The more layers you use, the sturdier and thicker your nails will be. If you’re having trouble keeping all the layers of paper together after you cut them, try gently taping the stacks together or holding them together with paperclips until you’re ready to use them.
Alternatively, mix equal amounts of cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until all the lumps are gone. Make about 1⁄3 cup (79 mL) of this mixture. Slowly stir the paste into 1 cup (240 mL) of boiling water, then let it cool and thicken. [3] X Research source Lay down a sheet of plastic to protect your workspace as you’re making and working with your paste. This can get messy!
When you’ve finished each nail, paint the front and back of it with the paste to seal it. If you’ve ever made papier-mâché crafts, this process might seem pretty familiar. That’s because it’s the same thing—you’re just using it to make nails![5] X Research source
A few hours into the drying process, use your fingers to gently curve the nails. You want them to be a bit arched in the middle so that they’ll fit the curve of your natural nails.
If your fake nails are powdery after you’re done shaping and buffing them, use a makeup brush to dust them off. [8] X Research source
You can also gently buff your nails first to help the tabs adhere better. You can buy wig tape, double-sided tape, or nail tabs online or at a beauty supply store.
Paint the edges of the nails as well as the top to help seal them and hide the layers of paper. Feel free to get creative and do some fancy nail art! Add gems, decals, or some pretty painted designs to complete the look of your nails. These nails are not likely to last as long as standard acrylics, gel nails, or plastic press-ons. However, they can be a good option if you want fancy nails for a day or two. While a few layers of nail polish will help make your fake nails more water-resistant, it probably won’t make them completely waterproof. Water will still damage the paper if it leaks in. Wear gloves if you want to shower with the nails on, and be careful when you’re cleaning your hands.
If you want really long nails, you’ll probably need to use more than one straw. Any plastic drinking straw will work for these nails. However, if you’re using bendy straws, you’ll want to cut your sections out of the straight part of the straw and not the bendy part.
You can also trim the tip of each straw nail into any shape you like. For instance, you can make them pointy, blunt, or rounded.
If any of the second piece of straw is sticking out from under the first one after you tape it in place, trim it to fit with a pair of scissors or nail clippers.
If you paint the nails, let them dry completely before you put them on your fingers so you don’t smudge your art. You can also use craft glue to attach nail gems, or stick on some pretty decals.
With tape or nail tabs, your straw nails should last around 5 days before they come unstuck.
These nails are plastic, so you can get them wet without worry. However, be careful about soaking your hands in soapy water to avoid soaking off your adhesive nail tabs. If your straw nails are still in good shape after you take them off, you can always use them again!
If you’re using craft tissue or single-ply tissue, you can also cut the tissue into long strips and then fold each strip up, accordion style, to create multiple layers. [19] X Research source You only need to cut out tip shapes and not a full nail. With this technique you’ll be using paper to extend the tips of your nails, then covering the rest of your nail with polish.
Don’t wrap the tissue tightly around the brush or pen. Just hold the tissue in your hand and lightly roll the brush or pen barrel over it lengthwise, like a rolling pin.
Depending on how much you use, PVA glue usually takes about 30 minutes to dry. It takes up to 24 hours to completely cure and become hard and waterproof. [23] X Research source
You can also make a similar glue by mixing clear school glue and cornstarch to form a thick paste. [25] X Research source This mixture may dry a little harder than just glue and nail polish. Depending on how warm and dry it is in your work area, you may need to work fast before the glue starts to dry out. However, it usually takes about half an hour for craft glue to fully set, so you should have some time.
Make sure your natural fingernails are clean and dry before you stick the tips on. The glue will stick better if your nails aren’t dirty, oily, or wet. You can even use a little rubbing alcohol to get them extra clean and dry.
Shorter and blunter shapes will be less likely to break or tear than long, narrow ones.
To make your nails even stronger and more waterproof, apply 2-3 layers of the transparent polish or base coat. [31] X Research source When you’re done, allow the layer of clear polish to dry before you add any more polish to your nails.
Keep in mind that these nails will probably be a lot less durable than something like acrylic, plastic, or gel nails. Your tissue manicure may last a couple days if you’re careful. Even with a few layers of nail polish to seal them, these nails probably won’t hold up well to getting wet. Avoid soaking them in water, and use gloves if you want to take a shower or bath.
Nail tabs might not last as long as nail glue, but many brands claim they can keep your fake nails on for up to 5 days with proper care. Make sure you get adhesive nail tabs instead of nail guards, which are only adhesive on one side. With any adhesive product, it helps to start with clean nails. Use a little acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any oils that might prevent the tabs from sticking.
If there’s any sticky residue left behind, wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to loosen the goo. Just like adhesive nail tabs, wig tape probably won’t last as long as regular nail glue. However, it’s a great short-term option if you just want a few days of wear.
Just like nail glue, nail gel can be a bit harsh on your nails. Using a UV curing light too often can also damage your skin and put you at risk of developing skin cancer. [36] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source However, you can use this method in a pinch if you don’t have any other way to stick your nails on. Soak off nail gels with a bit of acetone-based nail polish remover. Since acetone can dry out your skin and nails, rub some petroleum jelly or cuticle oil on your nails and cuticles when you’re done to moisturize them. [37] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If you plan to use the nail guards with press-on nails, check the label first. Some of these guards are designed to work under gels and acrylics, but not under press-ons. Always clean your nails first with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt, oils, or lingering nail polish. This will help the guards stick better. Check the packaging for instructions on how to remove your nail guards. Some brands come with special tools to help you peel the guards off when you’re done using them.
