We all love press-on nails, don’t we? They are so convenient, so flattering, and so versatile at the price they come in. The entire press-on nail community is impressed by the way they perform and all the variety they offer in shapes, lengths, colors, and designs.
With all the comfort and beauty, imagine your press-ons lasting for two weeks or more – it would make you so happy. But now imagine, you washing your hair and it gets stuck in the grown-out nails. Annoying, isn’t it? Many of us have gone through this and have even lost our precious hair stuck to the adhesive.
How to Avoid Getting Your Hair Stuck Under Your Press-On Nails
Read on to learn some basics on how to avoid getting your hair stuck under press-on nails by working on your application and approaches.
The Cuticles
If don’t prep your nails well, you won’t have a longer-lasting manicure. But even if your press-on nails have lasted well, a bad prep will eventually show up. And working on the cuticles is the most important part. You must clean up your cuticles well before applying your press-ons. If not, the nails will not stick completely to the bottom and when they grow out, they will start lifting from that very point. And this is the zone prone to hair getting stuck.
You just have to keep in mind certain points to handle your cuticles well so that you get a longer-lasting manicure and save your hair from getting stuck under the press-ons:
1) Always prefer to soak your fingernails under warm soapy water before each manicure. This is a great way to soften your cuticles for more efficient removal.
2) Make sure you remove the thin dead skin layer from the nail surface before sticking any nail glue or adhesive to stick your press-ons. This will ensure maximum sealing towards the edges of your nail bed and when the nail grows out, this will prevent lifting from these edges. You may use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to do this and avoid cutting any skin when DIYing your manicure to avoid mishaps.
3) After you have applied your press-on nails, make sure you hydrate your cuticles with cuticle oil. Dry skin can lead to buildup and hangnails further ruining your manicure. Also, use a hand cream to keep your hands and the skin surrounding the nails moisturized. You should ideally also include this in your nighttime skincare routine to always keep your nails and cuticles healthy.
If you look after your cuticles well and clean them up properly during the manicure, you will see how long-lasting and strong your press-ons can be without any lifting. You can also save your hair from getting under your nails with a properly sealed application.
The Nail Glue
It has been told multiple times in the nail world but we are reiterating it – go easy on the nail glue! When it comes to manicures and press-on nails, a little glue goes a long way and you should not pile it on the natural nail thinking it will improve the adhesion. If you want to make your press-on nails last long, avoid overdoing the glue.
If you want to use adhesive tabs for the press-on application, know that they only last for a few hours or a day at the maximum. But these glue tabs are somewhat thick and the press-ons stay a bit away from the nail surface. This may lead to your hair getting under the fake nail tip and getting stuck to the glue tabs. So when using them, make sure you don’t wash your hair or use your nails as a comb and run it through the hair – you’re going to get annoyed!
When it comes to liquid nail glues, the most common cause of stuck hair is over-application. If you are using a brush-on glue, just dip it once in the jar and apply a thin layer across your entire nail. Make sure you don’t apply a ‘drop’ of glue with the brush thinking more glue will lead to better results. Contrarily, if using a dropper applicator, follow the simple rule – one small drop on the natural nail surface and one behind the fake nail tip. Don’t go on covering the entire nail with a thick glue layer. These two drops will spread out when you press the nail tip and will occupy the entire nail bed.
The key is to make the most out of the tiniest amount of glue and ensure proper application without overdoing it.
The Application Process
When it comes to applying the press-on nails correctly to make them last, you need to master the basics and practice with patience. The better the application, the lesser the aftercare. You will get longer-lasting manicures without losing your precious hair stuck under the nails.
You need to follow some simple steps for the correct and proper application of press-on nails:
1) Be a prep master. Always begin with clean and dry hands and prep the nails better. The better the prep, the improved the results of the following steps and the longevity of your mani.
2) Make sure your nail bed is free of any oils or moisture before going ahead with the adhesive. It should be somewhat dehydrated for the chemicals and products to sit better.
3) Be careful when sizing the press-ons correctly. Patiently check the nail sizes as per the shapes and lengths and always follow this method rather than trusting your guesswork here. Your natural nail size may differ for different lengths and shapes and may also change with frequent manicures and cuticle cleaning. Also, different brands and nail techs sometimes have different numbering for sizes. It is better to always measure your press-on tips with your natural nails before going ahead with the application. This will ensure your press-on sits edge-to-edge on your nail bed and will minimize lifting when the nail grows out.
4) Always work on a flat surface when doing your press-on manicure and apply them with precision at a 45-degree angle to ensure the rear end sits flush with the cuticle and there are no air gaps or bubbles in the glue.
5) Avoid leaving any room for air bubbles in the glue or any wiggle room by applying gentle pressure right after placing the fake nail tip on the glued nail. Make sure the press-ons are sealed correctly but don’t feel uncomfortable.
Correct application will give you the best results with proper sealed edges and won’t allow for gaps to be formed making space for hair to get stuck. Even outgrown nails will be flushed to the nail bed and your hair strands won’t be able to enter from any side or edge making it last to perfection.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure even when it comes to nails. Follow some precautionary measures beforehand:
1) Always invest in good-quality press-on nails and nail glues. Look for nails that fit the curve of your natural nails and offer the right sizes for you. Instead of buying cheap-quality drugstore packages, look for custom-made press-ons by your favorite nail tech.
2) Avoid fidgeting with your press-ons. Consciously avoid biting or picking at them. If you find any glue residue or unfiled edges, use a nail file or buffer to gently file it off rather than trying to peel it with your nails.
3) Try to keep a few days gap between applications. Give some time to your natural nails to rejuvenate and be ready for the next set. Avoid using cheap-quality nail polishes on your natural nails.
Wrap-Up
Mastering the application of press-on nails is key to preventing hair from getting stuck underneath them. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve a long-lasting manicure with minimal risk of hair entanglement. Additionally, The Nails Girl suggests that measures like investing in high-quality press-on nails and nail glues, avoiding fidgeting, and allowing your natural nails time to rejuvenate between sets are essential precautions. With these measures in place, you can enjoy the beauty and convenience of press-on nails without the hassle of hair interference. So now, no more fearing hair wash sessions when you have press-on nails. Follow these simple tips and you’ll never have to lose your special locks getting stuck under the nails.
