One of the biggest questions I get asked is how to make press on nails last longer. Press on nails are so easy and convenient and I love how you can mix and match them with your different looks. But, OMG I used to struggle with how to get them to stay on longer! What I learned is that it’s all in the application.
The one thing that used to drive me insane was not being able to keep them on long without one popping off while doing something like digging into my purse. I’ll show you below, the steps I still use to keep my press on nails on for a good amount of time. I can usually wear them for about 3 weeks. Trial and error is really how I figured out what worked best for me. Hopefully, if you try the steps below, you too can enjoy wearing your press on nails for waaaay longer!
By the way, I’m excited to hear from you guys so if you ever have any questions, don’t be shy 🤗 comment below or send me a message… I’m here to help!
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*If you’re using cuticle oils, which I recommend by the way, make sure you apply the oil after you have applied your press on nails, not before.
This post is about how to make press on nails last longer.
- PUSH BACK CUTICLES
I start by gently using my cuticle pusher to push back my cuticles. This helps the press on nail to be positioned correctly on the natural nail and it helps them to look more natural.
- FILE
File the edges of your natural nails, making sure they are all the same length. You don’t want part of your natural nail sticking out from the side of the press on nail. Then buff the top to remove the shine on your natural nail. You want your natural nail to appear rough on the entire surface. This gives your press on nails the best chance to adhere to your natural nail.
- DEHYDRATE
Wipe each of your natural nails with rubbing alcohol, then let them dry.
- GLUE
Place nail glue on your natural nail and the press on nail. If you’re using the dropper bottle then squeeze maybe two small dots of glue on the natural nail and two small drops on the press on nail. If you’re using the brush on bottle then brush two coats of glue across the entire natural nail and do the same for the press on nail.
Although most people will only use “nail glue”, however when I wear my press on nails I always use Krazy glue and specifically the brush on bottle. When it’s time to remove my nails I just soak them in hot water for about 15-20 minutes and they just come right off. This has been my process for a long time and it works every time for me with no damage to my natural nail. The only time I would use nail glue is if I know that I only want to wear them for a very short period of time, life for a certain event, trip, etc.
- APPLY
Now apply your press on nail as close to the cuticle edge as possible and hold in place for 15 seconds. Use just enough glue so that it’s not oozing from the sides of the nail.
Make sure to not move the nail around on the nail bed after you have applied the glue. If this happens, in my opinion, you should start over. Let the glue dry, file and buff your nails to get rid of the excess glue, then begin at step 4 again. This is recommended because you most likely will have air bubbles from moving the nail around. If there are air bubbles then the press on nail will not adhere to the natural nail properly. It will appear to have adhered but underneath the surface, there is an air bubble and it will loosen the press on nail from the natural nail little by little and then in a couple of days the nail will pop off.
Also important is to make sure to avoid water as much as humanly possible while still maintaining good hygiene 🥴. The reason is that the glue is not a fan of water. You can try rubber gloves and/or hand sanitizer when it makes sense. For instance, if you wash your dishes by hand you can use rubber gloves instead of having your bare hands in the water. Keeping this in mind, you will notice you are able to keep your press on nails much longer.
That’s it guys add some cuticle oil to your cuticles and you’re good to go!
This post is about how to make press on nails last longer.