ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MAKE YOUR NAILS LAST FOR WEEKS

September 26, 2022

Tired of your press-on nails popping off after just a few days? Here are 15 essential steps that will help you bid farewell to nail pop-offs, allowing you to enjoy your press-on nails for weeks.

15 STEPS TO LONG-LASTING PRESS ON NAILS

Making sure they fit: Number 1 rule is getting a sizing kit. Ensure that your press-on nails are the appropriate size, neither too big nor too small. If the sides are slightly oversized, file them down for a better fit. If your natural nail is peeking out the side, the nail is too small and you should consider sizing up.

Making sure your nails aren't damaged: If you ripped off your last set of nails, chances are your press ons won't adhere properly. Consider removing your press ons by soaking them in a warm bowl of water with a pump of soap and oil to help loosen up the glue bond instead of ripping them off.

Make sure they're not too long for your lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and daily activities when selecting the shape and length of your press-on nails. If you frequently engage in tasks like dishwashing, long stiletto nails may not be practical as they can break easily. Opt for a style that aligns with your routine. XXS round is the shortest length we offer--it's about fingertip length and perfect for an intense lifestyle.

Press on nail thickness: If you're wearing another brand aside from Perfectly Pressed (100% gel nails), chances are the material of the nail is plastic. A secret to having long lasting press ons is that they are sturdy and can withstand any daily activities. If they're flimsy, they'll be more likely to just flick off or bend and break. We recommend checking the ingredient list of your nails and avoiding plastic for best results.

Have a good hand care routine: It's important to moisturize your hands and cuticles. Well-moisturized hands and cuticles provide a solid foundation for the press-on nails to adhere to, ensuring they last longer. Apply cuticle oil or a moisturizer daily for best results (apply after application, not before). Applying cuticle oil can increase the circulation around your nails, stimulating nail growth. It can also help to protect your nail and cuticle against trauma.

Push back your cuticles: The crucial first step to ensuring a long-lasting manicure is to push back cuticles. Prepping and pushing back your cuticles allows your press ons to bond more easily with your nails' surface. By pushing back your cuticles, you're clearing away dead skin cells from the surface and allowing your products to seal more easily. We recommend snipping away the dead skin with nippers (if you're comfortable! If not, use a cuticle remover product) for best results.

Trimming nails: When you don't cut your nails often, they can easily get damaged and break, and are more likely to harbor dirt and bacteria. We recommend trimming your natural nails before application if they're relatively long.

Buff Your Natural Nails: To maximize the longevity of your press-on nails, lightly buff the surface of your natural nails using a buffing tool. This creates a textured surface that allows the nail glue and press-ons to adhere better. A 100/180 grit file is recommended for this step.

Dehydrate Your Nails: Prior to application, dehydrate your natural nails and remove any oils by using alcohol or acetone (or both). You can either use pre-soaked pads or a cotton round for this purpose. Dehydrating your nails ensures a clean surface for the press-on nails to bond with, resulting in better adhesion and longer-lasting wear. You can also invest in a nail dehydrator to use after wiping your nails.

Ensure Dryness: After prepping your nails, ensure they are completely dry before starting the press-on application. Dry nails facilitate a stronger bond between the press-ons and your natural nails, increasing their longevity.

Start from Pinky to Thumb: A helpful trick when applying press-on nails is to start with the pinky finger and work your way towards the thumb. This approach allows you to make any necessary adjustments more easily, especially when working on your non-dominant hand. When using the glue, it is important to make sure the glue is spread evenly--if not, this can create air bubbles underneath the nail which will cause the nail to lift. For best results, add an even, generous layer of glue on your natural nail and a dot of glue on the inside of the fake nail.

Apply at the Cuticle: Begin the application of each press-on nail at the cuticle, not the middle of the nail. Angle the faux nail so that it aligns with the cuticle, and then apply pressure to the center. There is a video linked below for more guidance on the angling. Make sure that you're not applying the nail too close to the cuticle, because the nail will adhere to the skin and pop off. Or, don't apply too far from the cuticle as there will be room for the nail to get snagged on things. Make sure to leave a tiny gap between the false nail and your cuticle for best results.

Apply Pressure: When applying the press-on nails, firmly press them onto your natural nails for at least thirty seconds to a minute. Applying pressure helps the press-ons to bond securely with your natural nails. Make sure you're not releasing pressure at all immediately after gluing, this can mess up the adhesion process.

Avoid water for a while: After applying the press-on nails, try to refrain from submerging them in water. Water exposure during this initial period can weaken the nails and compromise the adhesive bond, reducing the longevity of your manicure. We recommend applying press ons right before you go to bed--it will give the nails time to bond without interruptions from water and roughness during daily life.

Consider Changing Nail Glues: If you find that your press-ons are easily popping off after following these steps, you may want to consider using a different nail glue. Some sets come with adhesive, but opting for a stronger glue can enhance the durability of your press-on nails. We've heard great things about the KDS, Makartt, and Dashing Diva nail glues. You can purchase the Dashing Diva fastbond nail glue at your local Sally's--it is great especially for those with flatter nail beds.

Reasons Why Your Press-On Nails Still May Come Off:

* Weak or damaged natural nails

* Bitten nails or nails that are too short to hold the nail on

* Excessive oil production from the nails -- this comes from genetics

* Natural nails grow super fast

* Improper application

* Too rough on your nails

* Press on nails were sized incorrectly

Video tutorials for our visual learners:

Help sizing for press on nails: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnQbAIQovWc/?igsh=MXY4a3B1ZGE4b2dr

How to apply: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxswYyMuinf/?igsh=MWFnaGt3ZjRvaTBiYg==

Angle to apply: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvcz-ssAT5n/?igsh=MXY3d3I0cjVla3kweA==