Buzz
If you want to apply fake nails but prefer not to use nail glue (or don't have any available), this article is for you. There are several methods to attach fake nails. While these techniques may not be as durable as glue, they are an excellent choice if you enjoy frequently changing your nail style or want to wear fake nails for a special occasion without committing to them for a whole week or more.
Steps
Using double-sided tape to apply fake nails
Use nail stickers for a more secure hold Some fake nail brands include adhesive stickers as an alternative to glue. These double-sided adhesive strips are pre-cut to fit your nails and can hold the fake nails for several days.
- You can also purchase nail stickers online or at cosmetic stores.
Tip: If you're concerned that the adhesive might damage your nails, consider applying a clear coat or a base coat first!
Use fashion double-sided tape for temporary nail art. Fashion tape is designed to stick for a few hours but won't harm your skin or nails when removed. You can use it to apply fake nails for the day.
- This is a great solution if you have a date or need to attend a wedding over the weekend but need to remove the nails right after for work on Monday!
- It is often used to secure strapless dresses by attaching the fabric to your skin. You can find it online, in department stores, or supermarkets.
- You can also use double-sided tape designed for wigs.
Cut the tape to fit your nails when using fashion tape. Since fashion tape comes in rolls, you'll need to cut it into pieces that fit your nails. As finger nails vary in size, cut the tape to the size of each individual nail rather than cutting all pieces the same size.
- If it's easier, stack two layers of tape and cut two pieces at once. For example, if you're cutting tape for a thumb, you can cut two pieces at once since they are likely to be the same size.
Clean and prepare your nails. Wash your hands and dry each nail with a cotton pad soaked in acetone-free nail polish remover. This step helps remove dirt and oils, ensuring the tape will adhere securely.
Peel off the protective layer and apply the tape to your nails. Align a piece of tape with your nail, then peel off the protective layer from one side. Carefully press the tape onto your nail, then smooth the top (non-sticky) side of the tape with your finger to flatten it.
- If the tape wrinkles or forms air bubbles after applying, remove it and use a new piece.
- Apply tape to one nail at a time.
Peel off the protective plastic layer from the top of the tape. After applying the tape to your nail, carefully peel off the protective layer from the top. Now, all that's left is the exposed adhesive tape.
- Be careful not to touch the tape once the final protective layer has been removed.
Start applying the fake nail at the nail bed position. Align the bottom edge of the fake nail with the nail bed or the natural base of your nail. Then, gently place the fake nail onto the tape. Press lightly to remove any air bubbles and ensure the nail adheres firmly.
- The adhesive will bond instantly, so there's no need to wait for the nail to dry.
Apply the remaining nails in the same way. After applying the first fake nail, continue with the rest of the set. You may need some practice to peel off the protective layer of the tape after you've nearly completed the set, but you will get used to it by using the inside of your finger instead of the fingertip.
- This is a quick method, especially when you don't have time to wait for nails to dry!
Peel off the tape to remove the fake nails. You can easily remove fake nails attached with tape. Carefully and gently peel the fake nails away from the tape, then remove the tape from your natural nail.
Applying fake nails with clear nail polish
Prepare your natural nails. Clean your hands thoroughly and use a moisturizing spray on your nails. If you don’t have a moisturizing spray, you can use acetone-free nail polish remover. This step is crucial for removing dirt and oil, ensuring better adhesion of the nail polish.
Apply clear nail polish to the underside of the fake nails. Use enough polish to create a relatively thick layer, but not too much to avoid dripping when you apply it. The amount of polish you typically use on your natural nails will likely be too much for this step.
- You can use any clear nail polish brand, even ones with glitter. However, avoid using colored polishes as they may show through if any polish leaks from underneath the fake nail.
- Alternatively, you can apply the polish to your natural nails first.
Allow the polish to dry for 15-30 seconds. Don’t wait for the polish to dry completely, but give it a few seconds before applying the fake nails. When the polish becomes tacky rather than wet, it will be easier to stick the fake nails.
- If you’re using a fast-drying polish, you won’t need to wait, but some polishes still need a little time to become sticky. You may want to try it on one nail first to see what works best!
- If the polish has dried completely, simply apply another layer. If it becomes too thick, clean it up with a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover. Allow your nails to dry completely before applying another layer.
Apply the fake nails and hold them in place for 30-60 seconds. Once the polish is tacky but not fully dry, align the bottom edge of the fake nail with your nail bed. Press the fake nail onto your natural nail and hold it in place for 30-60 seconds to let the polish set.
- Don’t slide the fake nail back and forth while you hold it, as this will prevent the polish from forming a strong bond with your natural nail.
Continue applying the remaining nails one by one. Since you'll need to hold each nail in place for about a minute, this technique requires patience. However, once you're done, you'll have a fresh set of nails that will last for several days!
- While you only need to hold each nail for about a minute, the polish will take 1-2 hours to dry completely, so avoid pressing or pulling too hard on your nails during that time.
Soak your nails in nail polish remover to remove fake nails. To remove fake nails applied with nail polish, you'll need to remove the polish first. Pour some nail polish remover into a shallow bowl and soak your nails in it for 5-10 minutes. Afterward, gently peel off the fake nails.
- Don’t try to rip off the fake nails, as this will cause pain and may damage your real nails.
Use base coat and glue
Clean each nail with nail polish remover. Start by washing your hands. Then, dip a cotton ball in nail polish remover and clean each nail. Alternatively, you can use a moisturizing spray on each nail. Skipping this step could result in dirt and oils on your nails, preventing the polish and glue from sticking properly.
Apply base coat to one nail. A base coat is a protective layer commonly used underneath nail polish to extend its longevity. It seals the nail, so the natural oils your nails produce won’t affect the glue’s ability to hold the fake nails.
- The base coat can be clear or slightly opaque in colors like white, cream, or pink.
- Since you should not let the base coat dry, it’s best to work on one nail at a time.
Tip: Short on time? Mix the base coat with glue beforehand and apply both in one layer!
Apply a layer of glue before the base coat dries. Use a nail polish brush or a fine art brush to apply a layer of glue to your nails. You should use enough glue to cover the entire nail, but not so much that it overflows onto the edges.
- You might want to pour the glue into a shallow dish or small bowl for convenience. However, you can also squeeze it directly from the tube and then spread it evenly.
Press the fake nail onto the glue and hold in place for 30-60 seconds. Align the fake nail with your natural nail and press it into position. Gently press down and hold for 30 seconds to a minute while the glue dries.
- Do not let the fake nail slide back and forth before the glue dries, as this could affect the bond between the glue and the nail.
Wait for the glue to dry for 5 minutes. After applying the fake nails, wait 5 minutes for the glue to fully dry. Avoid touching anything with your nails, don’t pull at them, and keep them dry while the glue sets.
- This method can hold the fake nails in place for a day.
Remove the fake nails by soaking them in nail polish remover. Pour some nail polish remover into a small dish. Soak your fingers in the remover for about 10 minutes, then gently remove the fake nails. Do not pull or pry the nails off without soaking them first to avoid damaging your real nails.
What you’ll need
Attach fake nails using double-sided tape
- Nail polish remover or a moisture spray
- Double-sided fashion tape or adhesive nail strips
- Scissors (optional)
- Fake nails
Attach fake nails using clear nail polish
- Nail polish remover or a moisture spray
- Fake nails
- Clear nail polish
- Cotton swabs
Use base coat and glue
- Nail polish remover or a moisture spray
- Base coat for nails
- School-grade white glue
- Small nail brush or craft paintbrush
- Small dish or bowl (optional)
- Fake nails
Tip
- If you're setting up a game for kids with temporary fake nails, try using dry glue to keep the nails in place.
- To remove nails attached with tape, apply a drop of nail oil along the nail's base and wait a few seconds. The nails will pop off easily.
