Press-on nails are a cost-effective way of getting your manicures without visiting the salon. However, many of you might wonder if they can replace the acrylic extensions considering they are way less durable than the extensions. The key to longer-lasting press-on nails is a good prep and an even application. Here are some tips to make your press-on nails last longer so you can flaunt your DIYed mani for some more time. If the proper application process and care are followed along with some tips and tricks, you can make your press-on nails last just as long as your salon extensions.
How to Make Press On Nails Last Longer?
Size the Press-Ons Correctly
If you are smart enough to choose the correct sizes from the set of tips, your press-ons will adhere to the natural nails strongly and the risk of nails popping off will be reduced to the minimum. Sizing the press-on nails includes measuring the tips to the nail bed correctly along with choosing the right length and shape of the tips as per your natural nail structure.
Prep Your Natural Nails
Press-ons can last longer if the glue is applied to slightly dry, dehydrated nails. So it is important to prep the nails correctly by pushing back the cuticles and wiping off the nail surface using a cotton ball dipped in acetone or nail polish remover. It is also important to trim down the length and file the natural nail before sticking on the press-ons for a better grip and stronger hold. Don’t forget to file the back of the nail tip to align with your cuticle and the contours of your nails.
Avoid Overdoing the Glue
When it comes to press-on nails, the key is to not overdo anything – filing, gluing, pressing, trimming. Just the right amount of everything will give the best finish at the end of your manicure. If you are using liquid glue to stick your press-ons, be careful not to use too much or too little of it. If there is excessive glue, it will bleed out towards your cuticles when you press down the nail which will cause harm to the skin. Just apply a thin layer of glue on your entire nail and gently press the tip on top of it for a great seal and a stronger grip.
Finish Your Dominant Hand First
It couldn’t be more obvious that your non-dominant hand isn’t as efficient as your dominant, especially in tasks that are to be done minutely. Suppose you are right-handed and you stick the nails on your left hand first, it could become difficult to do your right hand with press-ons on your non-dominant hand. Also, if the glue hasn’t dried completely yet, you might ruin your mani which will be tedious to fix later. So be smart and go against your obvious instinct of doing your non-dominant hand first. Also, you may keep your thumbnails for the last to more comfort and better application.
Avoid Soaking and Submerging
Avoid soaking your nails in water before and after doing your press-on manicure. This is because the nails and the skin around them are quite vulnerable when they interact with water. Also, the cuticles become plump in water which may result in drying out once you complete your manicure. We all love swimming or long hot baths but let me break it to you – these aren’t good for your DIYed press-on mani. Keeping your nails or say hands submerged in water for a long time may reduce the firmness and strength of the nail glue eventually reducing the of the press-on nails.
Don’t Use Your Nails As Tools
Be mindful and cautious if you have longer nails on, especially when they are DIYed press-on nails. Don’t use them as tools for picking, piercing, and other harsh tasks. Make simple changes in your everyday lifestyle like pressing lift buttons or picking up dropped coins from the floor. A little bit of coverage while cleaning or doing the dishes with water will result in a longer lasting mani.
