Between work, family and unforeseen events, booking a long appointment at a salon to do your manicure is sometimes an inaccessible luxury. However, one solution has quietly changed the situation in the beauty aisles: ready-to-stick capsules that promise a clean, shiny and perfectly uniform manicure, without lamps or intensive sanding. Long considered gadgets, today they can be placed on the kitchen table in just a few minutes and hold up much better than the false nails of our adolescence.
A salon-quality manicure in minutes
Many people remember capsules that peeled off in less than 48 hours and left their nails weakened. Today, brands have revised glues and templates, with thinner and numbered capsules. “Most false nails are numbered on the back“, recalls Bailey Stanworth, founder of Quickies Press On Nails quoted by
She.
“The false nail should cover your natural nail from edge to edge, without pressing. Nails that are too small exert excessive pressure and can damage the plate“.
To achieve this salon manicure effect in minutes, the preparation is as important as the capsule. “Wash your hands, gently push back the cuticles, lightly buff the nail surface to remove shine, and clean with alcohol to remove oils“, explains Evelyn Lim, nail artist at Paintbox, at She. Then, place a drop of glue in the center of the nail, apply the capsule from the cuticle and maintain firm pressure for 10 to 15 seconds.
Nail strength and health: what the experts say about glue-on false nails
On the health of the natural nail, the verdict of the pros remains nuanced. “False nails are absolutely not harmful when applied and removed correctly“, says Julie Kandalec, celebrity manicurist interviewed by She.
During wear, maintenance remains key. “Always have a nail file with you“, advises Julie Kandalec,
to shorten a snagging edge rather than letting it break.
“Moisture is the number one enemy of false nail longevity“, recalls Bailey Stanworth, who also recommends: “If you wash dishes daily, wear gloves“.
Remove your fake nails to stick on without damaging your nails
Julie Kandalec especially insists on removal: tearing off a capsule that lifts away a layer of keratin, and a bath in hot soapy water on long glued false nails can weaken the plate to the point that, an hour later, the nail appears thin and damaged.
When removing, she advises shortening and then soaking the glued capsules in pure acetone. Above all, you must absolutely avoid tearing them off so as not to damage the natural nail.