Tips + Step-by-Step Video Guide for Flawless Press-On Nails

I used to get dip on my nails every 2-3 weeks. It was costing me about $60 each time. Finally, about 18 months ago, I admitted that was insanity and something had to change. But I love having my nails done. It makes me feel put together and honestly just brings me joy. I also hate repainting my nails every three days so I like having something that will stay put for a couple of weeks.

When I first stopped cold turkey from dip nails, it was a nice little break. Not only financially but also it gave me time back. I would spend at least an hour in the nail salon every time I got my nails done and I am not in a phase of life where I have extra time on my hands; no pun intended.

After I decided to quit on getting dip done on my nails, I spent the first few weeks painting my own nails but it drove me crazy how fast they would chip.

I grew up in the era of Lee Press On Nails. I never used them but for some reason as an adult, there was some biased I had against going the press on nail route.

But finally, I decided to at least try the route of press on nails.

I was immediately and surprisingly sold.

I have done the homework. I have tried numerous brands and different methods of how to get the nails to last and how best to remove them.

Here are my tips through trial and error if you too are thinking about trying the route of press on nails.

Brands

The only brand I will use is Olive and June. Glamnetics is a really popular one and one that many of my friends have tried and love. For some reason, Olive and June are the best for my nails. They fit the best, they stay the longest and are somewhat easy to remove. Though removing the press on nails is always the hardest part, in my experience and opinion.

Glue or sticky tabs

I like both the glue kind and the sticky tab kind. The glue ones stay on about two weeks and the sticky tabs last about seven days. What I like about the sticky tabs is that it doesn’t damage my nails at all. But of course I like that the glue ones last longer. I typically have a few of each on hand and switch between.

Removing the nails

This part can be challenging.

Soak your nails in hot soapy water. I use Dawn detergent and water as hot as my hands can handle.
Soak for at least 15 minutes. I press my nails down into the bottom of the bowl as they are soaking to help get them to start lifting from my natural nail.
After about 15 minutes, some may start to lift at the edges.
Once you see or feel movement, gently try to lift a little of the press on apart from your natural nail until it eventually pops off into the water.
If the nails are staying glued, use a nail glue remover. I like this one. Sometimes this process can take longer than other times but it is important to not rip the glue nail off from your natural nail.

Prep is critical

Prepping the bare nail is critical in getting the nails to last. Be sure to file your nails and clean up your cuticles. Most nail sets also come with a prep pad so use that as well to ensure the natural nails are clean and ready. Anytime I rush through prepping my nails, they never last as long. I use this Sally Hansen cuticle remover and love it.

Size the nails

Sizing is critical. If you are in-between a size, pick the one that is slightly smaller. If it is too big it’s more likely to pop off. Size and lay out all 10 before starting the glue process.

Gluing the nail on

Every nail is different, but here is what works for me.
I put a very thin layer of glue on my entire natural nail. Very thin. I then put a few very small thin dots of glue on the press on nail. I count to 5 and then adhere starting with pressing the bottom/part near the cuticle down first and then pressing the whole nail down. Hold for 30 seconds.