Shorten And Shape Them
Now that your nails are on , if the length is too long for your liking, simply file down the press-ons to your desired length. Filing and contouring the sides of the nails will give a more natural and streamlined look, Edwards says. She recommends always using your file at an angle underneath the nail and never directly on top of the press-on because you may end up filing off the colour or design. And if youre tempted to cut them at all with nail clippers, dont! It can damage and crack the nail.
Step #: Apply Your Glue
Using the nail glue that comes with the packaging, apply a small dot at the tip of your natural nail and just below the cuticle. Remember, you only need to use a tiny bit of glue. Using too much glue can ruin your press-on nails and shorten the life of your manicure.
Editors note: If youre not a fan of using nail glue, there is another option. Press-on adhesive strips! Most press-on kits come equipped with nail glue and adhesive strips, so you can choose whats best for you. Make sure to follow the instructions listed on the packaging for your desired results. Keep in mind, press-on nails typically last longer with glue.
How Long Do They Last
Again, this comes down to the quality of press-ons you purchase, but Frank says that a good application can last up to two weeks with proper care. If the nails themselves are durable, you can reuse them too, she says. My rule of thumb is: More glue equals longer wear. The cool part about press-ons is that you actually can wear them for very short periods of time too! Just look at Beyonce’s 2018 Coachella performance. There’s no salon backstage, Frank says. She just switched out her press-ons! So, whether you want flashy nails just for the weekend or youre hoping for a longer-lasting mani, press-ons might just be the answer to your prayers, especially those that come with adhesive tabs .
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Wash Hands And Push Back Cuticles
You can use a standard wood cuticle stick, or a .
Its important to work with freshly washed hands, because unlike a traditional manicure, you dont want to apply any oils or lotions to your nails prior to application. Doing so will make the nail surface too slippery for the glue to properly adhere.
File And Prep Your Nails
Prepping your nails for press-ons doesnt differ much from what you would do for a regular polish mani. Pushing back your cuticles, cutting your nails down and giving them a gentle buff to create a rough surface so that the glue can bond well is recommended for a better hold, says Andrews. You also want to get your nails as clean as possible. Edwards advises washing your hands before getting started and swiping an acetone-based remover over your nail beds to get an extra-clean surface, which will help with adherence.
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How You Remove Press
While press-on nails are less likely to leave your nails damaged, when compared to gels or acrylics, it’s still important that you’re gentle when you take them off.
What not to do? If a fake nail has one side coming loose, don’t tear it off. “Never ever pull of a nail tip,” says Edwards. “This will surely damage the nails.”
Instead, soak your nails in an acetone-based nail solution with baby oil. Edwards swears by a mess-free kit like KISS Quick Soak Off Removal System. It includes soak-off caps and nail-shaped pads. “Just add baby oil, which helps lift product off the nail and prevents dry skin, she says”
Now that you know what to do and what not to do when applying fake nails, keep scrolling for the best press-on nail kits to buy.
Spring 2020 Nail Trends To Try
One of the golden rules of nail art is to have fun, and press-ons are no different. There are *so* many options now, from nude to OTT glitter to intricate designs, that you truly are spoiled for choice. If you want to hit on a spring trend with your next application, Edwards is all about light peach and terracotta hues right now, and Andrews is obsessed with pastels and metallics. Both call-out the double French manicuretwo stripes of colour on the tipas the nail art style du jour. Just remember: Anything goes. Try something fresh, like a nail colour or design that is new to your style and step outside your comfort level, says Edwards.
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Static Nails French 75 Pop
In case you haven’t heard, the French manicure is back. And this press-on nail set makes it effortless to get even white tips. The kit comes with 24 reusable nails in 12 sizes per hand. Even better: They can be reshaped and painted if you want to customize your French further. Rainbow tips anyone?
To buy: $16; Nordstrom.com.
How To Prep And Apply Press On Nails In 5 Easy Steps
How to prep and apply press on nails in 5 easy steps. With this tutorial you’ll find out how to easy it is to prep and apply your press on nails in just five simple steps. We’ll guide you step by step to help avoid any confusion or mistakes when it comes to applying your press on nails.
Watch our youtube video if you prefer to watch this tutorial instead of reading it.
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Always Start With Clean Nails
As with any surface that you put an adhesive on, your nails need to be polish-, oil-, and dirt-free to ensure your press on set lasts. After removing any traces of nail polish with polish remover or acetone, be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water thoroughly. Also, use an alcohol pad to remove any excess oil present on your nail beds.
Pro Tip: Gently buff the surface of your nail for an extra-smooth surface your press-on can actually stick to.
Mika Robinson.
Put Down The Polish: Here’s How To Apply Press
We don’t have to tell you that a polished, chip-free set of nails can instantly lift your whole mood. Just because you cant get to your nail artist at the moment doesnt mean you have to sacrifice a flawless manior even attempt to paint your own nails. Press-on nails can expertly take the place of a fresh coat of polish, and theyre easier to glue-on than you might think. We asked celebrity nail artist and KISS brand ambassador Gina Edwards to find out the dos and donts of applying press-on nails like a professional.
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Getting Your Nails Ready
Swipe The Nail Surface With Alcohol Or A Nail Dehydrator
This isnt a mandatory step, but its something I do and have noticed it helps my fake nails last longer.
Alcohol or a dehydrator will help remove any leftover oils or residue on your nails, and itll create the optimal clean surface for the press-on. I swear by these cotton pads from Amazon. Theyre the BEST.
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Optional Step: File The Press
Think your press-on nails look a bit too long? This step is totally optional, but you can always file them downjust like you would your regular nails. The only difference is you might need to use a nail file with a higher grit. Not only can you shorten the nails if needed, but you can also change the nail shape if you prefer something different. Alternatively, you can buy press-ons that have your perfect shape and length to begin with; that way you can skip the extra step.
Where Can You Buy Glue
There are many press-on nail manufacturers on the market. Some of the most common brands you will find at your local Target, Walmart, and CVS are Kiss Nails and imPRESS. Static Nails are a slightly more expensive option and are sold online.
My personal favorites are by Kiss Nails and a newer player Ardell Professional Nail Addict nails I find that they last much longer and do not show wear and tear nearly as much as imPRESS nails do. ImPRESS nails, however, might be an easier option to start with if youre just learning and looking for something mess-free. These come with adhesive strips already on the nails, so no additional glue application is required.
Press-on nails come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and designs making it easy to mix it up a bit. You can even get clear press-on nails and apply your favorite color and design yourself.
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Soak In Warm Soapy Water
Glues dont like water. Therefore, soaking your nails in warm soapy water can help to remove the press on nails without harming your natural nails. Place some detergent in warm water and shake to form a lather. Allow it to soak for up to 20 minutes or as long as required.;
Press-on nails are reusable, which makes them a super saver. If you plan to reuse your press-on nails, make sure you separate them from the unused ones in the kit. You can now join the artistic nail trend on Instagram without having to bore a hole in your pocket.
Which Press On Nails Are The Best
I have 2 brands that I LOVE out of all the ones Ive tested. One is the Kiss Nails brand. You can find these all over drugstores and places like Target, Walmart and Ulta. They are everywhere. This brand also makes a type called Impress Nails but those ones are not my favorite. The Impress ones tend to pop up easier due to the adhesive and my hair gets stuck underneath a lot which I dont love.;
When I get Kiss Nails, I specifically get the ones without adhesive on them. They adhere to my nail better and lay flush to my nail bed which creates a more natural look and in my experience, lasts longer.
Another brand that I swear by is Static Nails. These ones are a little pricier than the Kiss Nails but I find they are a bit longer lasting. They also claim they can be re-worn if popped off correctly. I havenât tried that yet but I will update this when I do! They have an amazing color selection and look so natural! PS: I reached out to them and they offered me an affiliate code! âJENLOPEZ10â will get you a discount on their site!
For both press on nail brands, I go for the square shaped, shorter nails. Both Kiss and Static Nails have other options like oval, coffin, or almond nails but I typically prefer the shortest possible. But its good to know there is something for everyone.
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How To Reuse Press
Another great thing about press-on nails is that you can reuse them. I would recommend using the cuticle oil or non-acetone nail polish remover when you take them off if you plan to reuse, however, as acetone will eat away at the acrylic.
Its also important to note that kits normally come with 20+ different nails. That means that even if you used half of the box, you can keep the rest of the nails to mix and match with other sets in the future.;
How To Apply Fake Nails Like A Nail Artist
Since weve been spending so much time at home over the past few months, Ive stayed busy by testing out new skincare treatments, brushing up on my , redecorating my apartment, experimenting with streaming workouts, and I even learned how to apply fake nails like a pro.
Truthfully, prior to quarantine, I hadnt done my own nails in YEARS. Ive been loyal to the same manicurist since 2013 and would go see her once a month, every single month, without fail. I never missed a single appointment!
So when nail salons were forced to close, I had no choice but to figure out another solution.
I tried an at-home dip powder manicure, and although I loved the way it looked, it took WAY too long and really only lasted for a week or two.
Eventually I started doing some research on the best fake nails after hearing from several people who swore by them. I was initially skeptical, because Id never tried any kind of press-on or glue-on option before. I also assumed that I was way too rough on my nails and theyd pop off after a day or two.
But let me be the first to tell you: I WAS WRONG. And I honestly cant believe I had been sleeping on press-on nails for so long.
After my research and a lot of testing, I actually found the best fake nails from Target by a brand called Clutch Nails.
Heres what appealed to me the most about Clutch Nails in particular
- theyre affordable
- $9.99 for a set of 24 nails w/glue and a file, which is a great deal
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Cleanse And Prep Your Nails
We know you’re eager to get those fake nails on as soon as you’ve got them out of the box, we cant blame you. But making sure to prep your nails before you start any application is extremely important.
If you want to make sure your nails last longer and fit properly to your nails, you should follow these steps for nail prep.
Once youve selected the right nails for your hands and have executed the proper nail prep steps, youre ready to add some glue.
Why I Love Press
If you cant grow your nails or if, like me, you want to elongate short stubby fingers with uneven nails, the imPRESS press-on manis are the most affordable and easiest way to experiment with fake nails. They come in a wide variety of lengths, patterns, and shapes, so you can pick whatever looks the most natural on you.
I honestly didnt think the imPRESS press-on manicures would work for me because my fingers are crooked and fake nails have never, ever worked for me before, but the almond-shaped pre-glued nails I tried were a perfect fit. I really loved Next Wave* , though;Symphony* wasnt a big hit due to the square shape that doesnt flatter my hands.
My biggest worry was that I wouldnt be able to figure out how to apply them, but I promise you, it could not be easier. The glue tabs are completely mess-free and foolproof, and I say that as someone who is more accident-prone than most. The patented SuperHold adhesive worked like a charm, but it was still easy to remove without damaging my natural nails when the time came. Once you figure out how to apply press-on nails for the first time, youll never want to go back to your natural nails.;
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How To Take Care Of Your Nails Between Press
Weve all heard the myth that you need to give your nails a break in-between polishes or press-on applications so they can repair and breathe, but Boyce says that old wives tale is not entirely true. Taking breaks in between press-ons are not necessary, as long as you are gentle when removing them, she shares. In fact, using press-on nails the right way may even have a positive effect on nail health. If you already have weaker nails that tend to break more often, using a press-on nail well acts like a barrier and protects your natural nails from cracking and breaking, she adds.
