How To Apply Fake Nails

1. Find the correct size.

All nails are not the same. Thankfully, lots of press-on nail kits come with multiple size options so you can get the most realistic look. Check the number on the back of the press-on; zero is the largest for your thumb and 11 is the smallest for your pinky finger. If you’re between sizes, go with the smaller so the press-on doesn’t overlap on your skin! (My number: thumb 1, pointer 5, middle 4, ring 5, pinky 9).

2. Push back your cuticles.

Your cuticles may be small, but they’re still an important part of your mani. Gently push them back before you apply your fake nails so the artificial nails will look seamless and natural. Save the cuticle oil for another time because that could potentially mess up the nail glue securing the nails properly.

3. Dehydrate your nail beds.

Wash your hands and wipe your nails with alcohol to make sure there are no remaining oils left on your hands!

4. Create a foundation.

Gently file the surface of your natural nail bed to create friction for the glue to adhere to. Be careful not to damage your real nails.

5. Apply on your dominate hand first.

Chances are, any nail pack you purchase will come with glue or double-sided nail tapes (or both). For glue: apply a drop of glue to the bottom of the fake nail and a drop of glue to your natural nail. A very small drop is all that you need, because once it hits a flat surface it will expand.

6. Allow the glue to dry fully.

Place the fake nail just above cuticle (keep it straight as you don't want any crooked looking nails) and then press down onto nail bed and press down firmly for at least 30 seconds to ensure no air bubbles are present before you go on to the next one. This step is really important because if the fake nail is not secure to the nail bed, moisture will get in underneath and cause lifting or nail fungus. Yuck.