How To Apply Your Press On Nails

an in depth written guide, with audio and video demonstrations, nail anatomy references, and extra tips for long-lasting nails!

In your nail kit you will find the following application tools:

- 1 nail file

- 1 nail buffer

- 1 tube of air dry glue

- 1 sheet of sticky tabs

- 5 alcohol wipes

- 1 wooden cuticle pusher (aka ‘orange stick’)

- 10 press on nails (36pc in Wearable Size Kit)

- info card for quick application instructions

step 1: ensure sizing is correct by placing each press on nail with no adhesive to the nail plate. if nails do not fit correctly, reach out immediately

step 2: thoroughly wash and dry hands/nails with warm soapy water and gently push back cuticles with orange stick, removing dead skin (cuticle) from the nail plate. do not apply any lotion/oil

step 3: use nail file to shape and smooth the free edge; jagged edges can be a cause of premature lifting. buff the shine off of the nail plate. the nail plate should be dull in appearance and slightly gritty in texture; avoid over filing as it can damage the health of the natural nail plate

step 4: clean and dehydrate the nail plate with alcohol wipes, clean the press on nails at the time as well; any oil, moisture, dust, or debris will impact the health of the natural nail

step 5: one finger at a time, apply 1-2 drops of glue to the inside of the press on nail. then apply 2-4 drops of glue to the natural nail (smaller nails require less glue, larger nails require more glue).

- keep your finger & the press on nail parallel to your workspace to avoid the wet glue from dripping

step 6: hold the press on at a 45॰ angle and use a steady swipe motion to evenly distribute the glue across the entire nail plate

step 7: using steady and gentle pressure, place the press on close to the cuticle area of the nail plate at a 45॰ angle. slowly lay it down towards the free edge to cover the entire nail plate and hold for 30 seconds

- starting at 45॰ helps ensure the glue evenly spreads between the natural nail and the press on nail while preventing air bubbles

- keep your pressure gentle, as too much pushing or squeezing can cause the wet glue to seep out from between the nails and reduce adhesion and longevity (and make a mess!)

nail anatomy reference

audio/video demonstration

tips and tricks

  • start by applying the press on nails to your non-dominant hand first

  • apply nails to the index fingers & thumbs last

  • avoid using nails as tools; they are accessories!

  • avoid all lotions/oils for at least 1 hour after application

  • avoid getting hands wet or using cleaning supplies for at least 1 hour after application

  • always gloves when possible during cleaning/dish washing

  • avoid picking or biting at the press on nails

  • avoid picking or biting at the nail folds/eponychium/cuticle

only use air-dry nail glue for press on sets, never glue that requires a UV light to cure (even when advertised as appropriate for press-ons). for more information on glue, see my Nail Anatomy & Health page

always remove your press on nails properly with a gentle and patient technique. prying, pulling, tearing, or biting is likely to cause pain/damage. see my How To Remove page for more information