How To Apply Press On Nails So They Last Two Weeks

If you’re anything like me you like to have beautiful manicured hands. There is just something addicting about having a bomb set of nails. It makes you feel put together and gives you a confidence boost, which we could all use, right?

But personally, I don’t like spending hundreds of dollars a month on manicures. Every once in a while I love to treat myself to a professional manicure, but I don’t find it practical to get them regularly. Instead I like to regularly use press on nails so that I can still keep up with having beautiful nails, but I also don’t break the bank doing so.

Press on nails have a little bit of a bad reputation. I know a lot of people struggle with applying them and even find that they fall off very quickly. Trust me, I have been in that situation before. However, once you know how to properly apply press on nails they are life changing. Don’t worry, in this post I will teach you how to apply press on nails so that they last at least two weeks.

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Take Care Of Your Nails and Cuticles

Before you even get to applying press on nails you need to have a good base to start with. To have a good base you need to have healthy and cared for natural nails. You don’t need super long nails though, just strong and healthy nails.

One way you can do this is by protecting your nails from harsh chemicals when you’re working or cleaning by wearing gloves. If you have a problem with really brittle nails you might also benefit from certain supplements or vitamins- which is something you should talk to your doctor about!

Cuticle and nail oil are also really helpful in keeping up with the health of your nails. I really like Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil. I just apply a coat to my nails and cuticles once a day and find they grow faster and much stronger! Another thing I do is keep my nails trimmed on the shorter side, and neatly filed. I find this reduces the chances of breakage and chips, plus I just prefer slightly shorter nails. Of course if you want to grow out your natural nails then this tip isn’t for you!

Do the Proper Prep Before You Apply Press On Nails

This is the most important step when in comes to making your press on nails last. I also feel like with the proper preparation you will improve the length of any brand of press on nails, however I personally use and love the imPress nails. They are what I am most familiar with. You can find them a lot of places. Amazon sells them here, target also sells them, and you can also go to the Kiss Beauty website and find them there.

As far as proper preparation, I first use a cuticle remover and let it sit on my cuticles for a minute to soften them. I then gently push my cuticles back with a cuticle pusher and trim them with a cuticle cutter. You can find an inexpensive cuticle care kit here if you don’t already have these tools.

Next I use a nail file to gently buff the surface of my nails to create a better surface for the press on nails to stick to. I then will use an alcohol wipe to thoroughly clean any oil and dust of the surface of my natural nails.

Another important thing to note is that your press on nails most likely have information and details about how they are suppose to be applied. Make sure to read the directions on your brand of press on nails!

Applying The Press On Nails Correctly

Now its time to actually apply the press on nails. You may just think you slap them on and your good to go, but if you do this they likely won’t last as long as you want them to.

Of course the nails come in different sizes to fit each of your different fingernails. I like to figure out which size is the best fit for all my nails and lay them out in order before I actually start applying. If you are stuck in-between two sizes, one slightly to large and the other a bit to small, it is usually better to go with the smaller one. Or, file down the larger nail to better fit your natural nails size. You do not want to apply a press on nail that overhangs the sides of your natural nail and is sticking to skin because it will not adhere properly.

Once you are sure you’ve selected the right size press on nail for all of your nails you can start to apply them. It is usually recommended you put on the thumb nails last. To apply your press on nails you’re going to peel off the plastic that is covering the adhesive. This won’t apply to you if you are using glue on nails. I personally don’t like glue on nails as much as press on ones, but the process is almost the same still if you are using glue. The only extra step with glue on nails is applying the nail glue. I have found that brushing the glue onto your nail bed as well as the bottom of the fake nail is helpful.

Once you have the adhesive ready on your press on nail you’re going to take the back edge of the nail and at a slightly upward angle press it back to line up with your cuticle line. Of course make sure the nail is centered and as close to the skin as possible without actually being on any skin. Now you’re going to lower the press on nail on to your natural nail and press as hard as you can for at least 30 seconds.

A lot of the adhesives used in press on nails are pressure activated, so the harder you press the better bond you will have. Follow these steps until you have applied all your press on nails and enjoy you’re beautiful manicure!

Caring For Your Press On Nail Manicure

Once you have applied your press on nails it is important to continue taking care of your nails and hands, so keep being careful with any harsh cleaners or chemicals. Use your cuticle oils and moisturizers. The great thing about press on nails is that if one does happen to come off you have extras! Be sure to follow these steps every time you apply a replacement nail too, so that it doesn’t just come right off again!

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