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Press-on nails are a fantastic alternative to salon manicures, saving you time, money, and avoiding potential UV damage from curing lamps. With the right technique, you can achieve a professional-looking manicure at home. Handmade press-on nails, in particular, are the ideal choice for that salon-grade manicure due to their superior quality and custom designs.

As someone who has been wearing press-ons for the past eight years—through most of my adult life—I’ve gone from buying press-ons to ultimately creating my own. I want to share how I personally apply my press-ons to make them last as long as I want them to (from days to weeks!) and some of my personal tips. Follow these steps to apply your press-on nails like a pro!

Prepping Your Nails and Press-Ons

1. Choose the Right Size

Ensuring your press-ons fit your natural nails perfectly is crucial for a long-lasting manicure. Press-ons that are too large can overlap your skin and cause lifting, while those that are too small may not fully cover your natural nails, leading to them popping off prematurely. If you’re in between sizes, I recommend choosing the slightly larger size. This way, you can customise your press-ons by trimming and filing your press-ons to achieve the perfect fit and curvature. 

2. Clean and Prep Your Nails

Start by pushing your cuticles back with a cuticle stick and washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt and oils. Dry your hands completely, as moisture can prevent the glue from adhering properly. Next, gently buff the surface of your nails to remove the natural shine and create a slightly rough texture, which helps the glue bond better. Using alcohol wipes, clean each nail to remove any remaining oils or residue. This step ensures a clean, oil-free surface for optimal adhesion of the press-ons. 

Applying Your Press-On Nails: Glue and Press

3. Glue, Align, Press

Start by selecting your preferred adhesive. You can choose between nail glue, which can last up to three weeks if applied correctly, and adhesive tabs, which typically last about five days. Nail glue provides a stronger and more durable hold, whereas adhesive tabs are suitable for short-term wear. 

Apply one drop of glue to your natural nail and one drop to the back of the press-on nail. Align the press-on with your cuticle, positioning it right at the edge. Lay it down at a 45-degree angle, pressing from the cuticle to the tip. This technique helps avoid air bubbles. Press firmly for 30 seconds to set the glue.

Tip: When pressing the nails, use just your fingertip and avoid pressing down with your entire finger pad. This helps prevent excess glue from sticking to your skin, which can be both uncomfortable and difficult to remove once dried (I learned this the hard way when I first started).

4. Perfect the Shape (Optional)

Don’t be afraid to customize your press-ons for a personal look! Once all the nails are applied, you can shape them to your desired length and style. Using a nail file, smooth out any rough edges and customize the shape for a natural and polished finish.

Pro Tips to Make Your Press-Ons Last Longer

1. Avoid Water: 
   Try to avoid getting your nails wet for at least an hour after application to ensure the glue sets properly. This helps to strengthen the bond between your natural nail and the press-on.
2. Use Cuticle Oil:
   

   Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated. This can help maintain the longevity of your press-ons by preventing the nails from becoming dry and brittle.

3. Reapply Glue as Needed:
   If you notice any lifting or loosening of the press-ons, apply a small amount of glue to secure them back in place. This can extend the wear time and keep your manicure looking fresh.