A Complete Guide on Press On Nails

Are you considering press on nails for an event this weekend or for your everyday look? Lucky you! Press on nails are an easy-to-use and quick-to-apply manicure. They are cheap and available in different colours, designs, styles and prints. They are the cheaper alternative to acrylic or gel nails but can showcase your style and allow you to make a statement.

Today, we are going to discuss what press on nails are, their benefits, how to put them on and remove them and more. So, read on to learn more!

What Are Press On Nails?

Press on nails are artificial nails made of acrylic. Unlike the typical acrylic nail extension where your nail technician will customise it for you, press on nails are already made ready to be glued on the natural nails. They come in various sizes, shapes and even designs to fit different types of nails and personal preferences.

What Are the Benefits of Press On Nails?

We have already mentioned a few of the benefits above, but allow us to elaborate and discuss more advantages of this nail trend.

Plenty of Varieties

Like we said, press on nails are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and designs. Whether you have wide or narrow nail beds, you have plenty of options to choose from on the market. You can always order online for the sizes and designs that match your nails and preferences if there are limited options available in stores near you. Many brands have produced more varieties to cater to everyone.

Quick and Easy Application

As we’ve mentioned, these fake nails are easy to apply. They are recommended for home use because you can have beautiful nails in just minutes. Once you’ve securely glued the press on nails on your natural nails, then you’re done—no need to wait for hours to let the polish dry like the traditional nail polish.

Much Safer for the Natural Nails

Unlike acrylic or gel extensions, press on nails don’t cause any damage to the natural nails. The glue you’ll use is much safer compared to how acrylic or gel extensions are applied or removed. Your natural nails will grow perfectly fine.

Cheaper Than Other Types of Fake Nails

Yes, they are way cheaper than other nail extensions. Press on nails cost around $20, while acrylic or gel nail extensions are way more expensive, around $100 on average. It can even get higher if you add nail accessories. Also, in case you don’t like the finished look, spending $20 doesn’t really hurt that much compared to $100. Not to mention you would be forced to wear the extensions for a few weeks.

Won’t Go Out of Style

Since their creation, press on nails have always been trendy in the nail industry. They are an easier alternative to other artificial nails in terms of application. In the fashion industry, nail artists paint them ahead of time, so they can be applied quickly. You can do that too at home! Buy a few sets of press on nails and enjoy painting them for your next events.

How to Apply Press On Nails

1. Prep Your Nails

You shouldn’t skip this step because it’s a crucial procedure to help press on nails stay longer. Trimming and buffing your nails and pushing back your cuticles are the essential steps to prep your nails. Also, never forget to remove any product residue on your nails with acetone to ensure your nails are clean and allow the fake nails’ adhesive to stick to the natural nails firmly.

2. Choose the Press On Nails’ Sizes for Your Natural Nails

In picking a press on nail, choose a piece that’s slightly smaller than your natural nail. You’ll see tiny gaps, but this makes it look more natural. It mimics the tiny spaces you see when you apply nail polish to your nails.

Also, if you choose a little big piece, it tends to pop off quickly and may look really fake. Don’t pick those that are too small either. Just make sure there’s a good balance with the size.

You can measure the size of your nails to help you get the best set. This helps since many brands provide a sizing chart with their products. A soft measuring tape is ideal for measuring your nail beds. Get the widest measure as your basis for the press on nails as they come in numbered sizes. Also, it’s important to take note of the length and shape you want because some shapes may have a different fit.

3. Apply the Press On Nails

Now that you’ve chosen the best matches for your nails, it’s time you start applying the fake nails. Place the fake nails in order before you start gluing them to your nails, so you won’t get confused.

When applying, put some amount of glue on the fake nail and gently press it on the natural nail. Hold it for 10-20 seconds to ensure the glue sticks securely. Just make sure you won’t apply the fake nail to the cuticle but to your nail bed. Also, remove excess glue around the nails with a cotton pad.

Tip: If you want your nails to last for a week or two, apply glue to your entire nail. This helps keep the fake nails intact for a longer period. However, if you’re only using press on nails for a couple of days, apply one or two drops. This makes it easier for you to remove the fake nails.

4. Shape Your Nails (Optional)

You have the option to buff your nails to shape them to your liking or let them be. If you choose the latter, skip this step and proceed to the next step. However, if you opt for the former, this allows you to mimic the shape of your natural nails. For excess glue under your nails, you can use a clipper to remove it.

5. Clean Your Hands

Never forget to clean your hands after the application to completely remove dirt, dust and any excess product. Then, you’re done. In case a nail pops off, file down the old glue and apply another amount of glue to the nail to put it back on.

How to Remove Press On Nails

1. Soak Your Nails

Soaking your nails for several minutes is the most popular method of removing nails. You can do it with acetone or warm, soapy water. With acetone, dip a cotton ball in acetone and put it on your nail. Wrap it with foil and leave it for 10 minutes. For warm, soapy water, submerge your hands for 10-15 minutes to soften the glue.

2. Lift Your Press On Nails

At this point, your nails should be soft enough to be removed with a buffer. Lift each fake nail gently to remove it, and if it’s still hard, you need to soak it again. Repeat the process until the nail can be lifted.

3. Buff the Glue Residue

You’ll see some glue residue on your natural nails once the fake ones are removed. If you see small amounts of glue residue, file them down gently. But if there are large bits, you should soak them to soften them.

4. Hydrate Your Nails

Always hydrate your nails after you remove any nail enhancement. Although the glue is generally safe for your nails, it still leaves your nails slightly dry. Apply cuticle oil or any hydrating product on your nails generously to help them recover from the press on nail application and removal.

How Can You Prolong the Longevity of Press On Nails?

With proper nail care and using high-quality glue, press on nails last up to two weeks. Other factors, such as not soaking your hands in water for a long period, keeping your nails dry and prepping your nails properly (as mentioned earlier), help prolong the nails’ life. You can also apply a layer of top coat every few days to protect the edges and design of the nails.

Can You Reuse Press On Nails?

There are brands that design press on nails to be reusable, while others are only for one-time use. If you want to get reusable fake nails, get those brands that offer this option. Once you have your own reusable nail set, clean, remove and keep them properly.

How to Choose the Best Press On Nails

Aside from the measurement, there are other factors you need to take into consideration to ensure you get the best set.

Quality

Quality is extremely important in choosing press on nails because you can guarantee longevity, great fit and beautiful natural-looking nails. You also need to consider the quality of the glue included because it may or may not hold long onto your natural nails.

Part of determining the best quality is the brand. Is it reputable? The more popular the brand is, the better. It may be a little expensive, but it has gained a significant level of reputation that you can rely on. Check for brand and product reviews to know other people’s experiences with the product.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle is another consideration you must take note of. If you frequently type on a keyboard or do activities that may risk breaking your nails when long, it’s always best to keep them short, so they won’t get in the way.

Your Style

Don’t forget to consider your style when choosing the best fake nails. After all, enhancing your nails is a creative way to express yourself. Get the shape, colours and designs that fit your preference and can showcase your personality.

The Takeaway

You can’t go wrong with press on nails. They are extremely flexible in designs, shapes and colours to showcase your changing style. Just make sure to apply or remove them properly to avoid nail damage. In case there are issues that need professional help, never hesitate to go to the nearest salon.