Have you ever noticed how some nail extensions last for weeks while others start lifting within days? The difference often lies in the entire preparation process. Many people rush into applying artificial extensions without properly prepping their nails, leading to weak adhesion, chipping, or even damage to natural nails. Taking the time in preparing nails correctly can make all the difference in achieving long-lasting, flawless results. If you want your artificial nails to stay secure and look beautiful for weeks, follow these steps to ensure a strong foundation before application.
Clean Your Nails Always
Before doing anything else, it’s essential to start with clean nails. Any traces of dirt, oils, or old nail polish can create a barrier between your natural nail and the extension, making it harder for the material to stick correctly.
Begin using a non-acetone nail polish remover to remove any leftover or residue. Even if your nails appear clean, they may still have natural oils that can weaken adhesion. After removing any product, wash your hands with mild soap and warm water to remove excess oils and debris.
Drying the nails completely is vital. Moisture left on the surface can get trapped under the extensions, causing them to lift or develop bubbles.
Trim, File, and Shape The Nail for Strength
Once the nails are clean, it’s time to shape them to provide a solid base for the extensions. If natural nails are more long, they may bend or break under the weight of artificial extensions. You need to trim them to a moderate length prevents unnecessary pressure and that may reduce the risk of damage.
Shape the edges using a high-quality nail file to create a smooth, even surface. The best method is to file in one direction rather than using a back-and-forth motion, which can weaken the nail and cause splitting. A slightly rounded or square shape works helps the best since sharp edges may lead to lifting or discomfort.
Buffing the nail surface with a fine-grit buffer is another vital step. This process removes natural shine from the nail, creating a slightly rough texture that helps the artificial material grip more effectively. However, excessive buffing should be avoided, as thinning the nail too much can lead to brittleness.
Try To Push Back and Tidy Up the Cuticles
Cuticles play a bigger role in nail prep than many people realize. If left untouched, they can interfere with the adhesion of artificial extensions, leading to lifting and gaps between the natural and artificial nails.
To prepare the cuticles in a good way, you need to soften them with warm water or a cuticle remover solution. This makes it easier to push them back without causing damage. A wooden or metal cuticle pusher may even gently push the cuticles away from the nail plate.
Trimming dead cuticle skin with a cuticle nipper can further clean up the nail bed, but it’s important not to cut too much. Cutting too aggressively may cause irritation, sensitivity, or even infection. Keeping the cuticles well-maintained ensures a smoother, longer-lasting application.
Dehydrate and Prime for Maximum Adhesion
Even after cleaning, removing and buffing, nails naturally produce oils that can affect the longevity of artificial extensions. To prevent lifting, a nail dehydrator should be applied. This step helps in the removal of excess moisture and oil from the surface, creating the perfect base for artificial extensions.
After dehydration, a primer enhances adhesion. Primers come in two forms: acid-based and acid-free. Acid-free primers are generally gentler on natural nails and are a great choice for people with sensitive nails. Applying a thin layer of primer and letting it dry completely before moving to the next step helps improve the longevity of the fake nails.
This process ensures the artificial material bonds securely to the natural nail, reducing the chances of peeling or lifting over time.
Choose the Application Method
Once the nails are prepped, the application process becomes much smoother. Different types of artificial extensions, such as gel, acrylic, dip powder, or press-ons, require different application techniques, but they all benefit from proper preparation.
Applying a thin, even layer of nail glue is essential for glue-on extensions to prevent air bubbles that can cause lifting. Following the proper layering and curing process ensures a durable and professional finish if using gel or acrylic.
Once the artificial extensions are applied, it is best to avoid excessive water exposure for the first few hours. This allows the adhesive to set correctly and prevents premature lifting.
A good early preparation routine not only extends the wear time of artificial extensions but also helps maintain the health of natural nails.