I’m newly converted to press-on nails because they save SO much time and money. However, getting them to last as long as an acrylic or gel set has been a journey. If you’ve wondered how to make press-on nails last as long as physically possible, this article is definitely for you.
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What you’ll need
You’ll only need a few tools for long-lasting press-on application, these are:
- Coarse grit nail file
- Cuticle pusher
- Alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol
- Kiss Brush-on Nail Glue (CRUCIAL)
1. Prepare your natural nails for the press-ons
Adequately preparing your nail beds is a crucial part of making your press-on nails last. Here are my top tips:
File your nails
Use a coarse nail file to roughen the surface of your natural nails. This will mean that the nail glue will adhere to the press-on better, making them last longer. Make sure to be gentle so you don’t over-file your nails!
Push back cuticles
Gently push your cuticles back using a cuticle pusher to create more space on the nail bed, allowing for better adhesion of the press-on nails, plus a more natural look.
Clean the nail bed
Wipe each nail bed with an alcohol wipe to remove any oils or residue, ensuring a clean surface for optimal adhesion of the press-on nails.
2. Choosing the right press-on nails
As with many things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to press-on nails. Opting for a high-quality nail set is essential for making your home-grown manicure last as long as possible.
There are a whole host of options out there these days, but some of my favourite brands/ranged include:
- Kiss Salon Acrylic French Press-ons – These have a nice, thick tip to give you that acrylic look, without being too heavy or bulky.
- Elegant Touch Press-ons – These are a great option for those on a budget. They’re flexible and lightweight, so they don’t snap. However, the inner surface of the press-on nail is smooth and shiny. This means you’ll need to use something to roughen it up (like a nail drill) so that your set lasts as long as possible.
- Etsy – For those who like an extra glam set, Etsy is the place for you. You’ll find countless nail techs selling their own custom sets and designs that can’t be found in the shops!
An honorary mention, of course, goes to my girl Malika Moon who created this stunning set of press-on nails for me…
3. Applying your press-on nails
Once you’ve properly prepped your nail beds it’s time to apply your press-ons.
In my humble opinion, you’ll only need one nail glue to get the job done right and make that mani last as long as possible. Of course, it has to be the Kiss Brush-on Nail Glue.
When I say this stuff DOES NOT MOVE, like, at all. Also, the applicator makes it so much easier to use, compared to the squeeze bottles I’ve used in the past.
According to Kiss’ official instructions, you need to:
- Apply glue to the free edge of the nail
- Place the press-on onto the nail and press firmly
- Apply glue around the edges to secure the nail
That’s really it! That’s how to get press-on nails to last as long as possible. Easy, right?
Once you’re done you’ll have a set of beautiful, durable press-on nails like moi💅🏾
What do you think? Did we miss any steps? Let me know in the comments below!
