How to make fake nails last longer

Fake nails can look stunning—if they stay in place! Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use when applying fake nails to prevent them from lifting. By properly preparing your natural nails, choosing the right size and shape for your fake nails, using high-quality adhesive, and taking good care of your hands, your nails can last 2-3 weeks. Even a budget-friendly set of fake nails, when applied and maintained correctly at home, can look just as beautiful as professionally done nails, without needing a salon visit.

Check your fake nails every morning for any signs of damage. It's a good habit to inspect each nail carefully every morning. Feel and look at each one to see if any of them are loosening.

• If you spot an issue, apply a little glue to reinforce the loose spot before you start your day.
• Note the day you applied your fake nails so you know when it's time to remove them. You should take them off after 2-3 weeks as they will begin to lift.

Always carry a nail glue and a nail file with you. If a nail comes loose, you can reattach it immediately. This helps with general nail maintenance since you won't need to remove the entire set as soon as one nail comes off.

• Bring a nail file so you can smooth the surface of your nails before reapplying the glue.
• Consider carrying cotton pads with nail polish remover, the kind you can take on business trips. You can use them to clean off any leftover glue from your nails before reapplying the fake nails.

Moisturize your cuticles daily to keep them soft, healthy, and attractive. As your nails grow, a small gap will appear between the base of the fake nail and your natural cuticle. Dry cuticles will make this gap more noticeable. You should apply a bit of essential oil to your cuticles every day to keep them healthy and hydrate the new nail growth.

• Moisturizing your cuticles also helps prevent hangnails.
• You can also moisturize your hands with body oil to keep the skin soft and elastic, which will make your nails look even more beautiful.

Avoid submerging your nails in water. Of course, you should wash your hands and shower daily! But try to avoid activities that require your hands to be submerged in water for extended periods.

• Avoid swimming and soaking in the bathtub.
• Wear gloves when doing dishes to prevent warm water from loosening the nail glue.

Use your hands carefully to prevent damaging your fake nails. Even a small bump can cause a fake nail to lift and potentially damage the natural nail beneath. By being gentle, you can maintain your fake nails for weeks.

• When getting dressed, using keys, or lifting objects, take your time and be precise.
• Avoid tapping your fake nails on keyboards or phones. Instead, use the pads of your fingers.

Soak your fingertips in warm water or acetone to remove fake nails. Follow the removal instructions for the type of adhesive you're using. Typically, you need to soak your nails in a bowl of warm water, acetone, or another solution suitable for the glue. After soaking, the adhesive will dissolve, and the fake nails will come off.

• Do not peel or force the fake nails off. Doing so can strip the top layer of your natural nail, causing it to become dry and brittle.

Opt for full-coverage fake nails. To some extent, high-quality fake nails do look better and last longer, but you don't have to spend too much. You can choose affordable options, especially when you're experimenting to find the right set. Go for a full-coverage fake nail set instead of just applying nail tips.

• An affordable fake nail set, when properly cared for, can last longer than an expensive one that isn't maintained well.

Pick fake nails that match the width and curve of your natural nails. Fake nails come in various widths, ranging from 9-18 mm. Measure your natural nails to see if they’re narrow, wide, or average-sized. Try to find a set that mimics the shape of your natural nails, whether they’re flat or have a noticeable curve.

• Place a tape measure across the widest part of your natural nail to measure its width.
• The size of the fake nails is typically printed on the back. Once you find the right size for each nail, note it in your notebook or phone for future reference!

Choose short or very short fake nails over long ones. Fake nails come in a variety of lengths, from very short to long and extra long. The sizes are usually not labeled by length, but the shortest nails tend to be the most durable. Choose a set that doesn’t extend past the inside of your fingertips.

• Short nails can be just as stylish and trendy as long, pointed nails. They’re also more durable and practical for daily tasks.
• For example, short fake nails are less likely to lift when doing laundry, while long nails are more likely to get caught on things, especially if you're not used to wearing them.

Select fake nails with a rounded or square tip. Fake nails come in various shapes, from square and oval to more dramatic styles like almond, stiletto, or coffin. Choose fake nails with tips similar to your natural nails, such as rounded or square, to extend their lifespan.

• Square nails can be reshaped or rounded off easily, while oval nails are harder to reshape.
• Avoid purchasing nails with pointed tips, such as stiletto, coffin, or almond shapes. Pointed tips can easily catch on objects and cause your nails to lift.
• Pointed nails also require more length, which can reduce the durability of the fake nails.

Use high-quality, durable nail glue instead of adhesive strips. While adhesive strips are convenient for short-term use, professional-grade nail glue can keep your nails intact for weeks. Always check the product packaging to ensure the glue is compatible with the fake nails you've chosen, and consider the pros and cons of drying time.

• If you're new to applying fake nails, opt for glue with a longer drying time, giving you room for adjustments.
• If you're already skilled in applying fake nails, consider fast-drying glue for quicker results.

Remove old nail polish. Use nail polish remover and cotton pads to wipe off any old polish. Also, ensure any residue from previous nail treatments is completely gone.

• Nail polish remover may slightly dry out your nails, but this actually helps the glue adhere better.
• If you wash your hands after removing the polish, make sure to dry them thoroughly and use a nail-absorbing spray on your nails before applying the glue.

Match each fake nail to its natural counterpart. A typical fake nail set contains at least 20 nails to fit all of your fingers. Place a fake nail on each natural nail, choosing based on the width. You'll need to try a few different ones before finding the perfect fit.

• For an organized approach, arrange all your nails on the table according to your left and right hands.

Trim your natural nails shorter than the fake ones. Once you've found the right fake nails for each natural nail, place them on your nails to check if they are longer. Your natural nails should not be visible beneath the fake nails, so trim them down with scissors if necessary.

• Next, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges.

Use a cuticle pusher tool to gently push the cuticle back into the nail bed. Perform this step after soaking your hands or bathing to soften the cuticles, making them easier to shape. Lightly push the cuticle towards the nail fold using the cuticle pusher.

• Ensure the cuticle is pushed under the nail fold, not across the surface of the nail.
• Avoid applying cuticle oil at this stage, as it can interfere with the nail glue adhesion.

Use a nail buffer block to roughen the surface of your natural nail. The top of your nails may be flat, but they will adhere better to artificial nails if you create a bit of texture. Gently buff the surface of your natural nail with the roughest side of the buffer.

• Avoid using a file coated with abrasive powder as it can damage the nail.

Shape each artificial nail to match the curve and shape of your natural nail. Use a metal nail file to file the edges of the artificial nails until they fit perfectly with your natural nails. Afterward, file the tips of the nails to the desired length and shape. You can trim off any excess length using nail scissors.

• For the smoothest finish, use a 180-grit nail file. A coarser file could leave jagged edges on your nails.
• If you find yourself filing too much to shape the nails, consider trying a different brand with a better fit from the start.

Apply a small amount of glue to both the real nail and the artificial nail. Work on one finger at a time, applying glue to the underside of the artificial nail first, then to your natural nail. Place the glue in the center of the natural nail and the artificial nail.

• Within the artificial nail area, apply glue where it will bond with the natural nail. Be careful not to get glue on the outside edges of the natural nail.

Press the artificial nail onto your natural nail, sliding it toward the nail bed. Apply even pressure to distribute the glue between the natural nail and the artificial one. Push the artificial nail toward the nail bed, ensuring it's perfectly aligned with no gaps. This way, you won't notice any spaces as your nails begin to grow.

• Work quickly if you're using fast-drying glue.
• If you're using slow-drying glue, adjust the nail until you're satisfied, and keep your finger still to avoid accidentally shifting the artificial nail out of place.

Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next nail. You can only touch the nails once the glue has fully set. For the best results, ensure each nail is completely dry before proceeding to the next one. Check the instructions on the glue packaging for the drying time.

• Finish all nails on one hand before moving to the other hand.
• Avoid touching anything (including your phone!) while the glue is drying. You might want to start a TV show or play a few songs while you work so you're not tempted to handle devices.

Apply a clear, hard top coat after all your nails are dry. Artificial nails are prone to bending. To prevent this, apply a hard top coat over the artificial nails. It’s clear and glossy, providing a smooth, perfect finish.

• You can use either an acrylic top coat or a gel one, cured under a UV light, to extend the life of your artificial nails.