Do you remember when press-on nails first came out? They were tacky, poorly fitting glue-on nails that easily popped off with a snap of a finger. My oh, my have press-on nails come a long way. We now have various shapes, colors, designs, and lengths of press-on nails to choose from in stores and online. Not to mention that they can now last up to two weeks.
Though the history of faux nails dates back to ancient Egypt and China, acrylic nails are as recent as the 1950s. A dentist named Frederick Slack broke his fingernail while working one day and decided to create an artificial fingernail using dental acrylic. Thus, giving birth to the first acrylic nail system when he started selling the product to manicurists.
Thanks to Mr. Slack, we can now enjoy artificial nails like press-on nails without needing a manicurist. Press-on nails are simple and easy to apply, but getting the nails to last can be a hassle without the proper technique. The average press-on nail wearer is no nail tech, but our tips below will have you securing those IGL press-ons like a pro.
How to apply press-on nails
Before you start:
IGL Nails has short, med/long, and XL lengths in different shapes and designs. Each box includes 24-28 nails as opposed to the traditional 12-24. Our extended nail sizes allow women with narrow nail beds and wide nail beds to enjoy the convenience of press-on nails.
Nail health is essential and affects the longevity of your press-on nails. Make sure you’re practicing proper hand hygiene. Each IGL Nails box includes three essential application tools for long-lasting nails (nail file, cuticle stick, and an alcohol wipe). We also have liquid nail glue in every box. Most importantly: Every Single IGL Nails Set is under $20.
Press-on nail Application
Nail prep
- Remove any nail polish and trim your natural nails.
- Push back your cuticles with the IGL cuticle stick or a metal cuticle pusher.
- Buff your natural nails gently with a nail file or buffer.
- Wipe each nail with an alcohol wipe.
- Match the correct size press-on nail with your nails.
Applying press-on nails
IGL Nails includes options for application: strong adhesive tabs for short wear (1-3 days) and liquid glue for an up to 2 week wear time.
Temporary wear (1 day & reusable):
- Apply the adhesive tab to the artificial nail, press and smooth onto the nail, and remove the film.
- Align the artificial nail with your cuticle and press it down firmly for 10 seconds.
Semi-permanent wear (3-5 days):
- Apply the adhesive tab to the artificial nail, press and smooth onto the nail, and remove the film.
- Add a small amount of the IGL Liquid Glue to the adhesive tab on the artificial nail.
- Align the artificial nail with your cuticle, press it down firmly, and smooth out any air bubbles for 20 seconds.
Long-Wear (Up to 14 days wear):
- Apply a layer of the IGL Liquid Glue to half of the inside of the artificial nail. Make sure the glue will cover your entire nail bed for extended long wear.
- Align the artificial nail with your cuticle, press it down firmly, and smooth out any air bubbles for 20 seconds.
Pro tips
- Avoid contact with water for at least 30 minutes to an hour after nail application.
- Apply enough glue to avoid air pockets, appropriately secure, and extend wear time.
- Immediately remove excess glue.
- Massage cuticle oil on your fingers to improve your nail health.
- Shorter press-on nails usually have better wear time than longer nails.
We like to give our customers options over at IGL Nails! Whether you’re a teacher, engineer, dancer, blogger, nurse, or Amazon delivery driver, whether these nails are perfect,. Your lifestyle, your choice!
Now that you have the proper strategy to get the most out of your faux nails, you can now wear your press-ons with confidence. Share your additional tips and tricks to extending press-on nail wear below in the comments.