From their humble drugstore beginnings, luxury press-on nails have evolved into a realm of their own. Today, they boast unparalleled durability and quality, rivaling even the longevity of salon-applied nail enhancements. In fact, with proper preparation, application, and care, these gems can stand firm for an impressive three weeks.
While the occasional pop-off is an expected part of their charm, there's no need to surrender just yet. With a touch of guidance, you can gracefully extend the lifespan of your press-on nails.
So, let's delve into some 12 tips on how to look after your press-on nails and make them last longer to ensure you get the most out of each wear.
Trim and shape your natural nails: It's a wise move to trim and shape your nails to match the press-on nail's shape and length. Keeping your nails slightly shorter than the press-on nails ensures a better fit and reduces the risk of catching or lifting.
Buff and remove excess dry skin: Dry skin and cuticles can increase the risk of press-on nails lifting prematurely. Take a moment to delicately remove any dry skin around your natural nails using a soft nail brush or a cuticle pusher, and only if you're comfortable doing so. This creates a smooth canvas and provides a solid foundation for adhesion when applying the press-ons.
Prepare your natural nails before application: Start with clean, dry, and oil-free natural nails. Use nail polish remover or an alcohol wipe to eliminate any excess or residual oils that might affect the adhesion of the press-on nails, whether you're applying them with sticky tabs or liquid glue.
Buff your nails: Gently use a nail buffer to lightly remove the shiny surface from your natural nails. This provides a slight texture for the press-on nail to bond to and aids adhesion. Remember, gentle buffing is key. Overdoing it could flatten your natural nail bed, which is best avoided.
Choose the right adhesive: Each Talaskye press-on nail order includes a complimentary application kit containing both adhesive tabs and liquid glue. The choice of adhesive and its longevity depends on your lifestyle. Keep in mind that liquid glue can last up to 3 weeks, while adhesive tabs can last up to 3 days.
Apply the adhesive carefully: If you opt for liquid glue, apply a dot in the middle of the nail and spread it evenly away from the cuticle area and edges of your natural nail. Apply more adhesive if needed, but exercise caution to prevent excess glue overflow, which can lead to lifting and discomfort. Press the press-on nail firmly for 5-10 seconds while gently applying light pressure all around the nail to eliminate any air bubbles. If you choose adhesive tabs, you can apply the tab either to your natural nail or the press-on nail. Remove the protective cover and apply with gentle pressure to remove air bubbles. ⚠️ Remember to conduct a patch test before using either type of adhesive and avoid them if you experience an allergic reaction.
Avoid water for at least 1 hour after application (ideally 2 hours!): After applying your press-on nails, refrain from exposing your hands to water for a minimum of 1 hour. This time allows the liquid glue to set completely, maximizing the bond between your press-on nail and natural nails. If you've used adhesive tabs, be aware that water exposure weakens the adhesive.
Minimise water exposure: Prolonged water exposure, such as dishwashing, swimming in pools or beaches, can inevitably weaken the adhesive. To extend your press-on nails' lifespan, consider wearing gloves for water-involved tasks.
Be gentle with your nails: Your press-on nails are a stylish accessory that should complement your lifestyle, not perform daily tasks. Refrain from using them as tools to open packages, pick or scratch surfaces or press buttons.
Reinforce or reapply: Due to the nature of press-on nails, occasional lifting and popping off are to be expected. However, all is not lost. You can always reapply them, following proper removal and prep techniques. If a press-on nail begins to lift, it's advisable to either remove and reapply it or remove it entirely. Lifting press-on nails can catch and tear off your natural nail, potentially causing damage. Thus, it's better to remove and reapply.
Use cuticle oil: Though it may sound counterintuitive after diligently removing excess oil, trust the process. Regularly applying cuticle oil can actually help keep your nails moisturised and hydrated, preventing dry skin and reducing lifting.
Mind your activities: Activities that strain your nails, like typing, playing a musical instrument, or any manual activity involving your hands, increase the risk of damage or lifting of press-on nails