Applying False Nails with Glue for Gorgeous Manicures

False nails offer a quick way to achieve various stunning manicure looks, and using glue to apply them is a common and reliable method. Mastering the correct way to use glue for false nails ensures your manicure lasts longer and helps avoid nail damage. Here’s a detailed tutorial on applying false nails with glue.

I. Preparation

1. Clean Your Nails

First, wash your hands thoroughly with a mild hand soap. Pay special attention to cleaning the nail surface, nail edges, and nail grooves to remove all dirt, oil, and dust. After washing, dry your hands with a clean towel, making sure your nails are completely dry. Oil and moisture on the nail surface can reduce the glue’s adhesion, causing the false nails to come off easily. Thus, cleaning and drying your nails is a crucial first step.

2. Trim and Buff Your Nails

Use nail clippers to trim your nails to a suitable length and shape. You can adjust it according to your personal preference and daily activities, but avoid making them too long, as overly long nails are more prone to damage and may cause inconvenience in daily life. After trimming, gently buff the nail surface with a nail file. The aim is to remove the top layer of cutin, making the nail surface rougher for better glue adhesion. Apply moderate pressure while buffing to prevent thinning or damaging the nails; usually, 2 - 3 gentle strokes are enough. Once done, wipe your nails with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining debris.

3. Gather Materials and Tools

Prepare a suitable glue for false nails. It’s recommended to choose a specialized nail art glue, which typically offers an appropriate level of adhesion and causes less harm to your nails. Also, get false nail tips that match the size of your nails, clean cotton swabs or small wooden sticks (for applying glue), and alcohol wipes (for cleaning and handling unexpected situations). Arrange all the materials and tools neatly for easy access during the application process.

II. Application Steps

1. Select the Right Nail Tips

Line up the false nail tips in order of size. Start with your thumb and compare each tip with your natural nail to pick the most suitable one for every finger. A proper - fitting nail tip should fully cover the nail surface and fit snugly along the nail edges, neither extending too far beyond the nail edges nor being too small to cover the entire nail.

2. Apply the Glue

Dip a cotton swab or small wooden stick into the glue. First, apply a thin, even layer of glue on your natural nail, starting from the base and moving towards the tip. Make sure the layer is thin and consistent, avoiding globs or uneven application. Then, apply another thin layer of glue on the inner side of the false nail tip, spreading it evenly, especially around the edges to ensure every part is covered.

3. Attach the False Nails

Quickly align the glue - coated false nail tip with your natural nail, starting from the base. Gently place it down, ensuring the edges of the false nail line up with your natural nail. Use your fingers to press firmly from the center of the nail tip towards the sides, squeezing out any excess glue and making the false nail adhere closely to your natural nail. Press with moderate force and hold for a few seconds to allow the glue to bond properly. Check if the nail tip is flat; if it’s crooked or lifted, adjust it before the glue dries completely.

III. Precautions

1. Control the Glue Amount

Using too much glue can lead to excess glue oozing out, ruining the appearance and potentially staining your fingers and clothes. Using too little glue won’t hold the false nails securely. When applying glue, take an appropriate amount based on the size of your nails and the false nail tips, ensuring a full but non - dripping coverage. If any glue spills out, wipe it off immediately with an alcohol wipe.

2. Avoid Glue on Skin

Nail glue is highly sticky, and forcefully pulling it off if it gets on your skin can damage the skin. If glue accidentally touches your skin, don’t panic. Gently wipe the area with an alcohol wipe to dissolve the glue and then remove it slowly. Be extra careful during the glue - applying and nail - attaching process to prevent the glue from coming into contact with the skin around your nails.

3. Wait for the Glue to Dry

After attaching the false nails, avoid excessive movement or contact with water right away. Let the glue dry and set completely, which usually takes about 10 - 15 minutes. During this drying period, prevent bumping or pressing the false nails to ensure a good bond.

IV. Removal Method

When you want to change your manicure or remove the false nails, follow these steps for proper removal. Prepare a bottle of nail polish remover and cotton pads. Soak the cotton pads in the nail polish remover and place them over your nails, wrapping the false nail tips. Leave them on for 5 - 10 minutes to allow the remover to dissolve the glue. Once the glue softens, use a cuticle pusher or nail stick to gently lift the edge of the false nail tip and then slowly peel it off. If the nail tip is hard to remove, re - apply the soaked cotton pads for a longer soaking time. After removal, wash your hands with water and apply hand cream and nail strengthener to nourish your nails and hand skin.


With these steps, you’ll master the art of applying false nails with glue! Go ahead and try it to create beautiful, long - lasting manicures!
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