What Are Press On Nails?
While it depends a lot on the brand you choose, Frank says many press on nails are acrylic fakes that can be done in minutes but bear a near-perfect resemblance to salon-quality acrylic manicures.
In addition to high-quality looks (as long as you use high-quality buttons), they come in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and colors, not to mention every budget. Some manicures are available for just a few dollars, like Vonya Nails.
Ways to Make Your Press-On Nails Last Longer
1. Use high-quality nails and glue
Your manicure may last longer if you use a high-quality product in the first place. A good quality nail should come in different sizes and should be durable but soft enough that you can file to the right size and shape.
Even if your press nails are already pre-applied with adhesive, it's a good idea to add a high-quality glue to really help them stick. A good nail glue should dry quickly and provide enough adhesion to keep your nails on for two weeks. You can also use this nail glue for any quick fix in case the nails you press start to fall off.
2. Use the right size
It's important to measure your nails and make sure you buy a set of pressable tools that you can file to the right size. If your pressing nails are too big or too small, you will have a hard time keeping them for long.
3. Choose a shape and length that fits your lifestyle
Think hard about how many times and for what purpose your hands are used in your daily life. If you wash dishes a lot, long, thin nails may not be for you and may break down after a few days of wearing them. If you don't do a lot of physical work, you can use slightly longer, thinner pressure nails.
It all depends on what works best for you! There are dozens of lengths and shapes to choose from.
4. Get your hands and skin ready
Sometimes we forget about our hands and nail cuticles when we paint our nails. It is very important to moisturize your hands, especially your cuticles, before pressing on your nails. This will ensure that the pressed nails will stick firmly to the nail bed, which will make them last longer. All it takes is some cuticle care and the application of cuticle oil or other moisturizer.
5. Prepare the nail surface
A little care before application can help your new nails last a long time:
Dehydration. First, dehydrate your nails and use alcohol or acetone to remove oil from the nails. You can use pre-soaked pads, or you can make them with bottles and cotton. Dehydrating your natural nails ensures that the surface of the nails remains pristine after pressing, which means they will stick longer than if the nails were dirty when applied.
Buff. Buffing is another important step if you want to keep your nails looking as long as possible. Simply grab a polishing tool and roughen the surface of your natural nails. This will make your nail glue and pressed nails really stick for a long time.
Base Coat. A high-quality base coat can also protect your nails when using nail strips. The base coat provides a smooth, protective barrier between the adhesive and your natural nails, helping your nails hold up longer while preventing discoloration.
Dry. After you prep your nails, dry your nails completely before you start pressing. This is another step that can help pressed nails stick to your natural nails and stay longer.
6. Apply the Press-On Nails Correctly
If you don't use the push buttons correctly in the first place, there's a good chance they won't stick together for long. Make sure the angle of the pressing is down and put a drop or two of glue in the middle of the nail. Press them firmly for at least 30 seconds to a minute to help them bond with your natural nails.
7. Add a top coat
Once you've applied the pressure nails, apply another high-quality armor to keep your nails sparkling. This step will also prolong the wear time of your buttons, helping to protect them while creating a smoother look.
8. Avoid immersion in water
It is important to avoid soaking your nails in any water for at least 24 hours after applying your nails. Soaking your nails in water can weaken them, break the glue that holds them together, and significantly reduce the staying power of your nails.
9. Soak in warm water
When you're ready to remove your nails, soak them in warm water. This minimizes damage to your natural nails, and you can reuse them. This will extend the overall life of your nails.
How to Apply Press-on Nails
Follow the simple steps to apply your press on nails, and get your nails last longer.
- Trim your nails. "For the longest lasting manicure, keep your natural nails short," Frank begins.
- Clean your nails. Remove all nail polish and clean your nails well with soap and water to ensure your manicure has a clean base, Frank says. "You can also use a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol if you have it handy," she says. Then, dry your nails completely and move on to the next step.
- Choose your nail size. Choosing a good nail size before applying the polish is a must, so you don't use wet glue to find the size of your nails on your hands, says Frank. "For a more perfect fit, file the sides of the nail to fit your nail bed," she says.
- Apply one nail at a time. "Apply polish one finger at a time, then align the polish with the nail bed and press hard for 20 seconds," advises Frank. "Enjoy your manicure for up to two weeks!"
- Optional: Apply nail polish. If you opted for clear buttons (rather than pre-painted ones), once your glue dries, you can paint them however you like. Don't forget to apply another coat so your nail polish will last as long as yours.
