Going to the nail salon takes time and money. Two commodities that many of us don’t have these days. Don’t sacrifice having beautiful nails, instead, opt for budget-friendly faux nails that you can pick up on your next shopping trip! I’ve found amazing fake nails at places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Walmart, Target, and even the grocery store. With so many brands to choose from, there is definitely one for every budget. The way to get the most bang for your buck, of course, is knowing how to apply them so they last a week or two.

Once you’ve mastered the art of applying your nails at home, and removing them (upcoming post stay tuned) you’ll think twice before shelling out for your next fill and putting off important things that need to get done while you sit in a salon for hours. Let’s not forget, the smell of the liquid acrylic leaves much to be desired. I for one, can’t stand that smell and get an instant headache from just walking by a nail salon with its doors open. I liken it to the dreaded “perm smell” ugh.

Here are some tips for applying and caring for store-bought fake nails:

1. Start by cleaning your natural nails with a nail polish remover to remove any oils or debris.
2. Select the fake nails that most closely match the shape and size of your natural nails. If necessary, file the edges of the fake nails to fit your nails more closely.
3. A step I take for applying my fake nails is using a dehydrator. This helps to ensure that you don’t have excess moisture in your nails allowing for better adhesion. It’s not a must, but I personally find it helpful. You can/should totally skip this part if you’re not comfortable with it.
4. Apply a small amount of nail glue to the back of the fake nail and then a tiny amount on your natural nail and press the fake nail onto your natural nail. Hold the fake nail for a few seconds to allow the glue to dry. Don’t push too hard as the fake nails are made to fit onto your nail (if you chose the correct size) and should only require glue to bond.
5. Once all your nails are covered with fake nails, file and shape the nails to your desired length and shape. If you plan on cutting down the nails, I suggest using a nail clipper made for fake nails. A regular nail clipper might work but it can also cause damage to the nail splitting it down the middle.
6. You can also paint the nails with regular nail polish or gel nail polish to add your own personal touch but that’s all preference.

To care for your fake nails:

1. Avoid harsh chemicals such as acetone or nail polish remover, as these can weaken the bond between the fake and your natural nails.
2. Avoid doing activities that can stress the nails like heavy lifting or working with your hands.
3. Be gentle with your nails when washing dishes or doing other household tasks. I highly recommend using rubber gloves to keep your nails safe.
4. Always keep your nails dry, as water can weaken the glue bond.
5. If the nails start to lift or become loose, resist the urge to apply a small amount of nail glue to the edges to secure them back in place. This can trap moisture which can result in fungus growth and we don’t want that.
6. Remember to give your natural nails some time to rest after removing the fake nails and avoid applying them again for a few days.