or a small brush, apply a thin layer of glue to the base of the fake nail and the surface of your natural nail. Avoid applying too much glue, as this can weaken the bond.
- Press and hold: Once you’ve applied the glue, press the fake nail firmly against your natural nail for 10-15 seconds. This will give the glue time to set and create a strong bond.
- Wipe away excess glue: Once the glue has set, use a cotton ball or tissue dipped in acetone or nail polish remover to wipe away any excess glue that may have squeezed out. Be careful not to touch the glue on your nails, as this can weaken the bond.
Here’s a table comparing the two types of glue:
| Cyanoacrylate Glue | Acrylic Glue |
|---|---|
| Dries quickly | Takes longer to dry |
| Strong bond | More flexible |
| Suitable for short-term wear | Suitable for long-term wear |
Remove Excess Glue
Once your fake nails are glued on, you’ll need to remove any excess glue that may be visible. This can be done with a variety of methods, depending on the type of glue you’ve used. If you’re using a water-based glue, you can simply wipe away the excess with a damp cloth. If you’re using a cyanoacrylate-based glue, you’ll need to use a more solvent-based cleaner, such as acetone or nail polish remover. Be sure to test the cleaner on a small area of your skin first to make sure it doesn’t cause any irritation.
Here is a table summarizing the different methods you can use to remove excess glue, depending on the type of glue you’re using:
| Glue Type | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Water-based | Wipe away with a damp cloth |
| Cyanoacrylate-based | Use a solvent-based cleaner, such as acetone or nail polish remover |
Once you’ve removed the excess glue, your fake nails will be secure and ready to wear.
File and Shape
1. Gather your materials
You will need the following:
- Artificial nails
- Nail glue
- Nail file
- Nail clippers
- Cuticle pusher
- Cotton balls
- Nail polish remover
2. Prepare your natural nails
Remove any existing nail polish and gently push back your cuticles. File your natural nails to the desired shape and length.
3. Choose the right size artificial nails
Select artificial nails that are the same size and shape as your natural nails. If the artificial nails are too large, they will look unnatural and may fall off easily. If they are too small, they will not cover your entire nail and may cause discomfort.
4. Apply nail glue to the artificial nails
Apply a small drop of nail glue to the center of the artificial nail. Do not apply too much glue, as this can cause the nail to become bulky and difficult to apply.
5. Press the artificial nail onto your natural nail
Align the artificial nail with your natural nail and press down firmly. Hold the nail in place for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set.
6. File and shape the artificial nails
Once the glue has set, you can file and shape the artificial nails to your desired length and shape. Be careful not to file the nails too thin, as this can weaken them and make them more likely to break.
7. Tips for filing and shaping artificial nails
- Use a fine-grit file to avoid damaging the nails.
- File in one direction only to prevent the nails from splitting.
- Shape the nails to a natural shape that complements your fingers.
- If you are unsure about how to shape the nails, consult a professional nail technician.
Trim Cuticles
Trimming your cuticles is an essential step in preparing your natural nails for fake nails. Cuticles are the thin layer of skin that surrounds the base of your nails. If they are not trimmed, they can get in the way of the glue and cause your fake nails to pop off prematurely.
To trim your cuticles, you will need a cuticle pusher and a pair of cuticle nippers. Gently push back your cuticles with the cuticle pusher, then use the cuticle nippers to trim any excess skin.
Tips for Trimming Cuticles
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use a sharp cuticle pusher and nippers. | Dull tools can tear your cuticles, causing pain and bleeding. |
| Be gentle when pushing back your cuticles. | Pushing too hard can damage your nail beds. |
| Only trim excess cuticle skin. | Trimming too much skin can cause your cuticles to bleed and become infected. |
| Moisturize your cuticles after trimming. | This will help to keep them healthy and prevent them from drying out. |
Preparing Your Nails
Before applying fake nails, it’s essential to prep your natural nails. Start by gently pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Then, file your nails to your desired shape and length. This provides a smooth surface for the glue to adhere to.
Choosing the Right Glue
Select a high-quality nail glue specifically designed for fake nails. Look for adhesives that provide a strong bond, dry quickly, and are non-toxic.
Applying the Glue to the Fake Nails
Apply a thin layer of glue directly to the area of the fake nail that will come into contact with your natural nail. Avoid getting glue on other parts of the nail or on your skin.
Positioning the Fake Nails
With precision, align the fake nail with your natural nail. Carefully press down from the base to the tip of the nail, ensuring it’s firmly in place.
Hold for a Moment
Once the fake nail is positioned, hold it securely for a few minutes to allow the glue to set. Apply gentle pressure to prevent any movement.
Removing Excess Glue
Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to gently wipe away any excess glue that may have seeped out. Take care not to disturb the newly applied fake nails.
Trimming and Shaping
Once the glue has completely dried, you can trim and shape the fake nails to your preference. Use a file or nail clipper to adjust the length and create your desired shape.
File the Edges
File the edges of the fake nails to blend them seamlessly with your natural nails. This helps prevent any sharp corners that could snag or cause discomfort.
Buff the Surface
Use a gentle nail buffer to smooth the surface of the fake nails and create a natural shine. This step enhances the overall appearance and makes your fake nails look more like your own.
Enjoy Your New Nails
Congratulations! You’ve successfully glued on your fake nails. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for several weeks, giving you the perfect manicure or pedicure.
How To Glue Fake Nails On
Applying fake nails can be a great way to give yourself a professional-looking manicure without the cost of a salon visit. With a little practice, you can achieve salon-quality results at home. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to apply fake nails with glue.
1. Prepare Your Nails: Gently push back your cuticles. File your natural nails to the desired shape and length. Lightly buff the surface of your nails to remove any shine. This will help the glue adhere better.
2. Choose the Right Size: Select fake nails that are the right size and shape for your natural nails.
3. Apply Glue to the Fake Nail: Apply a small amount of nail glue to the base of the fake nail. Be careful not to use too much glue, as this can cause the nail to lift or pop off.
4. Press the Fake Nail On: Align the fake nail with your natural nail and press down firmly. Hold the nail in place for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set.
5. Repeat for all Nails: Repeat steps 3-4 for all of your nails.
6. File and Shape: Once the glue has set, file and shape the fake nails to your desired length and style.
People Also Ask About How To Glue Fake Nails On
How long do glued on nails last?
Glued-on nails can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how well they are applied and how well you care for them.
How long does it take for nail glue to dry?
Most nail glues will dry within 30 seconds to a minute.
How to remove glued on nails
To remove glued-on nails, soak your nails in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes. This will help to soften the glue and make it easier to remove the nails. You can then gently pry the nails off with an orange stick or a cuticle pusher.
