Your Guide to Pretty Paws 🐾

A gorgeous set of nails deserves a great application! Taking a few extra minutes to properly prep your natural nails can make a big difference in how well your Bernie’s Barking Nails fit, feel and last.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about prepping, applying, caring for and safely removing your nails.

Before You Begin

Gather everything you’ll need before you start:

Provided:

Your Bernie’s Barking Nails set
Nail glue
Nail file/buffer
Cuticle pusher
Alcohol wipe or 70% isopropyl alcohol

Not Provided:

Nail dehydrator (optional, but recommended)
Cuticle remover, if desired

PRO TIP: Apply your nails when you know your hands can stay dry for several hours afterward. Evening application after your shower or bath and before you go to bed is a great option!

Step 1: Your Perfect Fit

Before opening the glue, match each artificial nail to your natural nails.

The nail should cover your natural nail from sidewall to sidewall without pressing into the surrounding skin.

It is better to have a slightly larger nail and gently file down the sides to fit than have a nail that is too small and doesn’t cover your natural nail.

Lay all 10 nails out in order before moving on. Once the glue comes out, you’ll be glad you did!

Step 2: Prep Your Natural Nails

Don’t skip this part! Proper prep is one of the biggest factors in getting longer-lasting wear.

1. Prep Your Cuticles

Apply cuticle remover if desired and gently push your cuticles back with a cuticle pusher. Remove any cuticle residue from the nail plate.

Avoid cutting or damaging the cuticle or surrounding skin.

2. Wash & Dry

Wash your hands to remove dust, debris and remaining cuticle product.

Dry your hands and nails completely before continuing.

3. Remove the Shine

Using a fine nail buffer, lightly buff the surface of each natural nail to remove the shine.

You only need to lightly roughen the surface — do not aggressively file or thin your natural nail.

Brush away any dust.

4. Remove Oils

Thoroughly wipe each nail with an alcohol pad or 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Allow your nails to air-dry completely.

For additional adhesion, you may apply a thin layer of nail dehydrator according to the product directions.

Once your nails are prepped, avoid touching the nail surface. Oils from your fingertips can transfer right back onto the nail.

Step 3: Apply Your Nails

Work on one nail at a time.

1. Apply the Glue

Apply a small amount of nail glue to your natural nail.

You want enough to create an even bond without flooding the cuticle or surrounding skin.

More glue does not mean longer wear. Too much can cause overflow, uneven adhesion and unwanted skin contact.

2. Position the Nail

Hold the artificial nail at a slight angle and position the base just above your cuticle.

Make sure it is straight and properly aligned before pressing it down.

3. Press & Hold

Gently lower the artificial nail onto your natural nail and apply firm, even pressure for 15–30 seconds, or according to the directions provided with your nail glue if you purchased something other than what was provided with your kit.

Try to avoid shifting the nail while the glue sets.

If excess glue appears around the edges, address it immediately according to your glue manufacturer's instructions.

Never intentionally apply nail glue to your skin.

Repeat until all 10 of your Pretty Paws are in place!

Step 4: Give Them Time To Bond

Your nails may feel secure immediately, but give that adhesive some uninterrupted bonding time.

For the first several hours after application:

Avoid soaking or submerging your hands in water.
Avoid lotions, oils and cuticle oils around the nails.
Avoid picking, prying or putting unnecessary pressure on the nails.

Whenever possible, applying your nails in the evening after you're finished showering, cleaning and doing dishes gives them plenty of undisturbed time to bond while you get your much-needed beauty rest.

Safe Removal

Please don't pop, pull, peel or pry your nails off!

Even if a nail feels loose, forcing it off can remove layers of your natural nail along with it.

Patience is your natural nails' best friend.

Gentle Soak Method

Start here when you'd like to preserve your artificial nails for possible reuse.

Fill a bowl with comfortably warm water and a little gentle hand soap.
You may add a small amount of cuticle, coconut or olive oil to help loosen the edges.
Soak your fingertips for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Check the edges for natural lifting.
If an edge has released, gently work around it with a wooden cuticle stick.

If the nail resists, STOP.

Soak again and give the adhesive more time to release. Never wedge, pry or force a nail away from your natural nail.

Depending on your adhesive and how securely the nails are attached, several rounds of soaking may be necessary.

Acetone Method

For stubborn adhesive, acetone may be necessary.

Please note: Acetone can damage or alter some artificial nails, finishes, embellishments and nail art. If preserving your Bernie’s Barking Nails for reuse is important to you, try the gentle soak method first.

Follow the safety and usage directions on your acetone product.

Generally, adhesive can be softened by placing acetone-soaked cotton over the nail and allowing it time to work. Once the adhesive has softened, gently remove the artificial nail and remaining glue without scraping or forcing it from the natural nail.

Wash your hands thoroughly afterward and moisturize your hands, nails and cuticles.

After Removal

Give those natural nails a little love!

Once all adhesive has been gently removed:

Wash and thoroughly dry your hands.
Gently smooth away loose adhesive if necessary.
Apply cuticle oil.
Follow with a moisturizing hand cream.

Take a moment to inspect your natural nails before applying another set.

If your natural nails feel tender or damaged, or you notice discoloration, irritation or another concerning change, give them time to recover before applying artificial nails again.

Your nails are artwork for your fingertips — treat them accordingly!

Wear time will vary from person to person depending on nail prep, natural nail chemistry, adhesive, lifestyle and how much water or stress your hands encounter.

To help extend your wear:

Wear gloves when cleaning, washing dishes or working with harsh chemicals.
Don't use your nails as tools to open cans, packages or containers.
Avoid prolonged soaking in water.
Don't pick at the edges if you notice lifting.
Keep lotions and oils away from the underside and edges of your nails while wearing them.

If a Nail Starts to Lift

Don't simply add glue underneath a partially lifted nail.

For the best result, safely remove the nail, clean away remaining adhesive, lightly prep the natural nail again and reapply.

Never force or glue a lifting nail back down. Moisture or debris may have become trapped underneath it.

We know it's tempting to keep a great set on as long as possible, but longer isn't always better!

Wear time varies based on your natural nails, prep, adhesive and lifestyle. As a general precaution, Bernie’s Barking Nails recommends removing your set after no more than 2–2½ weeks of continuous wear, even if your nails still feel securely attached.

Why? Moisture or debris can sometimes become trapped between the artificial nail and your natural nail — and it may not always be obvious from the outside.

Remove a nail sooner if you notice lifting, separation, unusual discoloration, odor, discomfort, redness, swelling or irritation. Do not re-glue over a problem area or cover a natural nail that looks unhealthy.

After removal, inspect your natural nails before applying another set. If anything looks or feels unusual, give your nails a break and seek professional medical advice if needed.

Depending on the design, condition and removal method, your Bernie’s Barking Nails may be reusable.

After removal, gently clean residual adhesive from the underside of each nail without damaging the artificial nail or design.

Make sure nails are completely clean and dry before storing them.

Keep them safely tucked away until you're ready for their next appearance!

My nails popped off quickly. What happened?

The most common culprits are moisture, oil or insufficient prep.

Before your next application, make sure you:

Remove all shine from the natural nail.
Clean thoroughly with alcohol.
Let the nail dry completely.
Avoid touching the prepared nail surface.
Use an appropriate amount of glue.
Apply firm, even pressure while the adhesive sets.
Keep your hands away from water and oils immediately afterward.

I'm getting bubbles under the nail.

This can happen when the glue isn't evenly distributed or air becomes trapped during application.

Try using a small, even amount of adhesive and lowering the nail into place from the cuticle area toward the tip rather than placing it completely flat all at once.

I got glue on my skin!

Do not pull bonded skin apart.

Follow the first-aid and removal directions provided by your nail-glue manufacturer. Acetone or warm, soapy water may be recommended for some cyanoacrylate adhesives.

If glue gets into your eyes or mouth, or you experience significant pain, burning or another concerning reaction, seek appropriate medical assistance immediately.

My natural nail looks unusual after removal.

Don't immediately cover it with another artificial nail.

If you notice persistent discoloration, pain, swelling, redness, irritation, odor or other concerning changes, discontinue artificial nail use and consult an appropriate healthcare professional.

Nail adhesive is strong stuff — that's why it works!

Always read and follow the instructions and warnings provided with your specific adhesive.

Keep nail glue away from your eyes, mouth and surrounding skin, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Do not use artificial nails or nail adhesive on injured, irritated, inflamed or infected nails or surrounding skin.

Stop use if you experience pain, burning, significant redness, swelling or irritation.

Each Bernie’s Barking Nails set is handmade and prepared with care. Nails, tools and work surfaces are handled using clean practices, and finished sets are inspected and cleaned prior to packaging.

Bernie’s Barking Nails provides application, wear, care and removal information as general guidance only. Individual results and wear time will vary based on factors including natural nail condition, preparation, adhesive used, application technique, lifestyle and aftercare.

The purchaser is responsible for properly preparing, applying, wearing and removing their artificial nails and for following all instructions and safety warnings provided with any adhesive, acetone, remover, dehydrator or other product used. Always follow the manufacturer's directions when they differ from the general guidance provided by Bernie’s Barking Nails.

Artificial nails, adhesives and other nail products may cause irritation, allergic reactions or damage and may not be appropriate for every individual. Do not apply artificial nails over injured, irritated, inflamed, infected or otherwise unhealthy nails or surrounding skin. Discontinue use if pain, burning, persistent redness, swelling, irritation, unusual discoloration or other concerning changes occur.

Bernie’s Barking Nails is not responsible for damage to the natural nail or surrounding skin resulting from improper application or removal, extended wear, failure to follow provided instructions or product warnings, use of third-party products, allergic or individual reactions, or misuse of the artificial nails or related products.

By applying and wearing Bernie’s Barking Nails, the purchaser acknowledges responsibility for following appropriate application, wear, care and removal practices.

These instructions are not medical advice. If you have concerns about the health or condition of your natural nails or surrounding skin, discontinue use and consult an appropriate healthcare professional.