I’ll admit it: I’m obsessed with my nails. They’re my favorite accessory, as well as my pride and joy, and I enjoy taking care of them.

But, there are many girls out there who don’t feel the same, whether they want long natural nails but can’t grow them out, or just don’t share my passion for the DIY manicure.

Fortunately, this is where nail enhancements come in handy!

Acrylic and gel nails have gotten a bad rep in the past from natural nail fans, but when done properly, false nails can totally transform your look without harming your natural nails. Keep these three tips in mind, and you won’t go wrong!

Table of Contents

1. Do a Test Run with DIY Falsies

If you’re like me, you probably cringe at the thought of gluing on some cheap plastic nails from a drugstore, but fake nail companies have come a long way in the past few years! Today, there are sizes and styles available for every nail shape, and the best part is: they’re inexpensive.

For a great natural-looking false nail, I recommend Nailene So Natural nails. They are a great french style that you can even paint over.

Once you have your false nails, follow the instructions carefully and always shape the nails to fit you perfectly. These nails are only made to wear for a few days at a time, but they will let you get a feel for what a full set of artificial nails will feel like.

2. Do Your Research

There is a false belief that the acrylic and gel used in nail enhancements somehow harms your natural nails. In reality, this is not true. The damage actually comes from unskilled nail technicians using drills to file your nails down. This results in severely damaged nails that take months to grow out (if you’re lucky). If the technician drills too far they could damage your nail bed, and those damages could be permanent.