Getting the perfect manicure shouldn't be a hassle. You probably expect your press-on nails to last for up to 2 weeks, but it can be annoying when they pop off too soon or fail to stay on. This problem often comes down to improper nail prep, but other factors also play a big role. Maybe you're using the wrong size press-on or a low-quality adhesive.
Luckily, you can easily fix these issues. This article will show you 7 pro tips for a long-lasting and gorgeous manicure. With these tricks, you can confidently make your press-on nails last for weeks.
1. Prep Your Nails Properly
Proper nail prep is the most critical step for making your press-on nails last. To properly prepare your nails before applying press-on nails, follow these tips.
- Clean your nails thoroughly: You'd better clean your natural nails thoroughly to remove any surface oils or dirt. If you skip this, the adhesive will not stick well. You can simply wipe each nail with an alcohol pad or a cotton ball soaked in nail remover. Or you can use a nail dehydrator to effectively remove any grease and moisture on the surface of your nails.
- Gently push back cuticles: This action creates more space on your nail bed, so the press-on nail can adhere better and look more natural.
- Lightly buff the surface of your nails: Buffing creates a slightly rough texture that helps the nail glue or adhesive tabs get a better grip. For this reason, it's advisable to use a nail file or buffer to lightly buff the surface of your nails until they're no longer shiny. Tip: Alternatively, you can just add a layer of builder gel on your natural nails. This gives extra strength and helps press-ons fit better.
2. Choose the Right Size of Press-ons
Finding the right size for your press-on nails is just as important as the prep work. If a nail is too big, it will overlap onto your skin, which can look unnatural and cause it to lift off easily.
On the other hand, a nail that is too small won't cover your entire nail bed, creating gaps that can trap dirt and lead to the nail popping off. The perfect press-on should fit comfortably from one side of your nail to the other without any force.
If you find yourself between 2 sizes, always choose the slightly larger one. You can then gently file down the sides for a flawless and custom fit. Having plenty of options makes this process much simpler. For instance, Beetles offers fantastic press-on nail kits that come with hundreds of nails in many sizes and a wide variety of styles, such as pre-shaped French tips press-ons and coffin press-ons. This generous selection helps you find the perfect match for every finger, ensuring a seamless and long-lasting manicure every time.
3. Use High-Quality Nail Glue
The adhesive you choose plays a huge role in how long your press-on nails will last. For a truly secure fit, a high-quality nail glue is much more reliable than adhesive tabs.
To get the strongest hold, first apply a thin, even coat of glue to your entire natural nail. After that, add a small dot of glue to the back of the press-on nail. You only need a small amount of glue in total. Using too much can cause it to spill out onto your skin, which creates a mess. This method helps to eliminate air bubbles and creates a powerful seal, keeping your nails firmly in place for a much longer time.
For even better results, choose the product you can rely on. Beetles nail glue is one of those that is known for strong hold and smooth finish, making your press-on nails stay flawless for up to 3 weeks. When you use the best nail glue for press-on nails, your manicure will last longer and also look more professional.
4. Press Down Press-ons Firmly
The way you apply press-on nails is also crucial. Start by aligning the bottom of the press-on with your cuticle at about a 45-degree angle. Then, slowly lower it onto your natural nail, applying pressure as you go. This technique helps to push out any trapped air from the very beginning.
After the nail is flat, press down firmly on the center of the nail for at least 30 to 60 seconds. This ensures the glue spreads evenly and creates a strong seal across the entire surface. This also helps push out any small air bubbles that may be trapped underneath, as air bubbles can make the bond weaker and cause the nail to lift or fall off.
5. Let It Dry Completely
After applying your press-on nails, it's very important to let them dry completely. If you get your hands wet too soon, the water can break down the adhesive before it has a chance to form a strong bond. This will cause the nails to lift and fall off quickly.
For the best results, you should avoid washing your hands, doing dishes, or showering for at least 1 to 2 hours after your manicure. Allowing the glue this time to fully cure will ensure a durable and long-lasting manicure. It's a simple step that makes a huge difference in how long your press-ons will stay on.
6. Adjust Daily Habits
Even with a perfect application, your daily habits can greatly affect how long your press-on nails last. Using your nails to open cans or pick at things puts pressure on the glue and can make them lift or break. Spending a lot of time in water, like washing dishes without gloves or swimming, can also weaken the adhesive.
To make your press-on nails last, try to be more mindful of your hands. Wear gloves when doing household chores and use the pads of your fingers instead of the tips of your nails for everyday tasks.
7. Take off Press-ons Properly
To make fake press-on nails last longer, it is essential to remove press-on nails properly. Proper removal is just as important as proper application.
Fulling or prying your press-ons off can seriously damage your nail beds. Your natural nails are mostly made of keratin, a protein that gives them strength and flexibility. When you pull off press-ons too quickly, you can remove layers of keratin along with the glue. This thins your nails, makes them weaker, and can cause splitting or cracking. If this happens repeatedly, your nails may become brittle and fragile over time.
Enjoy Long-Lasting Press-On Nails with Beetles
A lasting press-on manicure starts with proper care. Prepping your nails, choosing the best glue, letting nails set, and protecting them during daily activities all improve wear time.
To greatly make press-on nails last longer, consider the wide selection of products from Beetles. You can find their comprehensive kits, durable press-on nails, and strong nail glues on Beetles Amazon Store and Beetles Temu Store as well, giving you everything you need for a beautiful and resilient look.
