Do it Yourself Glue-on Fake Nails

Over-the-counter fake nails have come a long way and have gained popularity for those who don't want to get acrylics. For many years glue-on nails looked like plastic slabs over real nails and would only last for a couple of days. Now, there are oodles of styles and designs sold by retailers that last nearly as long as a set of acrylics. They're sturdy and easy to apply and can be purchased with a design so you don't have to paint your nails.

The first time you do your own nails it may seem a little time consuming but once you get the hang of it you'll feel like a professional. Do it yourself nails sell for a fraction of the price of salon style nails and are easy to apply. After you get your nails home take a few minutes to prepare yourself before applying them.

Set the Table

Open the glue-on nail box and lay all of the tools out on a clean table top. Although you don't have to do this step I prefer to do it this way so there isn't any extra clutter. After the tools such as fingernail clippers, glue, fingernail file and cuticle stick are on the table place your choice of nail art or nail polish on the table as well.

Prepping your real nails

Cut your real nails before you begin to apply the artificial nails and use the file to smooth them out if necessary. Although you don't have to; you can use your nail file to gently file the top of your entire nail. It's far less damaging to your real nails unlike buffing machines used by nail techs which cause serious growth lines and extremely thin nails.

Once you have buffed your nails completely use the wooden stick to push back your cuticles. If you don't have a cuticle stick use the rounded side of your nail file. Be careful not to tear your cuticles though.When you're done with these steps you may feel the need to wash your hands. After washing your hands don't apply lotion.

Sizes

Now that your nails are clean it's time to begin sizing your artificial nails. Take a few minutes to look through the different sizes and pair them up to your natural nails. Once you have done this for each fingernail it's time to line the nails up from your pinky finger until you have two sets of nails ending with your other pinky finger.

Application

Since your natural nails are now clean and your table is set with the fake nails in the proper order its time to start gluing the nails in place. Begin applying the nails in the order that you have then laid out by adding glue to both your real nail and the fake nail. Once you've done this you can lay the artificial nails over your real nail. Hold the nail in place for a few seconds but do not press it too hard. It can cause the artificial nail to have white creases.

Finishing Touches

Once your nails are securely in place you can file them to smooth the tips if there were tabs or just to shorten the length some. From this point you can paint, stencil or add nail art to your nails.