Do you love the look of fresh salon nails but hate the high price? You are not alone. Spending eighty dollars every three weeks is hard on your wallet. Thankfully, you can get a gorgeous nails art design at home for a fraction of that cost. Press on nails have changed a lot over the years. They are no longer the cheap plastic toys from your childhood. With a few simple tricks, you can make cheap store bought nails look like a custom salon set. Here is how you can do it yourself without spending a fortune.
How to Prep Your Hands for Press On Nails Art Design
If you want your press ons to look real, you must prep your natural nails first. Many people skip this part, but it makes the biggest difference. Here is what you need:
- A wooden cuticle stick
- A fine grit nail file
- Rubbing alcohol wipes
- High quality nail glue
Start by pushing back your cuticles gently with a wooden stick. This creates more space for the fake nail to sit close to your skin. Next, buff the surface of your natural nails to remove the shine. This rough surface helps the glue grip much better. Wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol afterward to remove oils and dust. If you want more tips on working with your natural length, check out these Nails Art Design Ideas for Short Nails You Can Do at Home to get started. Cleaning your nails is the secret to making them last.
Pick the Right Size and Shape
Most cheap nail kits come with about twenty-four nails in different sizes. Lay them out and match them to each of your fingers. The fake nail should fit from side to side without touching your skin. If it is too wide, it will pop off quickly. If it is too small, your natural nail will show at the edges.
If a nail is a little too big, use a nail file to shave down the sides. File them slowly until they fit your nail bed perfectly. Taking five extra minutes to shape them makes them look like custom salon extensions. You can find more inspiration and daily pictures on the nails art update blog to see which shapes look best.
The Best Glue Method for Long-Lasting Wear
The glue that comes in cheap kits is often not very strong. I suggest buying a separate high quality nail glue from a beauty supply store. For a look that lasts, apply glue to both your natural nail and the back of the press on. This double glue method prevents air bubbles. Air bubbles are the main reason press ons pop off early.
When you apply the nail, hold it at a forty five degree angle. Place it right at the cuticle line and press down slowly. Hold it firmly for thirty seconds. This spreads the glue evenly and secures the bond. If any glue squeezes out the sides, wipe it away quickly with a toothpick.
Add a Gel Top Coat for a Salon Shine
Cheap press on nails often look thin and plastic. You can easily fix this with a clear gel top coat. Apply a thick layer of top coat over the press on nail. Make sure to cover the very tip of the nail to seal the edge. Cure it under a UV or LED lamp for sixty seconds.
This adds a beautiful glass-like shine that makes the colors pop. It also makes the nail feel thicker and stronger, just like real acrylics. If you do not have a gel lamp, a high quality air-dry top coat works too.
File the Plastic Tabs Off the Tips
Have you ever noticed the tiny plastic bumps at the tips of press on nails? These are from the machines that make them. They are a dead giveaway that your nails are fake. Always file these bumps away before you show off your hands. Use a fine grit nail file to gently smooth the free edge. Run the file in one direction until the tip is smooth and round. This small step takes ten seconds but instantly makes your nails art design look professional.
Finish with Cuticle Oil
Dry cuticles can ruin the look of even the most beautiful manicure. Once your glue is completely dry, rub a drop of cuticle oil around each nail. This hydrates your skin and gives you that fresh salon look. It also hides any white glue residue that might have dried near your skin. Keep a small bottle of oil at your desk or in your bag. Applying it once a day keeps your hands looking great.
Try It Yourself
Creating a beautiful manicure does not have to cost a lot of money. With cheap press ons and these simple tricks, you can get a stunning look at home. Take your time with the prep work and do not skip the top coat. Your friends will ask which salon you visited, and you can smile knowing you saved a lot of cash.
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