How to Apply False Nails

False nails have come a long way since the cheap, tacky colours and lengths of their predecessors. They are now available in a variety of subtle, elegant colours with understated, natural lengths to match.

Many companies have now started making their own different kinds of nails with companies like Vogue, Instyle and Sally Hansen offering a wide range of quality nails.

They are a great short-term solution for making your hands look more polished.

However, even if the colour, length and style nails you bought are elegant and classy, if you don't apply them properly, they will look cheap. Here's how to apply them properly.

Step 1: clean your nails, remove all traces of oil and polish with a cotton ball or old towel dipped in acetone free nail polish remover. Dry your nails.

Step 2: Apply some handcream and allow it to soak in and dry thoroughly.

Step 3: File your nails down to the appropriate shape and length so that they will not be visible underneath the false nail.

Step 4: Select the appropriate sized nails for each finger, lay them out in order in front of you.

Step 5: Spread a small amount of glue all over your natural nail, try to avoid getting glue onto your cuticle.

Step 6: Place the false nail onto your natural nail, again avoiding the cuticle, hold in place for a few seconds.

Step 7: Repeat this with the rest of your nails, file away rough edges or tabs, you can also file them down to the shape or length you want. You can use a metal file for these, a normal emery board isn't up to the task!

Step 8: If you have chosen neutral nails, add a coat of colour, allow to dry and add another coat and a top coat for a natural effect.

Please be incredibly careful with nail glue, it sticks as well and as quickly as superglue. If you get any in your mouth or eyes, rinse it immediately and seek medical attention. Always keep the glue and nails out of the reach of children and make sure you use the glue in a well ventilated area.