If you want to apply fake nails, but want to avoid using nail glue (or if you just don't have any on hand), it's your lucky day! There are several alternatives you can experiment with for fixing false nails; on the one hand they may not guarantee lasting results like those obtained with glue, but they are perfect options if you like to change often or if you want to wear fixed nails for a special occasion, without having to keep them for a week or more.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Apply the False Nails with Double Sided Tape
Step 1. Use the adhesive tabs if you want a longer lasting effect
Some fake nail brands offer tabs instead of glue. These double-sided adhesive tabs are already shaped to adapt to the shape of the nail, and very often last for several days.
You can also buy the adhesive tabs separately, at a store that sells beauty products or online
Tip:
If you are afraid that the adhesive tabs can damage your nails, apply a layer of clear polish or a base to prepare the nail, before attaching the adhesive.
Step 2. Opt for double sided "fashion tape" for a temporary effect
This adhesive is designed to stay on the nail for a few hours, without damaging the skin or the nail itself when you remove it. You can use it to make false nails adhere for a whole day.
- This is a perfect option if you have a weekend date or wedding, but you need to remove your false nails just in time for return to work on Monday.
- The "fashion tape" is used in situations where you want to wear a strapless dress that otherwise would not fit on, placing it directly between the fabric and the skin. You can find this adhesive tape in shopping malls, online or in major supermarkets.
- An alternative is represented by double-sided tape for wigs.
Step 3. Cut the adhesive tape to the right size for your nail
The "fashion tape" adhesive is sold in large rolls, so you have to use scissors to cut the right pieces to apply over the nail. Your nails are all different sizes, so remember to try to cut each piece to fit a specific nail - don't cut them all the same size.
If you find a simpler method, you can fold two pieces of adhesive tape over each other and thus cut two pieces at once. For example, if you measure a piece of the right size for one inch, you can cut the two pieces for both inches at the same time, since they will almost certainly be the same size
Step 4. Clean and prepare your nails
Wash your hands and wipe each nail with a cotton ball with an acetone-free nail polish remover. This helps remove dirt and natural nail oil and ensures better adhesion of the adhesive tape.
Step 5. Remove the film from one side of the adhesive and let it adhere to the nail
Make sure to match a part of the double-sided tape with the correct nail and remove the film that protects the adhesive part. Paying attention, slowly make the adhesive adhere to the nail, and press with a finger on the non-adhesive part to make sure it sticks to the best.
- In the event that the tape folds back on itself or if small bubbles are created once you have applied it to the nail, it may be necessary to remove it completely and use a new piece.
- The simplest way is to proceed one nail at a time.
Step 6. Remove the film covering the top sticky part of the tape
Once the adhesive adheres to your nail, slowly remove the film covering the top. Now you should have only the sticky part of the tape on your nail.
Be careful not to touch the tape once you have completely removed the skin
Step 7. Apply the false nail, starting from the bottom
Align the bottom of the false nail with the bottom of your nail, starting right from the edge where the natural nail is born. Then, slowly, adhere the false nail over the adhesive. Gently press and spread the adhesive under the nail, in order to remove any air bubbles and ensure that it sticks evenly.
The adhesive will take effect immediately: there is no need to let the nails dry
Step 8. Follow the same procedure for all nails
After applying the first fake nail, continue with all the others. It may take some practice to remove the protective film from the adhesive tape once you have applied most of the false nails, but you can easily do this if you use fingertips instead of false nails.
This is a very fast process, especially since there is no drying time
Step 9. Remove the tape to remove the nail
You can easily peel off the nails applied with duct tape. Lift the fake nails off the top of the duct tape gently and slowly, then remove it from your natural nail.
Method 2 of 3: Adhere the Nail with a Transparent Nail Polish
Step 1. Prepare your natural nail
Wash your hands and apply a dehydrating spray to your nails. If you don't have it, clean each nail with an acetone-free nail polish remover. This step is important to eliminate dirt and oil naturally present on the nail, and helps the nail polish adhere better to the nail.
Step 2. Paint the back of the false nail with a neutral polish
Use enough nail polish to cause the surface to become sticky, but not to the point that it comes out from the edges of the nail once you have made the false nail adhere. The amount you normally apply on the nail should be more than enough.
- You can use any brand of clear nail polish, and you can also use glitter nail polish. In any case, avoid using a colored nail polish, since you can see the color if you come out from the edges of the nail when you apply it.
- Alternatively, you can apply the polish first on your natural nail.
Step 3. Let the nail polish dry for 15-30 seconds
Do not let it dry completely, but let a few seconds pass before applying the false nail. If the glaze is viscous and non-liquid it will adhere even better.
- If you use a quick-drying nail polish you shouldn't need to let it dry at all, while other glazes need a little more time to become viscous. Try experimenting with a nail and see what the right time is for you!
- If the clear polish dries up, just apply another layer. If it's too thick, wipe a cotton ball into the nail polish remover and take it off. Give the nail time to dry completely before applying the polish again.
Step 4. Apply the false nail and keep it pressed for 30-60 seconds
Once the nail polish is tacky but not completely dry, align the lower edge of the false nail with the base of your nail. Press the false nail onto your natural nail and keep it pressed for 30-60 seconds, so as to allow the nail polish to dry.
Make the nail stay stuck, do not let it slip or the polish will not be able to create a solid layer with the nail
Step 5. Continue applying the nails one at a time until you are done
Since you have to hold each nail down for up to a minute, this technique requires a little patience. Either way, when you're done you will have a new set of nails that will last for many days!
While it will be enough to hold your nails down for about a minute each, it can take 1-2 hours for the clear polish to set completely, so avoid pressing or pulling your nails in any way during that time
Step 6. Dip your nails in the nail polish remover to remove everything
To remove false nails applied with nail polish you need to remove the nail polish. Fill a shallow bowl with nail polish remover and soak your nails for about 5-10 minutes, then gently remove your nails.
Do not try to tear off the false nails as it can be painful and damage your natural nails
Method 3 of 3: Use a Nail Polish Base and White Glue
Step 1. Rub each nail with the nail polish remover
First, wash your hands. Then dip a cotton ball into the acetone-free nail polish remover and use it to clean your nails one by one. Alternatively, spritz your nails with a dehydrating spray. If you skip this step, dirt and natural nail oil can cause the nail polish and glue not to dry well.
Step 2. Paint a nail with a base coat for nails
The base for the nails is a protective varnish that is used often, to allow the manicure to last longer. It seals the nail, so the oil produced naturally by the nails does not interfere with the ability of the glue to hold the false nail fixed.
- The nail polish used as a base can be transparent, or even a soft and opaque shade such as white, cream or blush.
- Since you don't have to let it dry completely, it's best to work on one nail at a time.
Tip:
Are you in a hurry? Mix the nail polish base with the white glue and apply them together in one stroke!
Step 3. Apply a coat of white glue before the base coat dries
Use a clean nail polish brush or small paint brush to coat your nail with a layer of white glue, the kind you use at school. You should apply enough glue to cover the nail, but not to the point where it comes out of the edges.
If it helps, first place the glue in a small plate (a dessert plate or small bowl is fine). However, if you prefer, you can apply it directly from the bottle, and then brush it evenly
Step 4. Press the false nail onto the glue and hold the pressure for 30-60 seconds
Align the false nail with your natural nail and press in the same place. Then continue more gently but steadily for 30-60 seconds, so the glue will start to dry.
Do not move the false nail while the glue is drying. This could cause the glue and the nail to fail to adhere properly in a stable manner
Step 5. Let the nails dry for about 5 minutes
Once you have all your nails applied, allow the glue about 5 minutes to dry completely. Avoid hitting anything with your nails, don't bend or press them, and be careful not to get them wet before the glue has dried.
Your nails will last for at least a day
Step 6. Remove your nails by soaking your fingers in the nail polish remover
Pour some nail polish remover into a small bowl. Soak your fingers for at least 10 minutes, then gently remove your nails. Avoid removing your nails without soaking them first, as this could damage your natural nails.
