Imagine you spent so much time on your weekend DIYing your manicure and applying an exquisite set of press-on nails, and now they just randomly pop off in the middle of the week. Frustrating, isn’t it? Many of you will even drop the idea of using press-ons after such an annoying experience. But wait! Now that you are here, we will help you understand why press-on nails pop off in a few days of application and how can you stop it.
What are Press-On Nails? How Long Do They Usually Last?
Press-on nails are a convenient and affordable way to flaunt your perfect DIY manicure. They have revolutionized the world of nail art, offering a quick and budget-friendly alternative to salon nail enhancements. Press-ons are nothing but a ready-to-wear set of predesigned nails allowing you to wear an amazing and complex nail art quickly at home.
Ideally, a set of press-ons can last for 1-2 weeks. But if you follow the proper application process and take care of them well, you can make your press-on nails last for up to 4 weeks. You may even keep them for longer till you remove them manually. But this can be possible only if you use quality products and correct nail glues apart from applying them properly. Otherwise, they may pop off after a few days of application and may even harm your natural nails if they get pulled out.
Reasons Why Press-Ons Pop-Off
Even if you feel that you have used the correct products and techniques in doing your press-on nail manicure, you may see that they pop off easily after a few days or can even feel loose after a few hours of application. Here are some reasons why this may be happening:
1) Incorrect Prep
Prepping the natural nails correctly is key to a longer and stronger press-on application. If the nail bed is not prepped and dehydrated properly, there are chances that the nail surface will be oily. This comes in the way of the nail glue bonding with the nail and holding the fake nail tip strongly. This can lead to nails popping off.
2) Incorrect Sizing
It is important to use the correct size, shape, and length of press-ons according to your natural nails. You should make sure you size your nails properly when applying press-on nails. If the size is bigger or smaller than the nail bed, it will eventually lead to air gaps causing the nail tips to pop off.
3) Incorrect Adhesive
When it comes to using the correct nail adhesive for your press-on nails, you should know the difference between adhesive nail tabs and liquid nail glues and when to use which one. If you are not using the correct glue type, your press-ons won’t last long and will fall off.
Also, using the correct glue incorrectly will not do any good for the longevity of your manicure. Even if you are using the best quality glue, incorrect application will do more harm than good. Not using the glue sparingly and not applying correct pressure to your press-ons will place them uncomfortably on top of your nail surface and will eventually lead to popping off.
4) Incorrect Application
As important as the correct prep, sizing, and using glue, it is even more important to apply your press-on nails correctly following the proper steps and techniques. If they are applied incorrectly, they will not last even if you invest in good and expensive products or spend hours to get your manicure done. Incorrect application of press-on nails is the most crucial sign when you see them popping off.
5) Water Exposure
No, we are not saying you have to stay away from water entirely. Press-on nails themselves are waterproof so water isn’t the culprit. But when it comes to over-exposure, it may cut the longevity of your manicure. If you are not careful when exposing your nails to long hot showers or pools, washing your hair, or even doing household chores, you may experience your press-ons falling off untimely.
Applying Press-On Nails Correctly
Understanding the reasons for press-on nails popping or falling off brings us to the most important aspect – correct application. It is crucial to keep certain tips and tricks in mind while DIYing your press-on manicure to make it last longer and stronger.
1) Cuticle cleaning is what you should swear by. Always start by dehydrating your nail surface and pushing back the cuticles gently. Remove the dead skin cells and other debris or deposits from the cuticle without hurting it.
2) Correctly file and buff your nails to prep the nail surface by smoothening out any ridges and imperfections.
3) Size your fake nail correctly. Measure the width and size of your natural nail by placing the nail tip edge-to-edge. Be careful with proper sizing depending on the shape and length of the nail. Also, check the curve of the nail and make it sit correctly on top of your nail bed. File off the access if you feel the need but choose a bigger size if you are in between sizes.
4) If you are using adhesive glue tabs, look for the correct size of the adhesive as per your nail size. Stick the glue tab on the back of the fake nail tip first and then place it carefully on the nail surface. With liquid nail glues, be extra careful with the quantity of product you use and the placement as well. Avoid using too little or too much glue for best results.
5) Always affix your press-on nails to your natural nail surface at a 45-degree angle starting closest to the cuticle. Apply gentle pressure to adhere to the nail; don’t force or apply too much pressure. Remember, your fingernails shouldn’t feel any discomfort whatsoever.
If you follow this practice every time you work with press-ons, you can rest assured without worrying about them popping off out of nowhere. Remember, correct application will reduce your after-care and once you are used to doing them this way, you’ll not feel any discomfort with press-on nails.
Tips to Prevent Press-On Nails From Popping Off
Let’s say you have followed all the above measures but are still worried about how long will your press-on nails last without randomly popping and falling off. In that case, you should form some habits to increase the longevity of your manicure.
1) Go Shorty
Opt for shorter press-on nails to increase the durability of your manicure. Longer nails can cause more stress on the glue bond to hold the nail. This can weaken the nail glue and result in the nails getting pulled out. Also, it is best to use liquid nail glues rather than adhesive tabs when you want a stronger grip for your nails with a reduced risk of them falling off.
2) Invest in Quality Products
The idea is to invest in high-quality, salon-grade materials when it comes to fake nail tips and glue. The better the quality of your products, the better the overall performance making your press-ons last longer and stronger. If you are investing your efforts in DIYing your manicures, look for quality products and tools to assist you in the best possible way.
3) Cleanliness is Godliness
The cleanliness in your processes and application will show up in your manicure in the coming days when the nails start growing out. Whether it is working in a clean environment, working on clean hands and nails, cleaning your cuticles, or maintaining hygiene after the application, it is crucial to adopt the clean mantra. If you avoid these softer areas during your work, the press-ons will not sit well on your nails and will ultimately pop off without any clear reasoning.
4) Seal with a Top Coat
You can be double sure by securing your press-ons with a layer of top coat. This will give an extra shine besides adding a layer of protection thereby increasing the strength and longevity of your manicure. It will also make them waterproof and protect the color from fading while preventing breakage or bending which would otherwise result in the nails popping off.
5) Stay Away from Water
When you have freshly applied your press-ons, you shouldn’t make them wet as the glue might still not have dried 100%. Also in the later days, try to save your nails from hot water, salt water, chlorinated water, etc. as these may weaken the glue underneath causing the risk of your press-on nails falling off.
6) Be Gentle and Avoid Harshness
Remember, strong chemicals as well as excessive heat or other harsh environments are not good for your press-ons and nail glues. Stay away from prolonged exposure to heat or hot water and make use of gloves and other protectants when doing your household chores. Also, be gentle when removing your press-on nails at home; don’t pull or tug on the nails or you may harm them.
7) Observe Smart Maintenance: Try making a few adjustments in your routine when wearing press-on nails. Don’t use your nails as tools and change certain ways and patterns for allowing your nails to stay put without popping off. For example, change how you type on your laptop with long nails, How you wear and remove your contact lenses with press-on nails, the style of holding your phone and typing on it, wearing your clothes and jewelry, etc. Be smart in your approaches and flaunt your nails without letting them fall off untimely.
These precautionary measures will come in handy when you want to save your precious nail tips from putting you in an embarrassing situation by lifting and popping off. It might seem like a task at first, but once you get habituated, these things will become a way of life.
Wrap-Up
Mastering the art of press-on nails requires attention to detail and the right techniques. Knowing the common reasons why they might pop off, such as improper application or excessive water exposure, can help you avoid these pitfalls. By following the correct application process and using quality materials, you can significantly extend the wear time of your press-ons. Additionally, implementing our tips to prevent your press-on nails from popping off, can further enhance their longevity. With these strategies in mind, you can enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting manicure without the worry of your nails popping off prematurely. Remember, no matter how many precautions you take, they won’t last forever. But that’s no reason not to embrace press-on nails. After all, they make it easy to update your look every week!