Q&A for How to Apply Fake Nails

If they were put on correctly, they should last 2-4 weeks. It can depend on a variety of factors, though.

It really depends on how the nails were originally applied. Typically, if the nails are cracking and breaking, it's a sign that whoever put them on didn't do it correctly.

This is neither a good idea nor good for your nails. Some advocates for using superglue claim it has the same content as nail glue but this fails to account for the differing quantities and end usage. Superglue is meant to bond in a “super” way, meaning it’s really strong and meant for industrial purposes, not human nails. Superglue is unrefined, moisture-attracting (can cause fungus or mold on nails) and may contain toxins that would not be permitted in a product meant for placing on human bodies. These unrefined chemicals could seep into your bloodstream and superglue's strength can harm your real nails by ripping them off. The nail glue is made for human body application and it’s a lot more fun shopping in the beauty store for beauty products…

There are various methods for the safe removal of fake nails at home, including using acetone or dental floss. These methods are detailed in full at: How to Take Off Fake Nails, with images to guide you on removing the fake nails. You can also get the nails removed by a nail professional.

There are a few different types of fake nails: Acrylic nails, gel nails and dip nails. Within this range, there are various different types of artificial nails under different names. Gel nails are painted on, then set under UV light. Acrylic nails are formed from a mixture of liquid and powder. Dip nails are painted on, then sprinkled with powder that sets.

You’ll need to apply a dab of glue onto your real nail and a little on the part of the fake nail to be attached (not the area floating above the real nail). Align the bottom curve of the fake nail with the cuticle, hovering above it to get this right. When you’re happy it’s aligned perfectly, press it down into place and hold onto for 10 seconds to allow it to set. Part 2, "Applying the Nails" above explains the process in detail, with images to guide you. It’s a good idea to add the nails to your dominant hand first but beginners may prefer to have a helper apply them until they feel more confident.

You can put on another set whenever you want, but just know that your nails will probably be very brittle after taking off a set.

If you don't have nail glue, first apply a clear coat of polish. While the polish is wet, put on your fake nail and press on it for about 5-10 seconds. Make sure it is secured and repeat until all of your nails are done.

it depends on the brand of nails, type of glue and how clean you keep your hands. Most stay completely on for at least a week or two, but if you don't have a habit of pulling them off after a couple days, they should last about a month.

Just get them to the same length and you'll be good as long as your nails aren't longer than the fake ones. You could aim to cut them until they just barely peek over the tip of your digits.

Usually the glue is strong enough to hold the nails on, but you could also sleep with your hands away from anything that could end up ruining your nails.

Fake nails are available in beauty/nail salons, department or box stores and pharmacies/drugstores. You might also find them through online retailers, if you're happy to buy without close inspection. Even some dollar/pound stores might have them but don't expect high quality in that case.

Pay less attention to brands of the nails and instead go for the design or lack thereof (blank nails), the number within the package, the sizes (will they fit your nails), and price. Good choices often come in plenty of sizes, are easily filed and clipped and the painting is easy too.

Acetone based removers will. It requires a soaking but it's better than forcing them off. If you're using this method, be sure to look up steps so that you don't leave your nails unhealthy.

It might be the ones you're supposed to cut the tip off with scissors. When you cut the plastic with scissors, it'll reveal a hole.

Probably because of the constant movement you do in your everyday life. Try being even more careful about what your hands go near. If any nails do come off, applying just a bit of glue on your nails and then applying the nails again is a quick fix.

Wash your hands immediately with soap. If it doesn't come off, use a loofa or other exfoliating tool.

Not usually, maybe if you are untangling a really bad tangle or something. General brushing and/or combing is no problem.

Yes, if there is not too much dried nail glue on the nail.

This depends on various factors. Professionally done: These can last for up to a month but that's unhealthy, so really you want them on for 2 week at the maximum. Done yourself with glue: This will last for a couple of days, or a week if you do literally nothing. If you are really hands on, just refrain from getting them and keeping your nails strong or put them on and file them down.

It depends on the glue. Some dry in less than a minute, some take a few minutes.

It will fit around all corners. It should push securely around the shape of your nail and not be too long or too short.

You can find nail glue in stores like Target and Walmart or online on Amazon. Usually however, the nail glue will come with your fake nails.

One way is to try to limit how much you use your hands for rough tasks like washing dishes and cleaning -- or use gloves when you do those tasks.

You shouldn't use crazy glue or gorilla glue because they will make it much more difficult to remove the nails. You should use nail glue instead.

Yes, just take care not to be rough with your nails, just as you would outside the shower.

Long nails are better, because it provides a larger base for the false nail to grip.

No, the nails will not stick.

It depends what you do. If you don't do anything at all, the nails will stay on longer, about 3 weeks If you do a lot of stuff with your hands, it may last 5 to 7 days. Assume less time rather than more because few people do nothing.

There isn't really anything you can do but use less pressure; you may just need to hold the fake nail on your real nail for a little bit longer to make sure it properly adheres.