When you don't have time for a manicure or don't want to wait until broken fingernails have grown out again, use artificial nails. Artificial nails are also known as press-on or glue-on nails. This is because – you guessed it – you glue them on your fingernails.
You can buy them wherever beauty products for women are sold. Buy nails that conform to your fingernail surface type. There are flat nail beds, high arch nail beds, and regular nail beds. Select the one that fits the contours of your fingernails.
A package of these nails can vary greatly in quality. Some come attached to plastic wheels. They must then be twisted off. These are the worst kind, because there is always a little plastic nub from where it was attached. The better option is the type that come in trays that conveniently separate them by size. Normally, your tray will separate the nails into five sizes, sometimes six for unusually large or small finger nails.
You'll also need to purchase nail glue. You can get glue specifically formulated for artificial nails or you can just use super glue.
Once you've purchased your nails and glue, you're set to attach them at your convenience. You will have to prime your nails, shape the artificial nails and then glue them on.
To prime your fingernails, clean each nail bed with nail polish remover. Then, using a soft nail file, gently file the surface of each. Making a rough surface allows the artificial nail to stay attached longer.
Next, size the artificial nails for each finger. Match the size of your nails with those of the artificial nails. Nail bed width sizes vary. If none of the sizes exactly match your size, select a nail larger than the width of your nail and file the sides down to your nail's width.
Now you're ready to attach them to your nails. For each nail, apply glue thinly over the entire nail surface. If you apply the glue too thickly, the nail will appear to be unnaturally raised. Holding the nail by the tip, align its base against your fingernail cuticle and fit the nail over your own fingernail. Press it down firmly. Then, using thumb and index finger, pinch the artificial nail and the finger tip together, starting from the base and working up to the tip. Repeat for each nail.
Artificial nails can then be painted like natural nails. The down side is that every time you want a new color, a new set is needed. If you try to put nail polish remover on an artificial nail, it will literally melt and disintegrate. Even so, you'll be delighted when someone tells you how beautiful your nails are. It's your prerogative to tell them they're not your own nails. If you attached them carefully, they'll look as natural as your own.
