How do I apply false nails?
How do I apply false nails?
Coralie Techer

Want a dream manicure that's sure to last? Or simply don't want to bother with the nail polish step at home? Then false nails are for you! We explain all the ways you can adopt them, both at home and at the salon.
Before you embark on the great adventure of applying false nails, it's important to understand exactly what they are so as to avoid any faux pas. False nails, or artificial nails, are extensions that are placed over natural nails to add length and beauty to the nails. They can be made of different materials such as gel, acrylic, resin, silk or fiberglass. Fake nails are often used in the beauty industry to create long, uniform and aesthetically appealing nails for people who have fragile natural nails, which break easily, or who have nails that are too short for their taste.
False nails can be applied by a professional or at home using a manicure kit. However, it's important to note that excessive use of false nails can damage natural nails and cause fungal infections.
How to harden your nails to protect them? We tell you everything in our beauty guide.
The different types of false nails

There are several types of false nails, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The main types of false nails are the following, applied in an institute by a nail technician:
Gel false nails
These nails are made from a gel that is applied to natural nails and hardened under UV light. They are highly flexible and have a natural effect that reproduces the look of classic nails.
Acrylic false nails
Acrylic nails are made from a powder and a liquid that are mixed together to form a paste-like substance that is applied to natural nails and cured in the open air. Acrylic nails are strong and durable, but can look thicker and less natural than gel nails. Acrylic nails can be varnished to any desired shape.
Resin false nails
Resin nails are made from a resin that is applied to natural nails and cured under UV light. They are fairly resistant, but can be thicker and heavier than gel nails. Like acrylic nails, they are finished with a coat of varnish of your choice and filed to the appropriate shape. They are perhaps the most creative of all.
Silk or fiberglass false nails
These glueless types of false nails are applied by gluing strips of silk or fiberglass to natural nails using a special adhesive. They are thinner and lighter than other types of false nails, but may require frequent touch-ups as they are less durable.
It's important to note that this type of false nail can seriously damage natural nails if incorrectly applied or removed. If you're applying them in an institute, return to the institute for removal.
Adhesive false nails, a good alternative
Les faux ongles adhésifs sont ceux qui se collent sur les vrais ongles, ils sont aussi appelés press-on nails. Généralement fabriqués à partir de plastique ou de résine, ils ont une forme prédéfinie pour s'adapter à la forme de l'ongle naturel. Contrairement aux autres types de faux ongles, les faux ongles adhésifs ne nécessitent pas de durcissement sous une lampe UV ou d'application de poudre et de liquide ! Les faux ongles adhésifs sont précollés avec une colle spéciale qui permet de les poser directement sur l'ongle naturel. Certaines marques peuvent fournir de petits autocollants double-faces ou des colles spécifiques pour aider à maintenir les faux ongles en place pendant plusieurs jours. Les faux ongles adhésifs sont disponibles dans une variété de couleurs, de motifs et de designs pour s'adapter à tous les goûts. L'un des principaux avantages des faux ongles adhésifs est qu'ils sont faciles et rapides à appliquer et à retirer et ne nécessite aucune compétence particulière. Cependant, ils ne sont pas aussi durables que les autres types de faux ongles et peuvent se détacher plus facilement.
The advantages and disadvantages of adhesive false nails
The advantages:
No drying time: Unlike gel or acrylic nails, stick-on nails don't require drying time. Once you've applied them, you can immediately resume your normal activities.
Reversibility: Adhesive false nails are temporary and can be removed relatively easily without damaging your natural nails.
Variety of Styles and Shapes: There are a wide variety of colors, patterns and shapes of adhesive false nails, allowing you to customize your look according to your preferences.
Affordable Cost: Generally, adhesive false nails are more affordable than other nail extension methods, and you can easily replace them if necessary.
Disadvantages :
Limited durability : Adhesive false nails tend to be less durable than gel or acrylic nails. They can come off more easily, especially if you're involved in manual activities or frequently get your hands wet.Reapplication Required: You will likely need to reapply some adhesive false nails frequently, as they tend to peel off over time.
Varying adhesive quality: Adhesive quality can vary from brand to brand. Some adhesives may be less effective, which can lead to adhesion issues.
Requires Proper Preparation: For false nails to adhere properly, it is important to properly prepare your natural nails by cleaning, lightly filing them, and removing any traces of previous nail polish.
Potential for damage to natural nails: If you do not remove adhesive false nails properly, it can damage your natural nails by weakening or breaking them.
Incompatibility with certain activities: If you need to use your hands frequently for demanding activities, stick-on false nails might not be the best option, as they tend to come off more easily.

How do I apply self-adhesive false nails?
Si vous choisissez l'option des faux ongles adhésifs, alors vous pouvez le faire sans souci à la maison. Il faut toutefois respecter les bonnes étapes pour ne pas prendre le risque d'abîmer ses ongles naturels.
- Prepare your natural nails by removing any nail varnish and carefully cleaning them with a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover and a nail brush to remove all traces of dirt. Finish with a touch of Nail Strengthening Serum to nourish the surface and prepare it for false nail application.
- Select the type of artificial nail that best matches your natural nails. Fake nails should be the same size as your real nails and have a shape that suits your nails.
- Before gluing the false nails, you can try them on your own nails to see if they fit properly. If necessary, you can adjust the size or shape using scissors or a nail file.
- Apply adhesive nail glue to the false nails or to your natural nails, according to the product instructions. It's important not to apply too much glue to avoid spilling and distortion. If you're using false nails with pre-applied adhesive, simply remove the protective film before gluing them onto your natural nails.
- Align the flat edge of the adhesive false nails with the edge of your natural nails, and press each false nail firmly into place for around 10 to 15 seconds.
- File the tips of artificial nails to adjust them to the desired shape and length. Be sure to file carefully to avoid damaging the artificial or natural nails and to give yourself a perfect manicure.
How to remove false nails ? To remove your false nails, soak your fingers in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes to soften the adhesive. Then, gently slide them off. If necessary, use nail polish remover to remove any remaining adhesive.