Your artificial nails stay securely adhered to your natural nail thanks to a resin called cyanoacrylate. This adhesive quickly bonds the two nails, giving you flexibility and maneuverability while rocking those faux nails. However, over time -- in a matter of weeks or even days -- you'll notice that the adhesive bond weakens, which can result in your fake nails loosening or even falling off. Extending the life of your artificial manicure starts with making this glue last longer.
Tips
When your fake nails are properly cared for, an artificial manicure can last about two to three weeks. Then, you'll need to have the nails removed or filled in to extend their life.
When you're washing the dishes, working on that new painting masterpiece or gardening in the backyard, you might be unintentionally shortening the life of your artificial nails. These tasks expose your faux nails to a host of ingredients that weaken the artificial nail and its adhesive bond. Too much exposure to cleaning products and detergents, for example, can result in the glue breaking down and the nails loosening.
Always wear gloves when exposing your nails to any detergents, paints, weed killers and other household cleaners and products. A simple pair of rubber kitchen gloves can extend the life of the nail glue, giving you a faux manicure that lasts.
Tips
Even water alone can result in the glue lifting from your natural nail. While you can't avoid water entirely -- after all, you have to bathe -- reducing unnecessary exposure to water can keep your nail glue firmly in place. When your nails do get wet, always dry them thoroughly.
Opening a can of soda or scratching a price tag off of a new product might seem like a mundane task, but it is one that can potentially weaken your nail glue. Putting pressure on the tip of your artificial nail slowly pulls it away from the artificial nail, which weakens the adhesive's bond.
Rather than using your nails as tools to complete these tasks, use your fingertips or another tool, such as a butter knife. The less pressure you put on the tips of your fake nails, the more firmly the glue stays in place.
Tips
Even when you're texting or typing, use your finger -- not the nail tip -- to be gentle on that nail adhesive.
The longer the artificial nail, the more likely it is to snag on something and be pulled away from the natural nail. Keeping your nails a reasonable length -- extending no more than just past your fingertip -- minimizes your risk of pulling the nail away from the adhesive.