No beauty product category has undergone as epic a rebranding as press-on nails. With so many shapes, styles and finishes, press-on nails are one of the best inventions ever! They're affordable, easy to apply, and healthier than traditional gel or acrylic treatments. In addition, they can be removed relatively quickly without the need for large amounts of acetone products.
Since nails are so popular right now, beauty TikTok is full of fake nail tips. Tiktok user @sagittariusicedlatte has a suggestion for curing press-on nails with gel to make them last longer. “If there's any real advice I can offer to anybody in the world, it is this: buy cheap press-on nails — don't glue them, gel cure them,” she advises in the clip, flashing her colorful claws.
What Is Gel Curing?
Gel curing is a nail application that uses softgels and LED or UV light. This method is commonly used with Apres Nail Gel - x extender, but can be used in other ways.
In order to do gel cure press-ons at home, you would need several professional tools, including a gel lamp, cuticle drill, an electric file, and a base gel polish. However, these items should only be used by experienced professionals.
How to Gel Cure Press-On Nails
With the right tools, you can cure your press-on nails at home. Some of the supplies you will need are a build gel like Beetle Nail Polish Build gel, an LED or UV lamp like Beetle Mini Nail LED lamp, and a press-on of your choice. However, not all press-on nails may work. You must ensure that the press is transparent enough for the curing light to pass through. If the color of the press is completely opaque, then light cannot pass through and solidify the gel.
Once you have all the tools, you can follow the steps below to cure your press-on nails.
1. Get your nails ready
Use the nail clippers to trim your length and file to shape your liking. It's also a good time to make sure there's no polish residue on your nails!
2. Apply the Builder Gel
Grab your glue foundation and paint the deck with nail polish and your press-on. Be careful because it can irritate your skin if you use it incorrectly.
After applying the gel to both your nail and the press-ons, proceed to place the press-on nails on your real nail.
3. Cure the Nail Under the LED Light
Finally, put your nails under the LED/UV light. You will need to keep pressure on the nail until it is properly and fully cured so bubbles do not appear. It would take around 30 to 60 seconds.
The Risks of Gel Curing Press-On Nails
If this is not done correctly, you can have permanent damage to your nail plate, or mold and fungus developing underneath the press-on where it has not been applied properly. Before you gel cure all of your press-on nails, you should be aware of the risks associated with this unique application method.
Just remember: never try to pick or pry off your press-on nails. Picking off the press-on would result in highly damaged nails that are tender to the touch and would take couple months to completely grow out.
To safely make your press-on nails last longer, you can adhere them with both sticky tabs and nail glue. A basic nail prep kit with all of the tools you need. For shorter wear, skip the adhesive tabs and only use glue. When you’re ready to remove them, just soak them in warm, soapy water and they should slide right off.