With so many shapes, lengths, styles, and arts, press-on nails are one of the best beauty products ever! They are easy, affordable, time-saving, and healthier for our nails than gel or acrylic extensions. Applying press-on nails is a great way to get beautiful nails without spending too much time or money at a salon. Whether you’re going for an everyday look or something extra for a special occasion, press-on nails are the perfect solution.
How to Apply Press-On Nails?
Here is the step-by-step guide to applying your press-ons correctly:
Step 1: Sizing the Press-Ons
1) Measuring the Correct Size and Width
To apply your press-ons like a pro, you need to be specific with the size of your natural nail in the first place. Choose the press-on tips closest to the size of your natural nail for a better grip and longer stay thereby causing the least harm to your nail beds. All the press-ons usually come with a set of tips in different sizes numbered from 0 to 9. The sizes 0, 1, 2 are for the thumb, 8 and 9 are for the pinky, and so on. These are designed as standard sizes as per the natural nails of each individual. You need to be aware of the length and width of your natural nail bed to be able to choose the correct size of the press-on nail tip. Some of us have a wider and longer nail bed while some have an overall smaller nail. This sizing is crucial to figure out the tips that would fit you correctly and based on this, you can also choose the shape and length of your tips.
To measure the size and width correctly, you may either directly go in with a scale and take the measurements. Or if that seems too technical, you may have a sizing kit handy with all the tips from size 0 to 9. You can do guesswork to pick the nail closest to your natural size and make sure it sits best in your nail contours and nearest to your cuticles. In case any of your fingers is between two sizes, pick the size that covers the entire part of your nail and then file it down to the actual size. Usually, picking the bigger size works in these cases, but the tip shouldn’t be too big for the nail to accommodate it, otherwise it’ll easily fall off.
2) Choosing the Right Length and Shape
Now, though it is your individual choice to pick the shape and length of the press-on nails as per your taste, you should still look at the lasting power of each of them and make a call accordingly. Also, the shapes and lengths that look flattering on your fingernails will always make you look classier and more presentable than the extra-long OTT nails. Again, for the length and shape also, you need to keep in mind your natural nail structure and look for ideas in the range that suits your personality. For instance, medium-long almond looks best on those with smaller nail beds whereas short square or medium oval looks best on longer and wider nail beds.
Besides, there are many shapes possible including almond, square, oval, squoval, ballerina, coffin, stiletto, etc. These can be made across various lengths ranging from small, medium, long, medium-small, medium-long, and extra-long. However, certain shapes don’t look good with certain lengths like extra-short coffins or extra-long squares! So, make sure you choose it according to the overall appearance of your hands and nails. In general, petite hand girlies with short nails can easily flaunt most shapes in short lengths. These look quite subtle especially when made with pastel colors and simple arts that are not overpowering. If you have wider nail beds but shorter fingers, go for shapes that don’t make your hands look bulkier and choose medium length. But, if you are someone who wants to go all dramatic with your nails, you may go for longer lengths especially if you have longer fingers and medium-long nail beds. This can give a decent and elongated look to your hands and would be more catchy if done in bold colors and designs.
Step 2: Prepping the Natural Nails
1) Cut, Shape, and File
Just like any other manicure, prepping the natural nails is crucial in press-on application. To begin, make sure your hands are clean – wash them with soap and water and make them completely dry before going ahead with the prep. If your nails have grown long but you still want to go ahead with press-on application, you need to bring down the length of your natural nails because too much of the free edge won’t allow the tip to stick properly. Cut the excess length of your nail but don’t make it too short or else the glue will stick to the skin underneath which may be painful. File the nail from beneath to shape the natural nail so that there aren’t any hangnails or other chipped remains.
 2) Cleanse and Push
Cleanse the surface of your nails using a cotton ball dipped in nail polish remover or acetone. You may also use an alcohol nail pad instead to remove any nail polish or other product residue from your natural nails. Cleansing is also crucial because you need to get rid of any dust or natural oils from your nails before putting on the nail glue for longer-lasting press-ons. After cleansing, use an orange stick to gently push back your cuticles in such a way that you have a clean border and a little more space to work with. Pushing back the cuticles removes the dead skin residue from the nail surface which will help in the better grip of the glue on the borders of the nail. Just be careful that you don’t push the cuticles too far or too harshly otherwise it may be painful. Also, avoid cutting the cuticles at home to stay away from infections.
Step 3: Stick the Nails
1) Applying the Right Glue
Now that the nails are prepped and the tip sizes are measured, it is time to go ahead with sticking your press-ons. Depending on how long you want to keep the press-ons, you may choose the kind of glue you’d be using – adhesive tabs or liquid nail glue. If you are doing your nails for some special occasion and want to keep the manicure for only a few days, the adhesive nail tabs are the best bet. These have the lowest lasting capacity and most press-on sets have them handy in the pack. Otherwise, it is good to use liquid nail glue for better affixing your press-ons since they have a stronger hold.
Again if you want the press-ons for a week or so, follow the simple rule – a drop of glue on the back of the nail tip and a drop on your natural nail surface. This ensures enough glue for the tips to stick firm and you need not be specific with applying it. And of course, for longer-lasting nails (two weeks or more), you need more glue and better application. But be careful when you apply more glue – don’t mess it up with your cuticles and surrounding skin getting drenched in the liquid as it is cumbersome to get rid of it. Instead, apply a thin layer of glue on your entire nail covering from end to end and a drop or two on the back of the tip.
2) Fixing the Press-Ons
Don’t apply glue on all the fingers and then go ahead with the tips. Affix your nails on the wet glue and then move on to the other fingers. Also, begin with the pinky finger and move on towards the thumb to avoid any hassle. Once you have applied the glue, bring the press-on nail right up to your cuticle line and apply at a 45-degree downward angle, from the cuticle to the tip. Be careful that there aren’t any air bubbles forming between the press-on and the glue layer. Press it down for a few seconds applying pressure to the center and pinching both sides to solidify the glue. Make sure there is no excess glue bleeding from any of the edges ruining the cuticle of the skin around. If at all some glue pops out, immediately clean it with a Q-tip soaked in polish remover or acetone.
 3) Filing and Cleansing
 Rather than filing the press-on as soon as you stick it to your natural nail, wait until after you’ve applied the entire set. Once done, file down the tip of the press-on as well as beneath the nail where the tip flushes with your nail bed. This ensures a cleaner and more smooth, natural look. Dust the residue after filing and finish up by applying cuticle oil for a more polished look. You may even follow up with a top-coat to provide additional coverage against chipping over prolonged use thus increasing the shine and longevity of your press-ons.
Wrap-Up
Congratulations! You’ve now unlocked the secret to flawless press-on nail application. By meticulously following each step, you can master the art of achieving salon-worthy nails in the comfort of your home. Remember, attention to detail is key. With practice, you’ll not only save time and money but also enjoy the convenience of switching up your nail look whenever you wish. So, embrace your newfound expertise and let your creativity shine through your fingertips!
