If you want the “clean girl nail aesthetic” but don’t have the time (or money 😬) to go to the nail salon every 2-3 weeks to keep them up, keep reading for a clean girl nail tutorial!
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Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Please use your own judgment when following this tutoriall, as results may vary. I’m not responsible for any damage or issues that may occur from using these techniques or products.
You’ve seen them everywhere..those perfect, light pink, glossy nails. It’s my go-to look for my nails. In this post, I’m going to show you my step-by-step process to get them for a fraction of the price that will have people asking, “Where do you get your nails done?”
I bought a few tools to get started and have now been doing my nails myself for several years. I spend money on supplies every 8 months or so, unless I want new nail polish colors. I do my nails after my husband and kids go to bed in the evening, so it doesn’t take time out of my busy day. At this point, it takes me an hour total to do my nails.
If you apply these correctly and aren’t ripping out dry wall with your bare hands 😅 these should last 10 days-2 weeks!
You can also click the photo below to view the entire list on Amazon!
To get started, you will need:
UV nail lamp – I use this one.
Nail Grooming Set – You’ll need this to trim your nails and for taking care of your cuticles.
Nail drill set – OPTIONAL, I use the buffer to rough up my nail a bit, but you can skip this step if you prefer!
Magnetic Nail Stand – I find it easier to place the nails on the stand and paint them, then apply when I’m finished.
Almond Shaped Clear Nails – I use these, then file them down a little bit to get my perfect length.
OPI Bubble Bath Gel Nail Polish – I like this one but here’s a great alternative!
Beetle Top Coat – This is THE best top coat. It cures perfectly and stays glossy until you change the nails.
Beetle Base Coat – You only need this if you’re applying gel polish to your natural nails!
Nail Glue – My favorite nail glue because it doesn’t tear up my nails, holds until I remove them and comes off easily with the nail glue remover.
Nail Glue Remover – This stuff is a nail saver. If you don’t want your nails torn up, this is a necessity!
Nail Dropper – This is completely optional but I prefer to use this to the brush that comes with the nail glue remover.
Gorilla Glue Putty – This is how I attach the nail to the nail stand. A tiny bit goes a long way and it comes off easily. I bought my package 2 years ago and am still using it!
Rubbing Alcohol
Step 1: Prep Your Nails
Start by gently buffing your nails with a soft nail file. Then, take a cotton ball or cotton round and apply rubbing alcohol to your nails. Use the cuticle tool to gently push back your cuticle, and if needed, you can use the cuticle trimmer. I only use this if I absolutely need to. You can use the buffing tool in the nail drill kit if you choose to get one, but please be gentle! I barely touch it to my nail. You are only doing this to prepare your nail bed for glue to go on evenly, last longer, and to avoid moisture from getting underneath the fake nail.
If you’re applying to your natural nails, I would still gently buff your nail beds. Definitely push back your cuticles and trim and shape your nails to your preferred shape. You want your nailbed to be nice and smooth!
Note: If you have false nails already on, use the dropper to apply a small amount of the nail glue remover around the base of the false nail, then use the cuticle pusher to gently lift the nail. Please don’t try to pry it off!! If needed, add more nail glue remover under the part of the nail you’ve already lifted. It helps to leave it there for a few seconds before trying to lift it. It should lift off easily! Wipe away any residue left over.
Step 2: Choose Your Nail Size
Next, open the box of fake nails and place them over your nails to choose the right size for each nail. I line them all up for each hand so I don’t lose them.
Note: The box of nails I linked may open “upside down” so look at it from the side and make sure that the dividers are on the bottom so your nails don’t go everywhere!
Step 3: Shape Your Nails
If you prefer shorter nails, you can trim them down a bit by clipping them with nail clippers and filing them to the shape you prefer. They’re gorgeous as they are, but play around and find the length you like!
Step 4: Paint Your Nails
For this step, you’ll need your nail stand, UV lamp, nail color, top coat, and gorilla glue putty.
Take a very small amount of gorilla glue putty and apply it directly on top of one of the nail stands, then apply the nail directly onto it. Repeat the process until all ten nails are fixed to the nail stand.
Next, paint each nail with one thin coat. Place the nail stand into the UV lamp and select 60 seconds on top of the device. I run it for 2 60 second cycles each.
I use 2 coats of the OPI Bubble bath or whatever sheer pink I’m using because I prefer mine sheer, but add another coat if you need to.
Lastly, add a top coat. I cure the top coat 3 times for 60 seconds each.
If you’re painting your natural nails, apply a layer of the base coat first and cure for 60 seconds, then follow the steps above to the end. The Beetle top coat is “no wipe” so you do not need to finish by rubbing with alcohol!
Step 5: Remove Your Nails from the Stand
Your nails should easily come off the the gorilla glue putty. I actually reuse that same gorilla glue putty a few times. I just wad it into a ball and put it back into the package.
Step 6: Clean Up the Nails
Inspect each nail for little ridges or pieces of polish that may have cured with an edge or underneath the nail. I use the cuticle trimmers to remove larger pieces and a file for small bumps. There shouldn’t be much to do.
You can also shape up your natural nails after your polish is all applied and cured!
Step 7: Apply Your Clean Girl Nails!
Now for the fun part-apply your nails! If you prepped your nails at the beginning, you can apply them now, but if you didn’t, go ahead and do it now!
The glue from my list is applied with a brush. Paint a medium-thin layer to your nail, meaning you need it to be thick enough that your nail will adhere without any bubbles but not so thick the glue is coming all out from under the nail onto your finger. If you apply too thin, you’ll get air pockets, which put you at risk of moisture getting under your nails. You’ll also be able to see the air pockets will will drive you crazy. 🤪
Aftercare
Once your nails are on, you can still file them to get them to your perfect shape. Avoid getting them wet for at least an hour. It weakens the glue and also causes it to turn “white” under and around your nails.
Final Thoughts
I find that when I apply these well and don’t use them too roughly, they last 10 days-2 weeks. It takes a little bit of practice to get “faster” at it, but they’ll look amazing on your first try if you follow these steps.
The most important things to do are:
- Prep your nails correctly. Don’t file them down to where they’re damaged but make sure the glue will spread evenly and keep moisture and air out from under your nail
- Go about your daily business, but avoid using your nails as tools, just like you would your natural nails
- When removing your nails, note that they’ll come off easier after they’ve been on for several days. The glue naturally weakens as your nail grows out. If you try to remove them the day of application or within 2-3 days, you’re at a higher risk to tear your nail.
- The glue remover works best when you apply it and leave it for about 10 seconds. I apply it, wait 10 seconds, then try to gently wedge the cuticle pusher underneath the base of the nail (closest to cuticle). If it doesn’t immediately pop off, apply the nail glue remover under the nail where you’ve already lifted, then hold the nail down with the nail glue remover for a few seconds, then try again. For me, it usually pops right off!
I hope this post helps you learn to have beautiful, clean girl nails! They’ll look better everytime you do it and you’ll save hundreds of dollars and lots of time by doing them at home.
This post was about teaching you to do your own clean girl nails at home.
