5 Things You Need to Know Before Applying Press-On Nails

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One of the few good things that 2020 brought us was press-on nails! There was a huge need for them because we were all desperate to have cute manicures from the comfort of our own homes, and all of a sudden, stores like Ulta and Target started carrying a wide range of options! I quickly started using them, and five years later, I have yet to go back to traditional manicures.

If you’re just now getting into press-on nails and are looking for tips or simply want to learn some new tricks, you’re in the right place!

While the instructions for applying press-on nails appear pretty straightforward, there are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the last five years to ensure your manicure lasts as long as possible. So today’s post covers 5 tips I wish I’d known when I first started applying them!

Wearing Olive & June ‘Almond Long’ in CCT

Not all press-on nail brands are created equal

First and foremost, just because a set has a cute design does not mean it’s going to be good quality. Countless press-on nail sets at stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx have caught my eye over the years, but I’ve learned that sticking to high-quality brands will save you time and money in the long run because some nails fit better and last longer than others.

The three brands that I swear by are:

1. Olive & June

2. Static Nails

3. Glamnetic

Don’t use the glue that comes with your nails

You’ll notice that all packs of nails come with a tiny little glue for you to use. While I appreciate the gesture, I would not recommend using it. Not only can it be incredibly difficult to use because of how small it is, but the pointy applicator makes it difficult to apply an even layer of glue, ultimately limiting how long the nail will stay on.

Most nail brands sell bigger bottles of glue separately, typically under $10, and those are what you should stock up on. The bottles come with a nail-polish-like brush, which allows you to apply an even layer and helps your nails last longer!

My personal favorite glue is sold by Olive & June, and I always joke that it’s liquid cement. It’s that good! To remove your manicure, just soak your nails in a bowl of warm water and dish soap for 10-15 minutes, and eventually, they’ll easily pop right off.

Don’t use water or any oils before applying press-on nails

Similarly to the nail prep tips I learned from an Olive & June nail tech for traditional manicures, avoid water, lotions, and cuticle oil for 30 minutes before sitting down to apply your press-on nails. The leftover oil or liquid won’t allow the glue to adhere properly, and your manicure may pop off sooner than you’d like.

Buff your nails before applying for a better grip

Another pre-application tip I’ve picked up is to lightly buff your natural nails before application. This helps the glue grip better since the surface is not smooth! I know most people already buff their nails when prepping for any type of manicure, but just in case you don’t, keep this in mind!

To finish off this step, use acetone to clean up any leftover powder from buffing (again, no water)!

The longer your natural nails, the better

I’ve noticed that my manicure lasts longer when I have longer natural nails underneath the press-on nails. I assume it’s because the glue has more surface area to stick to! So this is a random tip I’ve picked up.

Avoid getting your finished manicure wet

Lastly, like tip three, avoid getting your finished manicure wet for at least an hour. However, the longer you can go without washing your hands, the better. This also applies to any cuticle oil or lotion! You want to make sure that the press-on nails dry fully.

Press-on nails have become my favorite way to DIY manicures over the last few years. Practice makes perfect, and once you get the hang of it, it’s almost therapeutic because of how repetitive it is. I’m always sharing my manicures over on my Instagram Stories, so if you want to keep up with my favorite sets, feel free to follow me along on there :). And let me know in the comments if you have any questions regarding the application — I’d be happy to help! xx