Application & Removal

Prep

A great nail application starts with great prep. Your press-ons will come with an application kit containing a cuticle pusher, buffer block, nail file, and alcohol cleaning pads. When your order arrives, you’re ready to rock a gorgeous set of nails!

  1. Your nails should be free of polish or glue. Skip lotions or oils before prep, those will prevent adhesion and cause lifting.

  2. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick. Remove any dead skin.

  3. Using a buffer block or a fine side of a nail file, gently buff your nails to remove the shine.

  4. Clean and dehydrate your nails very well with an alcohol pad. Get those edges too! This helps to remove dust and oils from your nail that interfere with adhesion and cause lifting. This step also cleans your nails and nail beds from bacteria. Don’t skip this step, trapping bacteria under your nails can lead to an infection and greenies. Ick!

    Don’t touch your natural nails after you’ve cleaned them, doing so will introduce oils to them.

  5. Clean your press-ons with a clean alcohol pad.

Now that your nails are clean and prepped, you’re ready to apply!

Choose the application method that’s right for you

You’ve. Got. Options. Babe! Your press-on order will come with sticky adhesive tabs and quick-drying glue so you’ve got everything you need to rock the look!

Short Term wear, 1-3 Days: Sticky Adhesive Tabs

Your press-on set will come with sticky adhesive tabs. This is a great option for short term wear to ensure you can remove your press-ons easily with no damage to your natural nails or the press-ons, making them truly reusable time and time again.  

  1. With clean, prepped nails, find the tab that fits each nail sidewall to sidewall.

  2. Leave the protective film on and remove the tab from the sheet. Stick the tab to your nail, pressing down firmly.

  3. Remove film from the tab, you might want some tweezers for this.

  4. Stick your press-on to your nail, rocking down from cuticle to tip and press down firmly for 15-20 seconds.

  5. Repeat for each nail and avoid water for a few hours after application.

Longer term wear, 7+ days: Application with Glue

Your press-on set will come with quick-drying glue. This is a great option if you want your look to last all week and into the weekend. Nails that have been well prepped and applied can last 2-3 weeks if you’re easy on your hands.

  1. With clean, prepped nails, apply a small amount of glue to both your natural nail and the inside of the press-on. Spread the glue out to cover the contact area. You want just enough glue to cover the contact area, not too much or it will squish out when you apply the nail.

  2. Line up your press-on with your natural nail so it’s not crooked, rock the press-on from cuticle to tip, press down firmly for 15-20 seconds.

  3. Repeat for each nail and avoid water for a few hours after application

Builder Gel or curable nail gel glue

DO NOT apply your press-ons with builder gel or any glue that needs to be cured with a UV/LED light. This application method is meant for applying clear tips before they are painted. The builder gel or curable nail glue needs proper exposure to the UV/LED light in order to fully cure. You can’t get proper curing with already painted press-ons which will lead to uncured product touching your nail. Exposure to uncured gel for extended periods can lead to contact dermatitis and developing a gel allergy. This is not something you want to mess with, don’t take a chance on this method with already painted press-ons.

Removal

Be gentle and patient when removing glued-on nails. It’s best to wait at least a week before removing glued-on nails, as removing them too soon can harm your natural nails. The glue’s hold on your natural nail will lessen the longer you’ve worn the press-ons. Avoid ripping or pulling off your glued press-ons to prevent damage to your natural nails.

  1. With a cuticle pusher, gently lift the edges of the nails.

  2. Soak your nails in warm, soapy water mixed with little bit of oil for 10 to 15 minutes.

  3. With a cuticle pusher, continue to carefully lift the edges of the nails.

  4. Continue this process until you can easily pop them off using a cuticle stick.

Alternatively, some brands make nail glue remover. I have had amazing results with the CurvLife nail glue remover pens. I’ve found them on Amazon. I’m not sponsored by this brand, I just love it!

File away any dried glue from the backside of your press-on. Investing in a nail drill may be a great option to help you file away any glue easily. These can be pretty affordable and come in handy if you’re a frequent press-on wearer.