How to: Natural Looking Artificial Nails in 9 Easy Steps

Sharing a personal secret.

Came up with this simple step-by-step process for application of artificial nails that not only look great but won’t cause permanent damage to your nails as acrylic nails do. 

It's a perfect quick fix for the Holiday Season or for that "Special Occasion" when you absolutely must have your nails looking there most spectacular. 

Not only will you save time but a great deal of money due to the fact that you won’t have the expensive upkeep at the salon. Although they hold up far longer than press on nails, you may find the process worth repeating in a week, only for the first time. After this they should hold up for two weeks or longer. You will save time and money in the long run.

In addition to saving time and money, if they're properly cared for they are easy maintain.  

They really do LOOK as if you grew them overnight. Most people aren't able to tell. They can be applied just days before any occasion and will look great for close up hand shots. The product can be taken along if you travel.  

If you're a nail biter, or just can't seem to grow your own natural beautiful nails. Why not give this process a try. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  I’ll do my best to respond quickly.

List of items you'll need for this process.

Things You'll Need

• One box of artificial French manicure nail tips with light pink at the base.
• One course or med course nail file.
• One bottle of strong nail glue. Recommend: bondini brand or five-second-nail glue. Discard or avoid using the one in the package. It doesn't hold.
• One bottle of pink- BRUSH ON nail glue or BRUSH ON nail gel. Found at Sally's or drug store.
• Nail buffer
• Nail clipper
• One bottle of "Hurry Up" Nail Glue Dryer spray found at Sally's Beauty Supply.

Step 1- Open the box of artificial nails. Select out the sizes that best fits to each of your individual fingernails. Make sure they fit evenly by slightly pressing down inside the nail bed in order to avoid overlapping the cuticle.

Select each  nail one by one, to match size of natural nail.

Step 2- Remove any old nail polish, wash hands and nails thoroughly.
Hold each nail tip, and lightly file at the base to thin the nail. Repeat for all ten. 
Place each down in the line up.This process will give a more natural appearance
once they are glued in place. 

Use medium course file to thin the base of artifical nail.

Step 3- It is best to apply the nails one by one starting with your least dominant hand first. Before gluing the nails in place, take a medium course nail file and lightly scuff each one of your natural nails to remove oil and shine. Do this for all ten nails. This is an important step to insure secure application of the artificial nail. Be careful not to touch your nails it will add the oils back in and defeat the process.

Use the medium course file to remove natural oils and shine.

Step 4- Again, starting with the thumb (for the sake of this demonstration, I have used the ring finger). Pick up the nail tip that fits the thumb, apply an even coat of "brush on" nail glue, to the back of the artificial nail; carefully turn and attach the artificial nail to natural nail. Make sure to leave a tiny gap between the actual cuticle and the base edge of the artificial nail.  After placement, use a strip of plastic wrap to cover the nail, using slight pressure for 5 seconds. Repeat the process for all ten nails.

Apply glue to artificial nail, prior to attachment of natural nail.

Use medium corse file to smooth down the raised edge at base.

Once the nails are in place, take the medium course file and blend the ridge of the artificial nail until it looks like the ridge has been smoothed down to match the surface of the natural nail. At this time, you'll also want to shape the tips if needed. 

Step 5- After each nail has been smoothed and pre-shaped, use a thin coat of "brush on" nail glue or gel and just brush on glue just to fill in the gap between the cuticle and the edge of the nail tip. Apply to all ten nails.

Apply "Hurry Up" nail glue dryer

                Spray them with a coat of  the "Hurry Up" nail dryer spray. 

Step 6-   Use the medium course file, again lightly file at the base next to the cuticle. Continue for all ten until all the shine is gone at the base of the nail.

Step 7- Brush on a second thin coat of "brush on" nail glue and carefully apply over entire nail, just as you would nail polish. Cover all ten of your nails. Remember; wait until the end for the spray dryer, otherwise the dryer will get on the brush and harden it, then you've just 
ruined the entire bottle of brush on nail glue.

  Step 8- With the fine nail buffer, buff each nail to a smooth finish. Wash your hands and walla!

Buff and shape the nail to completion.

          

           Step 9- Finish by applying a clear coat or shear light pink polish for shine and your ready to go!

Apply clear or light pink polish for a completed look.

PRODUCTS :
(For your convenience, I've listed the links below)

 Your product should last for months, the only product you will need to replenish more often, will be the glue, and a new box of nail tips.

Broadway Nails (Medium Length)
Broadway Nails (Short)
Hurry Up Nail Dryer Spray
5 sec. Brush on Nail Resin 
5 Sec. Nail Glue 
Medium Course Nail Files (not available at amazon)
White Buffer Blocks 

Tips & Warnings

• When applying remember to start using your least dominate hand first. Once the nails are in place it can be a little challenging to do the other hand.
• Use glue sparingly.
• When it calls for filing at the base, avoid filing the tips of the nails. You don't want to remove the french manicure.

• Choose the length that best fits the occasion.

• Maintenance follow steps 6 through 8.
• Apply glue to all ten nails before using "Hurry Up" spray dryer.