False nails, how to make at home

False nails and their difference from tips

There is some confusion with the notation. In online stores in the “false nails” category there may be tips for nail extensions, top forms, and even tips for painting gel polish colors. Sometimes false nails are also called "hard polish" and may even come in a bottle that looks like nail polish.

In fact, false nails used for express manicure and lengthening the nail plate are ready-to-use tips with or without a pattern. Those without a design can be used to quickly prepare nails for design, as well as to give artificial length to nails.

These nails are sold in different types of shapes: from the popular oval or square with rounded edges, to extravagant stilettos. You can find a huge selection of nail designs:

Single-color coating in matte and glossy versions,
Children's false nails with funny designs,
Classic French,
Cat's eye coating, mother of pearl and other effects.

It’s worth mentioning separately about false nails for children. If you think that your daughter is too young to use adult materials on her nails, but she really wants nails like her mother or girlfriends, suggest that she use children's false nails. They are easy to do at home, you can have a good time together getting a children's manicure, they will not ruin your nails, and your little one will be happy to show off in front of her friends. In addition, these false nails are sold exactly to the size of children's nails.

Pros and cons of using

First let's talk about the benefits:

Press-on nails are cheap and easy to find at nail supply and supply stores.
There is a large selection of coating colors and designs, so you can buy several different ones at once in reserve.
They are easy to use, so there is no need to go to the salon, this also has its own savings.
Gluing on false nails takes only a few minutes, and the result is sometimes indistinguishable from a professional manicure.
Suitable for children.
If used correctly, the nails will not cause any harm to the nail plate.

And now about the disadvantages:

Improper gluing will cause damage to the natural nail plate. Therefore, carefully study the instructions. We will talk about this separately.
It is not always easy to choose false nails to fit the size of the nail plate. Still, it is individual for everyone, so most likely you will have to file them a little in width. Manufacturers usually include tips for such purposes not for 10 nails, but with a reserve.
It is important not only to attach your nails correctly, but also to use them in everyday life in compliance with certain rules. We will also look at this in more detail below.

False nails are not a complete replacement for a manicure with a decorative coating. Therefore, you should not compare them; after all, professional materials are professional because they are used in a completely different way.

Professional products

What glue should I use to glue false nails? It is worth noting that there is no substitute for this remedy. If it was not included in the kit, then it is better not to experiment, but to purchase material specially designed for this. After all, ordinary glue can cause great damage to your nails; it is highly toxic, which can harm your body. So what kind of glue can you use to glue false nails? Korean glue IRISK is very popular. According to many users, UHU is a very expensive but high-quality product; it is produced in Germany. There are also cheaper options: Elletio, MxBON, EzFlow.

Types of false nails

According to the method of use there are:

Adhesive false nails.
False nails with glue.
Hard varnish. It also has a self-adhesive base, but it is activated by the heat of your hands.

There are kits that contain both adhesive pads and glue. Generally, application using glue is more reliable and the nails last longer.

There are separate sets of false nails for pedicures.

Step-by-step instructions with superglue

Superglue is often used when gluing false nails. When working with such a composition, you must be very careful, since it practically does not wash off when it comes into contact with the skin. The glue also contains toxic substances that can enter the body through the nail layer.

If only such an adhesive base is available, then the following nuances must be taken into account:

A degreaser is not used, since this layer will serve as protection when the glue is exposed to the body.
The mixture is not applied to natural nails, only to artificial ones.
Apply pressure for no more than three seconds.

We recommend watching the video instructions:

How to glue false nails

Depending on the type of artificial tips, they are attached to the nails in different ways. For glue-based tips, the algorithm is as follows:

Match the tips to the size of each nail and arrange them so as not to mix them up. If necessary, adjust them in width.
Prepare your nails: push back the cuticles and degrease the surface with a special product.
Self-adhesive tips usually have a thin film that must be removed before gluing.
Place the tip of the desired size on the nail and press with a pressing motion, smooth it to eliminate bubbles and more securely attach it.

If your false nails come with glue, then they are attached according to this scheme:

These tips should only be glued to clean, uncoated nails, after pushing back the cuticles or doing a full manicure.
Select the tips according to the size of your nails and arrange them so that it is convenient to work. Sometimes the ends have a holder, in which case it needs to be broken off and filed if there is any unevenness left.
Read also: The reverse side of a manicure. The whole truth about gel nail polish
Sand your nails and degrease them with a special product.
Apply a small amount of glue to the tip and spread it over the surface in a thin layer. If false nails are long and yours are short, then there is no need to apply glue to the free edge area.
Place the nail on the natural one and press down lightly. Hold it there for 10-15 seconds so that the glue has time to set.
Remaining adhesive can be removed using a wooden stick.

A topcoat can be applied to ensure the design and color last longer. If desired, you can also adjust their shape and length.

Taking care of your nails at home and in the salon

Nails protect clubs from blows and external influences. In addition, the nail plates decorate the hands. This part of the body needs care and attention. Attractive, well-groomed nails can tell a lot about a woman. For example, they hint at good health and well-being, self-love, cleanliness, etc. Key care measures for nail plates at home:

Maintaining cleanliness. You should wash your hands several times a day with antibacterial soap and remove dirt and dust from under your nails.
As a moisturizer, it is better to use a product that should be called “for hands and nails.”
The periungual skin needs more thorough hydration. Therefore, cuticle oil is applied to it.
You cannot wash dishes, floors, or wipe dust with your bare hands. Rubber gloves are provided for housekeeping. They will protect the skin and nails from the effects of household chemicals, dirt, grease, and water.
You can use a salt bath with lemon as a growth stimulator for nail plates. Dissolve 4 tablespoons of salt in 2 liters of warm water. A whole lemon is cut into cubes and placed in a saline solution. Nails are kept in warm liquid for 20-30 minutes. Afterwards they are washed with water and treated with cuticle oil.

Additional Information. A bath with salt and lemon is also good for lightening nail plates that have ingrained bright polish.

In the beauty salon, specialists will help you professionally tidy up your nail plates. The effect is especially important after removing gel polish, acrylic, and gel nails. Masters, depending on the condition of the nails, will advise the best procedures. These may include:

paraffin therapy;
treatment with regenerating serums;
hot manicure;
rehabilitation complex according to a special program, etc.

To ensure that your nails never become thin, do not peel, and look healthy and strong, it is not recommended to order an extension service. Under a layer of chemical materials, your nail suffocates and becomes lifeless. If you really want to look impressive and have long nails, at least for a few days, you can pay attention to a false manicure.

How to remove nails?

To remove false nails, you should never tear them off. To do this, use an artificial nail remover or a bath.

The glue dissolves easily under the influence of hot water. Therefore, to remove false nails that you have attached with glue, do the following:

Fill the bath with water so hot that you can place your hands in it for a while.
For the glue to dissolve, just keep your nails in water for 10-15 minutes.
Lift the artificial nail at the cuticle and separate it from the natural one.
If there is any glue left on your nails, it can be easily cleaned with acetone.

How to care for your pads

If you properly take care of the already glued overlay base, it will retain its beautiful surface longer and will last longer on your fingers. For this:

Do not expose the molds to contact with acetone or substances that contain it. Such an impact will lead to the removal of the decorative coating or dissolve the artificial material.
The mobility of the forms is eliminated by heating. The hot stream is directed onto the mold, and after heating it is pressed.
Reducing the length will allow you to wear it longer. To do this, you can remove the length with special scissors or tongs and straighten it with a nail file.

About caring for false nails

So, here are some simple guidelines to follow if you use false nails:

If your ends are attached with glue, then use a waterproof glue specifically for this purpose. It is usually sold either as a set or separately in the same store. Otherwise, your nails may fall off the first time you wash your hands.
You should not bite false nails; they may not be able to withstand it.
If you apply another polish on top of such plates, do not use acetone to remove it; it can corrode the artificial nail.
Use gloves at home if prolonged contact with chemicals or water is required.
Take a break for at least one week before gluing your nails again. However, do not apply any other coating to your nails.
While resting your nails, take baths, strengthen them with oil and pamper them in your favorite ways.

False nails can be your lifesaver, especially if you have little time for a full manicure and a visit to the beauty salon. The main thing is not to be afraid to use them and not to give up if it doesn’t work out the first time. Having studied all the nuances, you will understand that it is simple and convenient. Experiment and share your impressions!

Which glue to choose

As a rule, a set of artificial nails contains special glue for gluing them. This glue will help you quickly glue your nails, can withstand mechanical damage, and is resistant to chemical liquids.

If the kit does not contain glue, you will have to purchase it yourself. It is better to do this in special stores.

Examples include the following types of glue:

BOHEMIA nail glue with pink label – suitable for gluing tips. The composition is thick, viscous with a pungent odor. Apply to the inside of the pad, leave for 30 seconds, and press onto the natural nail.
SR Beauty nail glue is water-, heat-resistant, and can withstand mechanical damage. Has a pungent odor. When working, observe safety precautions: avoid contact with exposed skin and eyes.

When purchasing glue, carefully study the instructions and composition.