FAQs: Why Do My False Nails Keep Falling Off?

"Why do my false nails keep falling off?" We get that losing a falsie can be seriously annoying, especially when you don't know why it's happening. There are several reasons for false nails falling off, but most of the time, it comes down to bad prep and ignoring the instructions. Whoops! Fed up with your falsies fleeing the nest? Here are the biggest reasons why your false nails are falling off:

Why are my false nails falling off?

1. Insufficient Nail Prep

The key to making your false nails last is proper prep. If you skip this step, even the best adhesives can fail. Oils, dirt, and moisture can prevent the glue from bonding properly to your natural nails. To prevent your false nails from falling off:

• Wash and thoroughly dry your hands before application.
• Buff your nails to remove any shine.
• Wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove oils and residue.

As London nail artist Zoe Chen advises, “Proper prep is the difference between nails that last a weekend and nails that survive your entire holiday.”

2. Oily Nail Beds

If your nails are naturally oily, it can interfere with the adhesive's grip. This is a major reason why false nails keep falling off. Before applying, use nail varnish remover or rubbing alcohol (you can substitute for hand sanitiser) to clean your nails and remove excess oils.

3. Incorrect Nail Size

If your false nails are too big or too small, they won’t adhere properly and are more likely to fall off. Choose a size that fits snugly—without overlapping onto your skin or being so small that it doesn’t sit flush against your nail bed.

4. The Adhesive

The adhesive you use plays a crucial role in keeping false nails secure. That's why we provide strong hold nail glue and sticky tabs to give your nails maximum hold. You also need to make sure that when using nail glue, you have an even coverage across all of your nail bed so there are no gaps or air bubbles. 

5. The 45° Angle Trick

Applying your false nails at a 45° angle can help to spread the glue evenly across your nail and remove any air bubbles. All you need to do is hold the base of your falsie at a 45° angle against your cuticle before pushing it down onto your nail and holding it in place for 15 seconds. 

6. Exposure to Water and Heat

Exposing your nails to water, especially hot water, can weaken the adhesive bond and cause the nails to lift. Avoid water-related activities like washing dishes, swimming, or taking hot showers for at least an hour after applying false nails. You then want to make sure to wear gloves when washing up or using cleaning products and avoid submerging your nails in warm water for long periods of time.

7. Using Nails as Tools

Using false nails to open cans, peel labels, or perform other tasks can stress the adhesive and lead to premature lifting. Treat your false nails with care to ensure they stay put.

Ready for a fresh set? Shop our new-in false nails.