Although a press-on manicure sets quickly, it should not fall off quickly. So, what’s the secret to lasting longer? press-on manicureShort answer: preparation and patience. When applied correctly, a press-on manicure should last you at least seven days. However, it takes some finesse to master a technique that will result in the kind of longevity and protect the health of your nails.
That’s why we called in nail experts for a crash course in how to keep a press-on manicure longer. Next up, celebrity nail stylists elle gerstein and celebrity manicurist and Kiss Nails brand ambassador, Julie KandalekShare your best tips and tricks for mastering the press-on manicure, including nail preparation, nail shape, and safe removal to maintain it. the integrity of your nailsAll in the name of a long-lasting press-on manicure. Consider this your cheat sheet to the quickest, easiest at-home manicures.
Basics of Press-On Nails
First of all, let’s be realistic. “A press-on manicure is not meant to replace your regular gel or acrylic manicure,” explains Gerstein, whose star-studded client roster includes people like Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, and Kelly Ripa. Instead, according to Gerstein, a press-on manicure is a temporary quick-fix manicure that’s perfect for when you’re short on time (or money) and want professional-looking results. Fast: a wedding weekend, a last minute date night, or a surprise vacation, However, we know a lot of people who prefer press-on manicures as their mani of choice (instead of gels and acrylics) and that’s totally fine, too.
In general, a press-on manicure should last about seven to 14 days. However, this varies slightly depending on the type of press-on nail: glue-on and adhesive tab. “If you use glue, I recommend removing the glue every one to two weeks, depending on your lifestyle. Whereas for tabs, removal should be about a week,” explains Gerstein. Both glue-on and adhesive press-on nails are fast, convenient, and easy to apply, although peel-and-go adhesive tabs make the process even simpler, applying adhesive that’s already on the nail. . Some nail kits also come with the option to apply using glue or with adhesive tabs, so you can choose your own press-on nail adventure.
Understanding nail shape and size
Another factor to keep in mind when selecting a press-on manicure kit is the arch and curvature of your natural nail shape. Gerstein explains, “Some people have flat nails, while others have curved nails, so it’s helpful to find a nail tip brand whose products align with your arches and shape. For example, Kiss Nails is designed for flat nails. are very good for OPI And pink friday nails Gerstein points out that they have a stronger top which makes them ideal for someone with a larger C-curve.
The goal is to find a press-on that will stick to your own nail. “If you have to apply pressure to the natural nail to make it fit, it will fall off prematurely,” warns Candelec. Their expert advice: If you have flat nail beds, go up one size and file the edges down to get a better fit.
Most press-on nail kits come with a wide variety of nail tip sizes to choose from depending on how you shape each nail, but it can be difficult to find and adjust the tips to fit your nails. “Fit is important,” says Kandalek. “Using a nail that doesn’t fit the arch (top) of your nail will cause it to discolor very quickly, if it even stays on. “It’s best to enlarge the shape, then file and trim the edges to fit perfectly – it’s like a puzzle piece,” she explains.
The trick here is to shape the press-on to fit your nail sidewall to sidewall. “It is better to enlarge and file a nail to fit side-by-side than to shorten a nail that will not fit perfectly,” explains Gerstein. “But you should also keep in mind that if the side walls are too big, the glue will leak out.” Solution: Take the time to file it and prepare the press-on nail to fit correctly on the sidewall of your nail before applying your adhesive.
How to prepare your nails for P?ress-ons
Ultimately the secret to making a press-on work is preparing the nail before application. “That’s the difference between getting tips in a day or a week,” explains Gerstein. Once you’ve selected your nail tips and shaped them to fit your nails, it’s time to apply them. It’s time to prepare the nail bed for. First, make sure your cuticles are clean and your nails are dehydrated. “Do this by washing your hands and using an alcohol wipe to dry the nail plate, which is usually included in most press-on nail kits,” says Gerstein. The trick here is making sure your nails are extremely dry. She adds, “Use a pre-soaked pad to rub that alcohol into the nail plate – using a gentle rubbing motion to really dehydrate the nails.”
Next “cut and file your natural nails short so the ends stick in better and don’t show down or at the corners,” says Candelec. Finally, clean up any hangnails and lightly polish your nails to improve adhesion.
How to apply press-on nails
While press-on nails are quick and easy to apply, they require a little patience to apply correctly for long-lasting results. Start by taking one nail at a time, covering it with a thin layer of glue or adhesive tabs. When using glue, apply the glue to the belly of the nail, then take the bottom of the nail and press it at a 90 degree angle to the cuticle area. “Try to insert the tip directly into the cuticle as this will make your manicure look more natural and prevent the glue from leaking out,” explains Gerstein.
As for the amount of glue to use: “Make sure you’re applying a good amount of nail adhesive to your nails so that they stick completely without air bubbles, but don’t use so much that you won’t notice as soon as you Press the nail so it falls out,” says Kandalek. Work your way from nail to nail, aligning each press-on with the cuticle line, applying at a downward angle and pinching to secure in place. Hold firmly for at least 10 seconds.
How to Safely Remove Ingrown Toenails
The golden rule of removing press-on nails: Resist the urge to break or tear your manicure. “Improper removal such as uprooting them can lead to long-lasting damage and brittleness breaking nails“Kandalek says. Nail removal techniques depend on whether press-on nails are applied using glue or adhesive tabs.
For glued press-on nails you will use an acetone soak which will break down the adhesive and allow you to gently remove the nail. “Make sure you use 100 percent pure acetoneJust not acetone-based polish remover, because it’s not strong enough and will only make them sticky,” explains Candelec. Experts recommend using aluminum foil to wrap your nails with small acetone-soaked cotton balls that will gently dissolve the adhesive.
Meanwhile, adhesive tab press-on nails will require rubbing alcohol and a wooden stick. “Start by gently lifting the edge of the press on the tip to allow the alcohol to reach the adhesive. As the alcohol gets into the adhesive, it will leave the nail, just be patient,” explains Gerstein.
There are also some good products on the market today that help reduce the pain points caused by removal. For example, kiss glue-off ($7) can be applied along the cuticle and will soften and dissolve nail glue deposits, making it easier to use the tip of a chisel to remove the fake nails, and then blot off the softened nail glue with a paper towel. It will be easier to wipe,” explains Kandalek. She also recommends using coarse nail file Roughen the surface of the tip first, so the acetone can penetrate more quickly.
In any case, as soon as the adhesive has softened, use a orange wooden stick Gently roll the tip of the softened nail, then use a nail file to gently polish the surface of the nails and remove any remaining nail or adhesive.
Final Takeaway
There’s a lot to like about press-on nails: They’re quick, convenient, and look just as good as the real deal salon version. The hard part is making them last overnight, let alone the over-promised seven to 14 days expected. The secret is to take a little extra time and care in preparing and implementing them correctly to get value for your time and money. While this quick and easy application may make the process a little more time-consuming, it’s a small price to pay for an at-home DIY manicure that will live up to its 14-day promise.
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