From their humble drugstore beginnings, luxury press-on nails have evolved into a realm of their own. With proper nail preparation, application, and care, these gems can stand firm for up to two weeks.
While the occasional pop-off is an expected part of their charm, you can extend the lifespan of your press-on nails with these simple tips.
Trim and shape your natural nails: Shaping and keeping your natural nails slightly shorter than the press-on nails will give you a better fit and reduces the risk of catching or lifting.
Buff and remove excess dry skin: Dry skin around the nail and cuticles can increase the risk of press-on nails lifting prematurely. Only if you're comfortable doing so, take a moment to carefully and delicately remove any dry skin around your natural nails using a soft nail brush or a cuticle pusher. This creates a smooth canvas and provides a solid foundation for adhesion when applying the press-ons.
Prepare your natural nails before application: Start with clean, dry, and oil-free natural nails. Use nail polish remover or an alcohol wipe to get rid of any excess or residual oils that might affect the adhesion of the press-on nails, whether you're applying them with sticky tabs or liquid glue.
Buff your nails: Use a nail buffer to lightly remove the shiny surface from your natural nails. This will give your nail slight texture which will help the press-on nail to easily bond to your natural nail. Remember, gentle buffing is key. Overdoing it could flatten your natural nail bed and cause sensitivity, which is best to be avoided.
Choose the right adhesive: With every order, you get a complimentary application kit containing both adhesive tabs and liquid glue. How long your press-ons last for will depend greatly on your lifestyle. Keep in mind that liquid glue can last up to 2+ weeks, while adhesive tabs can last anywhere from 1 to 3 days.
Apply the adhesive carefully: If you opt for liquid glue, apply a dot in the middle of the nail and spread it evenly away from the cuticle area and edges of your natural nail. Apply more if needed, but be careful not to overdo it as it might overflow to your cuticle area which can be uncomfortable. Press the press-on nail gently but firmly for 5-10 seconds with light pressure all around the nail to seal it and remove any air bubbles. If you use adhesive tabs, you can apply the tab either to your natural nail or the press-on nail. Remove the protective cover and apply with gentle pressure to remove air bubbles. ⚠️ Remember to conduct a patch test before using either type of adhesive and avoid them if you experience an allergic reaction.
Avoid water for at least 1 hour after application (ideally 2 hours): After applying your press-on nails, refrain from exposing your hands to water for a minimum of 1 hour. This time will allow the liquid glue to set completely, maximizing the bond between your press-on nail and natural nails. If you've use adhesive tabs, know that water exposure weakens the adhesive.
Minimise water exposure: Prolonged water exposure, such as dishwashing, swimming in pools or beaches, can inevitably weaken the bond between your nails and press-ons. To extend your press-on nails' lifespan, consider wearing gloves for any water-involved tasks if you can.
Be gentle with your nails: Your press-on nails are a stylish accessory that should complement your lifestyle, not perform daily tasks. Refrain from using them as tools to open packages, pick or scratch surfaces or press buttons. Too much pressure on your nails will lead to premature pop-offs!
Address lifting nails: Press on nails are designed to eventually lift and pop off. That's just how they are in nature. The great thing is you can always reapply them. Be sure to follow proper removal and application techniques to avoid damaging your natural nails. If a press-on nail begins to lift, it's best to either remove and reapply it or remove it entirely. Lifting press-on nails can catch and tear off your natural nail, potentially causing damage. So it's best to remove and reapply when needed.
Use cuticle oil: Though it may sound counterintuitive after diligently removing excess oil, trust us on this. Regularly applying cuticle oil can actually help keep your nails moisturised and hydrated, preventing dry skin and reducing lifting.
Mind your activities: Activities that strain your nails, like typing, playing a musical instrument, or any manual activity involving your hands, increase the risk of damage or lifting of press-on nails. We recommend keeping your application kit nearby incase of emergency reapplication!
Do not pick off your press-on nails: As tempting as it may be, picking off your press-ons can damage your natural nail and weaken them. Always follow the proper removal techniques to preserve their strength and integrity for future applications.
Steer clear of acetone and nail glue remover: If you used peel-off base gel or polish, liquid nail glue, or glue tabs to apply your nails, avoid using nail glue remover or acetone-based removers to speed up the removal process. These types of nail removal products can and will destroy your press-on nails which means you won't be able to reuse them.
Practice proper hygiene: This goes without saying, but you should regularly clean and dry your nails to prevent debris, bacteria, or fungus buildup, which can lead to infections.
Avoid applying over damaged nails: While luxury press-on nails can shield your natural nails, refrain from applying them over damaged, weakened or infected nails. Doing so can exacerbate the existing condition. Prioritise the health and wellness of your natural nails before adorning them with press-ons.
Choose the right size: Accurate sizing is paramount when using press-on nails. Too large or too small press-ons can lead to discomfort or an unnatural look (yikes!), and they'll inevitably pop-off prematurely.
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