When it comes to applying press on nails, there are a number of ways to do it. It all boils down to what suits your lifestyle, your schedule and what you personally prefer.
From using glue tabs and liquid glue to gel and acrylic, let's go through each of the different ways you can apply press on nails. Plus, some aftercare tips and removal steps too.
Important: Always follow the instructions on your nail products, and if you notice any allergies, stop using them and have a chat with your doctor. Safety first!
The longevity of press on nails applied with a peel-off base gel can vary based on factors such as the quality of the products used, your daily activities, and how well you care for them.
Glue tabs
Level: Beginner
Reusable: Yes
Application longevity: 1 to 3 days
Application time: 10 to 15 minutes
What you'll need: Adhesive tabs, application kit
How to apply
Start with clean and dry nails.
Optional: Push back and remove your cuticles if you're comfortable doing so.
Peel off the backing of the glue tab sheet.
Peel off a glue tab of the same size as the press on nail you're applying.
Apply the glue tab to the back of the press on nail or your natural nail, pressing firmly to remove any air pockets.
Peel off the protective film from the glue tab to reveal the adhesive surface.
Align the press on nail with your natural nail.
Starting from the cuticle area, slowly press toward the tip of the nail.
Apply firm pressure for a few seconds to secure the bond.
Repeat steps 4 to 9 for each nail.
Removal
Apply rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitiser around the nails and wait for 30 seconds. This will help loosen the adhesive bond. Alternatively, you can soak your hands in warm soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Gently rock the nails from side to side, applying more sanitizer or soaking as needed if they prove to be stubborn. You can also wedge an orange stick between your nail and the press on nail and apply light force.
Once the press on nails have completely popped off, buff your natural nail and the press on nail to remove any remnants of the glue tab.
Liquid glue
Level: Beginner
Reusable: Yes
Application longevity: Approximately 1 to 3+ weeks
Application time: 10 to 30 minutes
What you'll need: Liquid nail glue, application kit
How to apply
Start with clean, dry, and product-free nails. Optional: Push back your cuticles if you're comfortable doing so.
Use the nail buff block to lightly buff away the shine on your natural nails.
Brush away any excess debris from your natural nails.
Wipe away any debris and oil from your natural nails using the alcohol wipes.
Squeeze a small amount of liquid nail glue directly onto your natural nail, avoiding the cuticle area.
Squeeze a small amount of liquid glue onto the back of the press on nail.
Align the press on nail with your natural nail and slowly lower it at a 45-degree angle, starting from the cuticle area.
Apply slight pressure and hold firmly in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to bond.
Apply gentle pressure around the nail to allow any air bubbles to escape.
If excess glue seeps out from the sides, use an alcohol wipe or cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean it up.
If needed, shape and trim the nails using a nail file, especially if you're in between sizes.
Allow the glue to dry and set completely for a few hours. During this time, it's important to avoid getting your hands wet or using any oils or lotions.
Removal
Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water and soak your fingertips in it for 10-20 minutes.
Use an orange stick to gently pry the press on nail away from your natural nail by starting from one side and working your way around the nail. Be patient and avoid using too much force. If the nail is stubborn, give it another soak.
Once the press on nails have popped off, use a nail buffing block to gently remove any remaining glue from your natural nails and the back of the press on nails.
After buffing, moisturise your hands.
Gel
Level: Advanced
Reusable: No
Application longevity: Approximately 3 to 4+ weeks
Application time: 30 to 45 minutes
What you'll need: LED lamp, gel base or builder gel, and application kit
How to apply
Clean and prepare your natural nails, including pushing back the cuticles (if you're comfortable doing so) and buffing away the shine on the surface.
Apply the gel base to the back of the press on nail. Then, align the press on nail with your natural nail and slowly lower it onto your natural nail at a 45-degree angle, starting at the cuticle area. Press it firmly from the cuticle area to the tip of the nail.
Cure the gel according to the manufacturer's recommended time for curing.
Shape and trim the nail if needed.
Removal
Cut down the length of your press on nail and file the surface to remove the shine.
Fill a finger bowl (or a small bowl if you don't have one) with an acetone-based nail polish remover.
Soak your fingertips in the bowl for 10-20 minutes.
Gently scrape off the softened press on nail using a cuticle pusher. If it's proving to be stubborn, give it another soak.
Once all the press on nail and gel have peeled off, remove any remaining residue from your natural nails.
Trim and file your natural nails to shape if needed.
Moisturise your nails and cuticles.
Use cotton or a paper towel to soak up the remaining acetone and discard it in the bin.
Acrylic powder
Level: Pro
Reusable: No
Application longevity: Can last up to 2+ weeks
Application time: 30 minutes to an hour
What you'll need: Acrylic liquid monomer, sable hair nail brush, acrylic powder, paper towels, nail file, nail dehydrator or rubbing alcohol, acrylic nail primer, paper towels, dappen dish
How to apply
Start with clean, dry nails. Gently push back the cuticles (optional, and only if you're comfortable doing this) and lightly buff away the shine from your natural nails.
Using a nail buffing block or e-file, etch the inside of the press on nail. Wipe away any debris with rubbing alcohol.
Dehydrate your nails with either nail dehydrator or rubbing alcohol.
Apply nail primer to your natural nails and let it dry. Then, apply a second coat and wait for a few minutes to set.
Pour a little bit of monomer in the dappen dish.
Dip the brush into the monomer and pick up a small bead of acrylic powder.
Apply the acrylic bead to the back of the press on nail near the cuticle area. Alternatively, you can apply the acrylic bead on your natural nail.
Press the press on nail firmly onto your natural nail, allowing it to bond.
Before the acrylic fully sets, clean away any excess spillage around your cuticle area and the sides of your nail with a cuticle pusher.
Optionally, add a thin layer of acrylic underneath the nail for added support.
Dip the brush into the monomer and smooth out the acrylic on the back of your nail, brushing the excess acrylic towards the free edge of your nail.
Repeat steps 6 to 10 for each nail.
Removal
Moisturise your cuticles and fingertips. This keeps them moisturised during the removal process.
Use a nail cutter and trim the press on nail to match the length of your natural nail.
With a nail file or e-file, gently buff away the shine from the press on nail.
Prepare a finger bowl (or a small bowl if you don't have one) with acetone.
Soak your fingertips in an acetone-based nail polish remover for 10-20 minutes.
Using a cuticle pusher, carefully scrape off the softened press on nail, taking care not to scrape your natural nail.
Repeat the process of soaking and scraping until you reach your natural nail.
Buff away any residue from your natural nails.
Rehydrate your nails again by applying oils or lotion.
Peel-off gel base
Level: Advanced
Reusable: Yes
Application longevity: 2 days to 1+ weeks
Application time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
What you'll need: Peel-of base gel or polish, liquid nail glue, LED lamp (if using peel-of base gel), rubbing alcohol, wipes, nail buff block
How to apply
Start with clean, dry nails. Gently push back cuticles (optional, and only if you're comfortable doing this).
Lightly buff away the shine from your natural nails.
Wipe away any debris and oils from your natural nails with rubbing alcohol. This step also dehydrates the nails, preparing them for the next step.
Apply one layer of peel-off gel base. Depending on the peel-off gel base you're using, you may need to cure it according to the instructions.
If curing the peel-off base gel, wipe away the dispersion (the sticky, tacky layer) with alcohol.
Apply a small amount of liquid nail glue directly to your natural nail, ensuring you avoid the cuticle area.
Apply a small amount of liquid glue to the back of the press on nail.
Align the press on nail with your natural nail and slowly lower it at a 45-degree angle, starting from the cuticle area.
Slowly push down and hold it firmly in place for a few seconds to let the glue bond.
Apply slight pressure around the nail to allow any air bubbles to escape.
If excess glue seeped out from the sides, use an alcohol wipe or a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean up the excess glue.
If needed, you can shape and trim the nails using a nail file, especially if you are in between sizes.
Allow the glue to dry and set completely for a few hours. It's important to avoid getting your hands wet or using any oils or lotions during this time.
Removal
Apply rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitiser around the nails and wait for 30 seconds. This will help loosen the bond. Alternatively, you can soak your hands in warm soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Gently rock the nails from side to side, applying more sanitiser or soaking as needed if they prove to be stubborn. You can also wedge an orange stick between your nail and the press on nail and apply light force.
Once the press on nails have completely peeled off, you can buff any remaining peel-off base from your natural nail.
Aftercare tips
Several key factors contribute to the longevity of your press on nails. The method of application, proper preparation of your natural nails, and diligent aftercare all play significant roles.
Here are some tips to keep your nails looking flawless and to maximise their lifespan.
1. Do not pick off your press on nails
Removing them in this way can damage your natural nails and weaken them. Always follow proper removal techniques to preserve their strength and integrity.
2. Use appropriate removal techniques
If you used peel-off base gel or polish, liquid nail glue, or glue tabs to apply your nails, avoid using nail glue remover or acetone-based removers for removing them. These can cause irreversible damage, which means you won't be able to reuse them.
3. Prevent undue stress or pressure
Avoid using your nails as tools for tasks like opening packages or doing household chores. Excessive pressure on your nails can impact their longevity.
4. Be gentle with day-to-day activities
Taking care to avoid activities that can cause premature lifting of the press on nails is crucial.
5. Reduce water exposure
Excessive water exposure weakens the bond between the press on nails and your natural nails. Consider wearing gloves when washing dishes or taking long showers or baths.
6. Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise
By keeping the based of your cuticle area moisturised, you can prevent premature lifting of the press on nails. Hydration promotes overall nail health and flexibility, which can increase their lifespan.
7. Practice proper hygiene
This goes without saying, but you should regularly clean and dry your nails to prevent debris, bacteria, or fungus buildup, which can lead to infections.
8. Address lifting nails
Press on nails are designed to eventually lift and pop off. That's just how they are. If you notice any lifting while wearing a set, it's crucial to use the correct removal techniques for the lifting nail. After removal, make sure to follow proper nail preparation and application techniques to reapply them.
It's important to address lifting nails because they can cause damage to your natural nails. For instance, if you accidentally bump a lifting nail, it can rip off your natural nail entirely. By removing the press on nail and reapplying it properly, you can keep your natural nails safe from such damage.