Expensive professional manicures are out, and budget-friendly, creative press-on nails are in! You can achieve nail salon artistry from the comfort of your home with a great set of press-on nails. With the right application method, they can even last just as long. In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply press-on nails flawlessly for a seamless look and longer wear times.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Everything you’ll need to apply your press-on nails should come in the kit you purchase, but in case it doesn’t, here’s what you should have on hand:
- Press-on nails in enough sizes to fit every finger
- Nail glue
- Nail file or buffer
- Alcohol prep pad
- Cuticle stick
Optional:
- Nail polish remover
- Cuticle remover or clippers
- Cotton pads
- Rubbing alcohol 70%-90%
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Press-On Nails
Applying your press-on nails is as easy as brushing on some glue and pressing them down, but we do have a step-by-step guide that’ll ensure a cleaner process and better results. Let’s dive into how to apply your press-on nails!
Step 1: Start with nail prep
The better you prep your nails and cuticles before applying your press-ons, the better your nails will look! Take your time to remove old nail polish and apply a cuticle remover if you wish.
That said, avoid soaking your nails for at least a few hours before applying press-ons. Water can sink into the nails and cause them to swell, compromising the glue seal.
Step 2: Push back your cuticles
Using a cuticle stick, carefully push your cuticles down towards the base of the nail bed. Do so gently to avoid damaging the surrounding skin.
Pro tip: Know the difference between the cuticle, which is largely made of dead skin, and the eponychium, which is the thickened layer of skin at the base of the nail. Avoid damaging the eponychium when pushing the cuticle back towards it.
Step 3: Buff and file the nail bed
Using the nail file and a back-and-forth motion, gently buff the surface of your nails. Buff just enough to remove the shine from your nails, using minimal pressure to avoid damaging the nail bed.
You can also take this opportunity to file down your nails. Your natural nails should be fairly short, without a free edge growing past your fingers.
Step 4: Clean and dehydrate your nails
Wipe your nails down with the alcohol pad. The alcohol will clean your nails of oils, debris, and excess moisture, leaving the surface dehydrated. If you don’t have a pre-soaked pad, you can soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and use that to wipe your nails instead.
Step 5: Select the right nail sizes
Measure the size of your press-on nails against your natural nails to select the best size for each finger. It’s much easier to do before you start your application. Set the press-on nails aside in the order in which you’ll be applying them.
To measure, hold the press-ons over your natural nails until you find the right fit. The press-ons should hug your natural nail seamlessly without feeling tight or extending past your nail bed.
If you can’t find a perfect fit for one of your nails, file down the sides of any press-on that’s a little too large.
Step 6: Apply glue
Starting with your first finger (ideally, the little finger on your less dominant hand), brush a thin layer of glue over your natural nail. Be careful to avoid getting any glue on the skin surrounding your nails. Brush a little more glue on the inner side of your press-on nail.
Step 7: Apply your press-on nails
Line the bottom of your press-on nail with the base of your nail bed, holding the press-on at a 45-degree angle. Then, press it down against your nail firmly. Hold it in place for around 20 seconds. You can rock your finger back and forth a little to make sure there’s complete adhesion without any air bubbles.
Step 8: Alternate hands as you apply
Continue applying your nails. We recommend working your way from your pinky finger to the thumb, applying one nail at a time to alternating hands. This will ensure that your pointer finger and thumb are the last nails you need to apply the press-on nails to.
Step 9: Wait
Finally, give your press-on adhesive at least 2 hours to dry before letting your hands get wet. Try to avoid using your hands aggressively, and be careful not to bump your nails against anything. For best results, we recommend putting on your press-on nails before bedtime so you can let the glue set overnight.
Do’s and Don’ts When Applying Press-On Nails
There are some key differences between applying press-on nails and a more traditional manicure, so pay attention and make sure to follow these do’s and don’ts.
FAQs
How do I remove my press-on nails?
To remove your press-ons, soak your fingers for 15-20 minutes in a small bowl filled with warm water, a little bit of dish soap, and a skin-safe oil of your choice. The mixture will break down the adhesive and press-on nails will pop off easily. Then, carefully file away any glue remaining on your nails.
How do you apply press-on nails to stay?
There are a few tricks to getting your press-on nails to stay. They include ensuring that your nails are dry and buffed before the application, applying glue to both your nails and the press-ons, and avoiding bumping your nails or getting your hands wet in the first few hours after application. Follow our complete instructions above to make sure your press-ons last.
Do press-on nails need glue?
Yes, most press-on nails need glue. All Lilac St. Press-On nails come with a full kit that includes a brush-on adhesive. Some press-on nails also have the adhesive pre-applied, and others may come with adhesive tabs.
How do I file press-on nails to fit?
Filing your press-on nails for a better fit is similar to filing your natural nails. Work your way around the perimeter of the nails, filing a little from each side, and check against your natural nails continuously until you achieve a good fit.
Nailing It!
By now, you should have a clear idea of how to apply your press-on nails to make sure they look great and stick around for as long as possible. We’ve also created a quick press-on nail how-to guide you can review when you’re in a rush, specifically for our Lilac St. Press-On Nails.
If you’re still searching for nail designs that speak to your soul, don’t forget to browse our press-on nail collection. Developed by nail artists, they’ll give you a stunning, durable manicure in just 10 minutes for 10 days of wear.
