We all love having stylish and perfectly manicured nails, but sometimes our busy schedules don’t allow us to visit the salon as often as we’d like. Fortunately, with some basic supplies, a little know-how, and our complete guide, you can achieve the same flawless look at home with glue-on nails! Whether you’re getting ready for a special occasion, or just feeling the need for a little glam, this guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step. From selecting the right glue to applying the finishing touches, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and get started on achieving those perfect, long-lasting nails you’ve been dreaming of!
What You Will Need
If you’re looking to achieve a stylish and salon-worthy manicure from home, doing your own glue on nails can be an easy and inexpensive solution. To get started, you’ll need to gather a few essential supplies and choose the right type of glue. Proper preparation and application techniques are also crucial for long-lasting results. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this manicure masterpiece. For more information on making your own glue on nails or how to glue gel nails back on, check out our other articles.
Gathering Supplies
Gathering Supplies: Before you start doing glue on nails, you need to gather all the necessary supplies. Here is a table summarizing everything you need:
| Nail glue | Choose a high-quality glue that is specifically designed for artificial nails. Look for a brand that dries clear and has a strong bond. You can check out our guide on making nail glue at home if you prefer to use natural ingredients. |
| Artificial nails | You can buy these at any beauty supply store or drugstore, as well as online. Choose a nail size that fits your real nails, and in a style that you like. You can also learn how to make glue on nails look real. |
| Nail file | Use a nail file to shape the artificial nails and to rough up the surface of your real nails before applying glue. |
| Nail buffer | Buffing your nails will help the glue stick better, so make sure to have a buffer on hand. Avoid over-buffing, as this can damage your nails. |
| Nail polish remover | You may need to use some nail polish remover to clean your nails before applying glue, especially if you already have manicure. You can learn how to use Beetles Nail Art Foil Glue which doesn’t require any cleaning. |
| Cotton balls or pads | These can be used with nail polish remover to clean your nails, or to wipe away excess glue. |
| Orange sticks | These are useful for pushing back your cuticles and for cleaning up any excess glue along the edges of your nails. |
| Topcoat | Applying a topcoat after the glue has dried will help seal and protect your nails. You can check out how long for nail glue to dry before applying the topcoat. |
Make sure you have all the supplies ready before you start to avoid any interruptions or additional trips to the store.
Choosing the Right Glue
Choosing the Right Glue: When it comes to choosing the right glue for your glue-on nails, there are a few options to consider. You can opt for traditional nail glue, which is typically included with most sets of glue-on nails, or you can choose to use a different type of adhesive. Keep in mind that certain adhesives may be more effective than others.
| Type of Glue | Description |
|---|---|
| Nail glue | Traditional nail glue is included in most sets of glue-on nails and is designed specifically for use on nails. It bonds quickly and provides a strong, lasting hold. |
| Epoxy glue | Epoxy glue is a popular adhesive that can be used for a variety of projects, including attaching glue-on nails. It is incredibly strong and long-lasting, providing a strong hold that can last for weeks. |
| Cyanoacrylate glue | Cyanoacrylate glue, also known as super glue or crazy glue, is another option for attaching glue-on nails. It dries quickly and provides a strong hold, but may not be the best choice for those with sensitive skin. |
| Double-sided tape | Double-sided tape is an easy-to-use adhesive option that can be used in place of traditional glue. It provides a strong and secure hold, but may not last as long as other types of adhesive. |
No matter which type of adhesive you choose, make sure to read the instructions carefully and use it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re unsure which type of glue to use, do some research or ask a professional for their recommendation. It’s also important to note that some types of glue may be more toxic than others, so be sure to use caution when handling any type of adhesive. To learn more about how to make glue-on nails or what can be substituted for nail glue, check out our other articles How to Make Glue-On Nails and What Can Be Substituted for Nail Glue on our website.
Preparing Your Nails
Before you start applying glue-on nails, it’s important to prepare your natural nails properly. Clean, well-trimmed nails will make it easier for the glue to adhere and give you longer-lasting results. So let’s get started on the necessary steps to get your natural nails ready for glue-on nails. In this section of the guide, we’ll cover everything from cleaning and trimming your nails to buffing them and making sure they’re smooth. By the end of this part, you’ll be one step closer to achieving a perfect set of glue-on nails.
Clean Nails
Before applying glue on your nails, it is important to ensure that your nails are clean. This will help the glue adhere better and make your glue-on nails last longer. To clean your nails, follow these steps:
- Remove Old Nail Polish: If you have any old nail polish on your nails, remove it using nail polish remover and a cotton pad. Make sure you remove all traces of nail polish.
- Soak Your Nails: Soak your nails in warm, soapy water for about 5 minutes. This will help soften any dirt or debris underneath your nails.
- Clean Under Your Nails: Using a nail brush, gently clean under your nails. Make sure you remove all dirt and debris.
- Dry Your Nails: Once you have cleaned your nails, dry them thoroughly using a clean towel. Make sure your nails are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Remember, having clean nails is an important step in preparing your nails for glue-on nails. For those who want to know how long it will take for the glue to dry, we have an article that can help you with that. If you experience any trouble with gluing your gel nails back on, we have a guide on that topic too. Also, if you’re interested in knowing how toxic nail glue is, we have an article on that as well.
Trimming and Filing Nails
Trimming and filing your nails before applying the glue on nails is an important step that cannot be overlooked. It ensures that the surface of your nails is even and the glue will apply smoothly. To do this, you will need nail clippers, a nail file, and a buffer.
Step 1: Using the nail clippers, trim your nails to your desired length. Be careful not to clip too close to the skin as this can be painful and cause bleeding.
Step 2: Once you have trimmed your nails, use a nail file to shape them. A gently rounded or squared shape is best for applying glue-on nails. If you have trouble filing your nails evenly, consider getting a nail file with multiple grades of abrasiveness.
Step 3: After shaping, use a buffer to smooth the surfaces of your nails. Buffing helps to remove ridges, bumps, and any irregularities on your nails. However, be sure not to buff your nails too much as this can weaken them.
By trimming and filing your nails before applying the glue, you ensure that the glue will stick well and that your nails will look neat and even. Remember to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after this step to remove any nail fragments or filings before the next step.
If you’re interested in learning more about how long it takes for the nail glue to dry, follow this link to our article “How Long for Nail Glue to Dry? A Comprehensive Answer”.
Buffing Your Nails
Buffing your nails is an important step in preparing for glue-on nails. By buffing your nails, you remove any ridges or oils on the surface of the nails that could prevent the glue from adhering properly. Here are the steps to buffing your nails:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Gently clean your nails with a soft nail brush to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the buffing process is more effective. |
| Step 2 | Choose the appropriate buffer for your nails. There are several types of nail buffers available, with different grits and textures. A fine-grit buffer (around 240 grit) is best for most nails. |
| Step 3 | Hold the buffer at a 45 degree angle to your nail and use gentle, circular motions to buff the entire surface of the nail. Be sure to follow the natural curve of your nail and avoid buffing too much, as this can damage your nail. |
| Step 4 | Switch to a lighter buffer (around 400 grit) and use the same circular motions to buff the entire surface of your nail. This will create a smooth, even surface for the glue to adhere to. |
It’s important to remember that over-buffing can damage your nails, so it’s always better to start with a finer grit buffer and gradually work your way up if necessary. After buffing your nails, wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust.
If you accidentally buff too much and damage your nails, don’t worry! You can find a helpful guide on how to glue a gel nail back on on our website. Also, be sure to learn about how toxic nail glue can be and how to handle it safely before proceeding.
Applying the Glue
Once you have prepared your nails, it’s time to move on to the next step: applying the glue. This is the most important part of the process, as it forms the foundation for your artificial nails and ensures they stay in place for as long as you want to wear them. In this section, we’ll take you through the steps to apply the glue correctly, so you can be sure your nails will look great and stay put. Let’s get started!
Applying the Glue to the Nail
Before applying the glue to your nails, it’s important to ensure that your nails are completely dry and free of any dust or debris. Here are the steps to apply glue to your nails:
- Apply glue to the false nail. Squeeze a small amount of glue onto the back of the false nail. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can cause the glue to overflow and create a messy application. Gently spread the glue evenly across the back of the nail with the tip of the glue tube or a toothpick.
- Apply glue to your natural nail. Squeeze a small amount of glue onto your natural nail, near the cuticle. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can create lumps and bumps under the false nail. Using the tip of the glue tube or a toothpick, spread the glue evenly over your nail.
- Press the false nail onto your natural nail. Carefully place the false nail on top of your natural nail, pressing firmly down. Hold the nail in place for 10-15 seconds to allow the glue to bond.
It’s important to make sure the false nail is properly aligned with your natural nail. If it’s not straight, you can gently adjust it before the glue dries.
Pro tip:
It’s important to use a high-quality nail glue for the best results. Look for a glue that is specifically designed for false nails and is strong and long-lasting. For more information on choosing the right glue, check out our article on how to glue nails.
Placing the Nail on Your Real Nail
Now that you have the glue applied to your fake nails, it’s time to place them onto your real nails. The process itself is pretty straightforward. Follow these simple steps to get the perfect positioning.
Step 1: Begin by placing the fake nail on top of your real nail, starting at the cuticle.
Step 2: Press the fake nail down onto your real nail, starting at the cuticle and working your way towards the tip of the nail.
Step 3: Press down firmly for a few seconds to ensure the fake nail adheres properly to your real nail.
Step 4: Hold the fake nail in place for a couple of minutes to allow the glue to dry completely.
Step 5: Repeat the process for all your nails.
Pro Tip: If you have trouble aligning the fake nail with your real nail, you can use a toothpick to help guide it into place. Simply place a small amount of glue on the end of a toothpick and apply it to the underside of the fake nail. This will help to position the nail exactly where you want it without getting glue all over your fingers.
Remember, it’s important to apply the right amount of pressure when you’re placing the fake nail on your real nail. Not applying enough pressure may result in air pockets, which can cause the nail to lift and break off prematurely. Conversely, applying too much pressure may cause the glue to push out around the edges of the nail. So, take your time and apply just the right amount of pressure to ensure a perfect, long-lasting result.
Finishing Touches
After successfully applying the glue-on nails, it is time to add the finishing touches to create a polished and long-lasting look. These final steps involve cleaning up excess glue, ensuring the nails are secure, and adding a topcoat to protect the nails and help them maintain their shine. In this section, we will guide you on how to execute these final steps like a pro, so that your glue-on nails look perfect and last as long as possible. So, grab your tools and get ready to put the final touches on your perfect set of nails!
Cleaning Up Excess Glue
After finishing gluing on your nails, it’s time to clean up any excess glue that may have seeped out. Not only will cleaning up excess glue create a more polished look, but it will also prevent the glue from drying and sticking to surrounding skin or fabric. Here’s how to do it:
- Wait for the glue to dry: Before attempting to clean up any excess glue, make sure it has completely dried. This will prevent you from accidentally smudging the glue or spreading it further. Usually, it takes about 10-15 minutes for the glue to dry.
- Peel off the excess glue: Once the glue is completely dry, use a small wooden or metal cuticle pusher to gently scrape off any excess glue on the skin around your nails. Be very careful not to scrape too hard or you may risk removing your glue-on nails. If necessary, use a small pair of scissors or nail clippers to trim away any excess glue that won’t remove with gentle scraping.
- Soak your nails: If you have a lot of stubborn glue build-up, soak a cotton swab or small piece of cotton in nail polish remover and carefully apply it to your nails. Allow the nail polish remover to sit for about 5 minutes before attempting to remove the glue.
- Use warm soapy water: Once you’ve removed as much glue as possible, wash your hands with warm soapy water to remove any leftover residue. This will also help to remove the smell of the nail polish remover.
- Moisturize: All the excess glue cleaning can often leave your hands and nails dry and dehydrated. So, it’s important to apply a moisturizing hand cream or cuticle oil to keep your nails healthy and hydrated.
By following these steps, you can easily clean up any excess glue and maintain gorgeous looking glue-on nails that will last you for weeks to come.
Covering Your Nails with Topcoat
After successfully gluing on your nails, the next step is to apply a topcoat to seal and protect your newly applied nails. A topcoat is necessary because it helps to protect the nails from chipping and peeling. It also helps prevent the glue from breaking down quickly, which makes your manicure last longer.
Step 1: First, take a small brush and dip it into the topcoat. Be sure to wipe off the excess topcoat before starting to apply.
Step 2: Start at the base of your nails and work your way up to the tip. Be sure to coat the entire nail surface, including the sides of the nails.
Step 3: Wait for the first coat to dry before applying a second coat. This can take up to 10 minutes depending on your topcoat.
Step 4: Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat of topcoat. This will help to make the nails stronger and more durable.
Step 5: Allow your nails to dry completely before applying any other products or touching anything.
It is important to use a high-quality topcoat. There are many different types of topcoats available on the market, such as glossy, matte, and quick-dry. Make sure to choose the one that matches your desired style.
In addition to using a topcoat, you can also add some creative elements to your nails. For instance, you can use nail polish to draw patterns, create designs or add glitter. Adding embellishments can also give your nails a unique, personalized touch.
Remember, the key to maintaining your glue-on nails is to avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure. Always use gloves while doing dishes or cleaning, and avoid exposing your nails to chemical substances. With proper care, your glue-on nails can last up to two weeks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, doing your own glue on nails is a simple and affordable way to achieve a professional-looking manicure at home. With the right supplies and a little bit of practice, you can become a pro at applying your own glue on nails. Remember to always choose a high-quality glue and take the time to properly prep your nails before applying the nails.
Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or just want to switch up your look, glue on nails can be a fun and convenient way to do so. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any damage to your natural nails that can be caused by other nail enhancement methods.
However, it’s important to note that if you experience any pain or discomfort from the glue on nails, it’s best to remove them and consult with a professional. It’s also important to take breaks in-between applying glue on nails to give your natural nails time to breathe and recover.
With these tips and tricks, you’re now equipped to confidently and comfortably apply your own glue on nails. So go ahead, give it a try and let your creativity shine through!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can glue-on nails damage my natural nails?
Glue-on nails can damage natural nails if they are not applied or removed properly. It’s important to follow the steps carefully and not force the nails off, as this can cause tearing or breakage of the natural nails.
How long do glue-on nails last?
Generally, glue-on nails can last up to 2 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the glue and the care taken to apply and maintain the nails.
Can I wear glue-on nails with nail polish?
Yes, you can wear glue-on nails with nail polish. In fact, applying a base coat and topcoat to your natural nails before applying the glue-on nails can help protect your nails and make them last longer.
Can glue-on nails be reused?
It is not recommended to reuse glue-on nails because the glue may not hold up as well the second time around, and the nails may have become warped or damaged during the removal process.
Can glue-on nails be removed easily?
Glue-on nails can be removed with acetone or an adhesive remover. It’s important to be gentle and patient, and not to force the nails off to avoid damaging the natural nails.
Can glue-on nails be customized or painted?
Yes, you can customize or paint glue-on nails to match your personal style or outfit. Some glue-on nails even come with designs or patterns pre-printed on them.
Do I need special tools to apply glue-on nails?
You do not need any special tools to apply glue-on nails, but it can be helpful to have a set of nail clippers, a nail file, and a buffer on hand to prepare your natural nails.
Are glue-on nails easy to apply?
Applying glue-on nails can take some practice, but with patience and following the steps carefully, they can be applied easily at home.
Can I shower or swim with glue-on nails?
It’s best to avoid showering or swimming with glue-on nails as they can weaken the glue and cause the nails to come off prematurely. If you do get them wet, gently pat them dry with a towel to avoid lifting the nails.
Do glue-on nails come in different shapes and sizes?
Yes, glue-on nails come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different nail shapes and widths. Some brands even offer custom nail sizes to ensure a perfect fit for your nails.