How To Apply Nail Extensions Perfectly? – With Steps And Pictures

All of us love well-groomed hands and feet, but everyone knows how to apply nail extensions. Since ancient times, women have painted and accessorized their nails. Historically speaking, long nails represented status and wealth in ancient Egypt.

While some are blessed with strong and beautiful nails, others have to pay a lot of attention to their regular manicures to get that neat and pretty look. As a result, artificial nails or extensions are popular in the current fashion industry. Global personalities like Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Beyoncé, and many others have often been spotted with long claw-like nails. They are made with acrylic, fiberglass, or gel, and the process is known as sculpting.

Swipe up to know more about the process. The article also mentions tips, tricks, and a step-by-step tutorial for applying nail extensions. Read on!

Acrylic Nails Extensions:

The acrylic nails are created by mixing liquid monomer and a powder polymer, which when combined form a hard protective layer that is sculpted over the natural nail. These nails become hard when exposed to air. To do extension an artificial tip added on nail before using acrylic mix. After that the nails extensions are shaped, buffed for a shiny finish.

Gel Nails Extensions:

Gel is hair gel type of consistency that is applied either on top of an artificial nail extension, or directly onto the natural nail bed to strengthen the nail and promote long nail growth naturally. It differs from acrylic in terms that no mixing is required to create gel and the nails must be cured in a UV lamp to create strong gel extensions.

Fiberglass or Silk Nail Extensions:

This is a less popular approach. This process involves cutting pieces of fiberglass or silk to fit the nail bed or tip, before sealing them into position using resin or glue. These are the three different types of nail extensions that can be done to get longer nails but all of them require the help of a professional artist and a proper nail salon.(of course they can be done at home but then you require to buy all those expensive products and most importantly lots of practice to get them done at home.)

So how can you apply nail extension at home because it’s very expensive to get them done in salons?
There are several types of artificial nail tips available in market to do nail extensions at home. You can try with these:

How to apply artificial nail tips at home:

To apply nail extension at home you will need following things:
1. Artificial tips: there are several types of nail tips available in market like white, clear, colored, glitter, with design etc. These tips are basically made of plastic. Get the one which you prefer (I prefer white or clear tips.)

2. Nail glue: nail glues are easily available now.

3. Manicure kit: nail file, buffer, cuticle pusher and nipper.

4. Scissors or nail tip cutter.

Stepwise Tutorial:

Step 1:

To start, first prepare your natural nails; wash your hands, removes any polish or glue or anything with help of acetone.

Step 2:

Push your cuticles back.

Step 3:

Now buff your natural nail lightly so that it doesn’t have any shine and moisture on it.

Step 4:

If your natural nails are long, then cut them and trim the corners for better grip of artificial nails.

Step 5:

Now the important step, choosing an appropriate size of nail tip. This step is important as it will look very bad if you choose a wrong size. Take time and choose the exact size of tip which matches the c-curve of natural nail bed (from left to right). If the tip is slightly wider, then you can file it down.

Step 6:

Once you choose your tip, apply glue on the hollow part of the tip and apply it on nails. Give it a little pressure to avoid air bubbles. Be careful as the glue is very sticky.

Step 7:

Leave it on for 30 seconds. After that cut the tip a little longer than you desired length with the help of a tip cutter or scissors. (as filing and shaping will make them smaller in length.)

Step 8:

Shape you tips and sides of artificial nail (to make them exact fit on nail bed). Buff them for finish.

Step 9:

Now take your buffer and start buffing lightly where the artificial tip meets the natural nail to make an even surface. Don’t buff on natural nail, try to do it on artificial tip only. Do it slowly so that you can see what you are doing and are not accidently buffing the whole artificial tip at nail bed.

Step 10:

Clean your nail and apply the base. Apply nail polish design; do nail art on the new long nails.

It will need a little practice but you will learn very easily. To remove tips, simply soak then in acetone for 10 minutes and the tips will easily come off. You can remove and do different manicures on the same tips if you get bored after 2-3 days. I personally did 3-4 manicure on the same tips.

Here’s one of my manicures using artificial tips:

Don’t be scared of the red/yellow skin is because of henna.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do nail extensions last?

Nail extensions usually last 3-4 weeks before your nail grows, creating a gap between the cuticle and the extension.

Do nail extensions fall off?

No. Nail extensions usually don’t fall off on their own. You have to either cut them off when your nail becomes too long or get them removed at the salon.

Which lasts longer – gel or acrylic nails?

Gel extensions last over 3 weeks, while acrylic nails need refilling or removal after 1-2 weeks.

What is better for your nails than acrylic?

Gel nails are a better alternative to acrylic nails as they are easier to apply and remove and don’t damage your natural nails.

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Jyotsana Rao

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She... more