There's no reason your fake nails have to look fake. Acrylic nails can be applied and shaped to appear as beautiful and natural as actual nails, saving you the trouble of having to wait for your own nails to grow out. With basic tools and a few key tips, apply acrylic nails yourself and avoid having to pay a manicurist.

Prepare your nails by cleaning them with a nail brush and removing any existing polish with acetone. Trim your nails back to the skin.

Apply a line of nail glue to each acrylic nail from the bottom to the top edge. Press the acrylic nails onto your existing nails.

Trim each acrylic nail down to the desired length and file with an emery board to achieve a natural shape.

Dip the acrylic brush into a dish of liquid acrylic. Lightly press the wet brush into a small amount of acrylic powder.

Brush the mixture onto the edges of your natural nails quickly to fill in any gaps. Smooth out the acrylic as you go.

Allow the acrylic to dry for at least 10 minutes, then shape the nails. Achieve your desired final look with an emery board and filing block.

Apply moisturizing oil to the cuticle of each fingernail to fight away dryness the application of acrylic may cause.