Tips for Long-Lasting Fake Nail Application without Damaging Your Real Nails

In today's beauty-centric world, as the demand for aesthetics continues to soar, beauty products flood the market. Among them, fake nails are a popular accessory adorned with adorable, charming patterns that leave many in awe. So, how to apply fake nails and how long do they last? Let's explore further in this article!

Most Commonly Used Types of Fake Nails

Silk Wrap Nails

Silk Wrap Nails - A Top Choice Among Many Women

Gel Nails

Unlike other nail types, gel nails are attached at the nail tips rather than from the inside out. Therefore, they may be prone to breakage if kept too long or not carefully maintained. However, gel nails involve applying a gel to extend the nails, providing a natural look and making the hands appear more elegant. Removing gel nails can be more challenging than removing silk wrap nails; for assistance, it's recommended to visit a nail salon.

Powder Dip Nails

Acrylic Nails, also known as Powder Dip Nails

How to Apply Fake Nails with Nail Glue

The process of applying fake nails with nail glue involves the following steps:

Prepare all necessary tools

Before applying fake nails, prepare a toolkit including:

Clean your natural nails before applying fake ones

Here's how to clean your natural nails before applying fake ones:

Step 1: Remove old fake nails or strip off old nail polish

This step is crucial because if you don't remove old fake nails, applying new ones won't be possible. On nail cutting day, it's advisable to strip off old nail polish or remove old fake nails. After that, you can cut, file, or buff your natural nails. Additionally, if you layer nail glue on top of nail polish, the glue won't adhere properly, becoming loose and prone to falling off within 1-2 days. Therefore, remember to thoroughly clean your nails before applying fake ones.

Step 2: Soak your nails in warm water

The next step is to immerse all your fingers in a basin of warm water. You can add a little bath salt or soap for a more thorough nail cleansing. Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes to soften the cuticle and the excess skin, making it easier to remove. This process ensures better adhesion of the fake nails, making them look more natural.

Step 3: Shape the nails

This step is equally important in the nail hygiene process as it helps shape the nails correctly. This is to avoid situations where the natural nails are either too short or too long, making it difficult to apply fake nails. For this step, you can use a file and nail clippers to handle it. Additionally, if you still feel there is excess skin around, you can use specialized clippers to clean these areas.

Step 4: Deal with the dead cuticle layer on the nails

After soaking your hands in warm water, the layers of dead cuticle are now softer. At this point, you just need to use a specialized wooden stick to deal with the dead cuticle. This method not only makes the nails completely clean but also prevents the fake nails from sticking to the skin when applied.

Step 5: Buff the nails to create a rough surface for better adhesion of fake nails

The final step is the nail buffing step. This step will ensure completely dry and clean nails. Moreover, it creates a significant roughness on the nail surface. After this step, you can use a nail brush to sweep away dust and wipe it clean with a cloth.

Proceed with applying fake nails

Step 1: Select and arrange fake nails in the correct order

Firstly, when applying fake nails, you must carefully choose and arrange the nails in the correct order for each finger. Each set of nails will have different sizes depending on the size of your natural nails. Therefore, you need to estimate and choose the set of nails that best matches your natural nails. Next, arrange the fake nails in order from the thumb to the pinky or vice versa. In case the fake nails don't fit well, you can use a file to adjust the excess for a better fit with your natural nails.

Step 2: Apply fake nails

Apply a small amount of specialized nail glue on the inner surface of the fake nails. Note that you should only apply a sufficient amount to avoid affecting aesthetics or spending extra time on cleaning. After that, carefully adjust and apply the fake nails, pressing them slowly onto the nail bed. Repeat the process for the remaining nails. After each application, hold still for a moment to allow the fake nails to adhere more securely.

Step 3: File and shape your nails as desired

After the fake nails have securely adhered, use a file to shape them according to your preferences. You can create pointed, square, or rounded nails as you like. Next, use a cloth to clean the nails in case there is residue around after filing.

Step 4: Paint and decorate the nails

If the fake nails already have patterns, after attaching them, apply an additional thin layer of glossy polish to embellish your nail set. In the case of plain nails, you can paint and decorate with various patterns to make the nail set more shiny and attractive.

Note on the harmful effects of nail glue on nails and health

Applying fake nails has its own advantages and disadvantages. Below are some common drawbacks of nail glue that you should be aware of:

Impact on reproductive health

According to research from the EcoWaste Coalition (Philippines), nail glue contains extremely hazardous components to health. First and foremost is the increased risk of infertility in both men and women. This is because nail glue often contains adhesive ingredients such as Acetone, Methyl – Ethyl Ketone, Hexamethylene, and Dibutyl Phthalate,... All these components are listed on the product's ingredient section.

Causing miscarriage, increasing the risk of diabetes

Chemicals in nail polish also contain harmful components comparable to nail glue. According to the U.S. Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), three chemicals found in nail polish - Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, and Formaldehyde - are all substances that increase the risk of miscarriage and diabetes,...

Respiratory issues

The plasticizer present in gel or powder fake nails can lead to metabolic disorders, endocrine disruptions, respiratory diseases, and impairments in young individuals.

Infection, various nail diseases

Choose reputable nail service providers and high-quality products to avoid minor mistakes by technicians, such as cutting into the skin, which can lead to infected wounds, providing conditions for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Hard acrylic layers can also result in severe nail breakage, infections, and loss of natural nails.

Weakening of natural nails

Some nail salons use a hazardous and illegal substance called MMA in their nail adhesive. MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) can cause serious damage to the lungs as well as permanent damage to your natural nails. Moreover, each time you paint or use fake nails, your nails undergo the impact of the filing process, coupled with the chemical components in nail glue. Consequently, the nails continue to be affected, losing their natural protective ability, becoming thin, and more prone to breakage.

Some ways to apply fake nails without using nail glue

Applying fake nails with silicon adhesive

Applying fake nails with silicon adhesive is quite simple and can be done at home following these steps:

• Step 1: Thoroughly clean the nail surface with warm water, combined with soap or shower gel.
• Step 2: Test fit the thin fake nail and adjust it to fit the natural nail.
• Step 3: Apply silicon to the nail, press the fake nail onto it, and hold for about 10 seconds to enhance adhesion before moving on to the next nail.

Applying fake nails with double-sided tape

While this method may not provide long-lasting results and is suitable for only a few days, it is relatively cost-effective.

Guidelines for applying fake nails with double-sided tape:

• Step 1: Wash hands and wipe each nail with a cotton ball soaked in non-Acetone nail polish remover. This removes dirt and oils, ensuring better adhesion.
• Step 2: Choose fashionable double-sided tape for an attractive appearance. Fashion tape is designed to hold for a few hours without damaging your skin or nails. Adhesion time on your nails with this tape can last up to a day.
• Step 3: Cut the tape to fit your nails. Each of your nails has a different size, so cutting tape for each finger ensures higher accuracy.
• Step 4: Carefully peel off the back of the tape, then stick it to your nails. Next, peel off the top of the tape, taking care not to touch the tape to ensure the fake nails adhere securely.
• Step 5: Place the fake nail on your natural nail, press gently, and smooth the tape on the nail to ensure even adhesion. Hold still for a few seconds, then repeat for other fingers.

Applying fake nails with milk glue

In addition to the above methods, you can also try applying fake nails with milk glue. The characteristic of this type of glue is that it does not contain harmful chemicals, so you can use this method with confidence.

Steps for applying fake nails with milk glue are as follows:

• Step 1: Cleanse any dirt on the nails and remove old nail polish before applying fake nails.
• Step 2: Apply a layer of milk glue to the natural nails or the underside of the fake nails.
• Step 3: Place the fake nails on the natural nails and adjust them to fit. Wait for about 30 seconds for better adhesion.
• Step 4: Finally, proceed to apply each nail one by one, and you've completed the simple and adorable method of applying fake nails with milk glue.

Applying fake nails with 502 glue

• Step 1: Remove any old fake nails, clean the nail surface thoroughly, including hard-to-reach areas with excess skin and trapped dirt.
• Step 2: Use specialized 502 glue for bonding. If there is excess or uneven fake nails, use a file to shape the nails again. Note that you should only use an appropriate amount of glue to avoid excess glue squeezing out, which can be challenging to handle.
• Step 3: Afterward, press the fake nails firmly onto the natural nails to ensure there are no gaps.

Attaching fake nails with base coat

Method of attaching fake nails with a base coat will be combined with the use of milk glue.

• Step 1: Start by cleaning and sanitizing each nail. If the nails had previous polish, use a non-acetone nail polish remover. If you don't have nail polish remover, you can clean your nails with soap, warm water, and dry them thoroughly.
• Step 2: Use a moisture-absorbing spray and apply it to each nail. Skipping this step may cause dust and sebum on the nails, preventing proper adhesion of polish and glue.
• Step 3: After ensuring the nails are free of sebum, brush the base coat onto the nails. Note that you should attach fake nails and polish one nail at a time.
• Step 4: Apply a layer of milk glue to the nails before the base coat dries. Use just enough glue to cover the entire nail, avoiding excess that may spill over the edges.
• Step 5: Hold the fake nails onto the fingertips for about 30-60s. Try not to let your hand slip while the glue is not completely dry, as it may affect the bond between the glue and the nail.
• Step 6: After completing all nails, wait about 5 minutes for the glue layer to dry completely. Also, try to avoid letting the nails touch anything or getting wet during this time.

How to paint fake nails with transparent polish

Using transparent gel nail polish is quite simple; you just need to follow these steps:

• Step 1: Take a small amount of clear gel polish and apply it to the nails.
• Step 2: Use a specialized brush to evenly spread the gel nail polish from the nail base to the sides and then to the nail tip. This will ensure the glossy layer has the right thickness and prevents clumping on the nails.
• Step 3: Finally, you can leave the glossy layer to air-dry or use an LED lamp to speed up the drying process.

You can explore some high-quality sets of fake nails with beautiful designs below from Mytour.vn:

How long can you use fake nails?

• For specialized nail glue: Approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
• For milk glue type: About 1 week.
• For base coat: Maximum adhesion is only about 2 to 4 days.
• For transparent polish: Around 2 to 4 days.

However, the duration of use also depends on how you care for your nails. If you pay attention to avoiding impacts on the nails and limit nail exposure to water, the duration of using fake nails can be longer.

In addition, you can find and purchase high-quality fake nail hygiene products quickly at Mytour.vn. This is a place that provides a variety of quality products from many reputable brands with attentive customer service and many promotions. Mytour is trusted by many customers and rated as a leading online shopping application in Vietnam.

In this article, Mytour has compiled for you some common ways to apply fake nails, some notes when using, and the duration of applying fake nails. Hopefully, the information above will help you choose a convenient and suitable way to apply nails for yourself.