Let’s recall your oolala moment turning into meh! You were all set, flaunting your done-for-you press-on nails without getting into the hassle of long salon sesh. All looked dreamy until you noticed one of them lifting up. We need to be honest – There’s nothing as annoying as seeing a press-on nail spoiling your nail game.
Besides being trendy, convenient, and time-saving,press-on nails can often ditch you after a day or two. Hold on! We have some good news – our top 5 expert tips to make them last longer.
Yes, these simple hacks will allow you to flex your best fake nails longer than anyone else.
Make Your Press-Ons Stay Longer: 5 Tips Not to Miss
Try these tips to make the best out of your salon-like manicure.
1. Start with Clean, Prepped Nails
Getting your nails ready is the most important step if you want the press-on to stick around. Here's how to prep like a pro:
- Remove any polish or oils: Wipe your nails clean with a non-acetone remover to make sure there’s no leftover residue.
- Push back the cuticles: This step gives you more nail surfaces to work with and prevents the edges from lifting.
- Buff your nails lightly: Gently buffing gets rid of shine, giving the glue or adhesive a better surface to stick to.
- Clean with alcohol: Swipe an alcohol pad over each nail to remove any lingering oils. This creates the perfect clean base for your press-ons.
Skipping these steps is like trying to stick tape on a greasy surface—it just won’t work.
2. Pick the Right Size and Shape
Press-on nails and one-size-fits-all do not complement each other. Before you start gluing, make sure each nail fits perfectly. If the press-on is too big, gently file the edges to customize the fit.
Choosing the right shape and length also matters. If you use your hands a lot during the day, shorter nails are less likely to snag or pop off. On the contrary, long, dramatic nails look amazing but require a bit more care to keep them intact.
3. Use the Best Adhesive Method for You
The adhesive plays a major part. It can either make or break your manicure. Follow these instructions to apply the adhesive like a pro.
Glue
- Apply glue to your nails and your press-on nails.
- Avoid overdoing it to prevent air bubbles.
Adhesive tabs
- These are great if you’re looking for a temporary option.
- Press them firmly onto your nail and smooth out any wrinkles before applying your press-on.
Pro Tip: Some people even combine glue and tabs for extra strength. But learn that this might make removal a little trickier.
4. Press and Hold for the Win
Once you've applied the press-on nail, press it firmly for 30 seconds. Focus on the edges and the cuticle area to ensure everything is sealed. This step is key to avoiding gaps that can lead to lifting later on.
Also, try to avoid water or heavy use of your hands for at least an hour after application. This gives the adhesive time to fully set.
5. Take Care of Your Press-Ons
Your press-on nails also need a little TLC to stay flawless, just like all of us.
So follow these tips to enjoy them being tip-top.
Avoid soaking your hands in water: Do you wash dishes regularly? Wear gloves to protect your nails because water contact spoils them.
Your Nails Aren’t Tools: Stop using your nails for scraping. Opening packages with your nails can be disastrous.
And if you still notice one of them lifting after the mentioned care protocol– DON’T PANIC! A tiny dab of glue can save the day and keep your nails looking fresh.
Final Thoughts
Want to dazzle with your glammed nails for some extra time? Well, you must because your new manicure deserves a spotlight, and so do you. But to make them last longer, you need to go the extra mile by trying all these tips.
Simple steps like preparing your nails, the right amount of glue, and others listed above can extend the press-on stay time.
Happy pressing!