Most press-on nails that come off early were not badly made. They were badly prepared, or they were not pressed down for long enough. Oil on the nail, a cuticle in the way and a quick tap instead of a proper press explain most cases of press-on nails lifting at the edges. All three are easy to fix. This guide covers how to apply press-on nails with adhesive tabs, step by step, and what to do if they still let you down.
What you need
Everything you need for the application is in the box. Every box of L'Adele press-on nails comes with:
- 150 adhesive tabs
- a nail file
- a cuticle pusher
- 5 alcohol wipes
Every set holds 10 nails plus 5 spares in the size you choose, so you have a few extra if one is a bit off. Tweezers are optional, but they help with the protective paper on the tabs. Keep a paper towel handy too. Not sure of your size? Measure the widest point of each nail in mm and check our UK size guide before you start. A nail that fits flush from side to side simply holds better.
How to apply press-on nails step by step
This is our own step by step guide. If you prefer pictures, the How it works page shows every step.
Step 1: Wash and dry your hands
Wash your hands and dry them with a paper towel. The paper towel takes the last of the oil off your nails, and oil is the main reason a tab will not hold.
Step 2: Push back your cuticles
Gently push your cuticles back with the cuticle pusher. Trim them if they need it. A cuticle in the way stops the tab from sitting flat.
Step 3: Clean with an alcohol wipe
There is no need to buff, roughen or file your own nails. Only if your press-ons tend to come loose quickly, take the shine off very lightly with the soft side of the file first. Then wipe every nail with an alcohol wipe, and wipe the inside of each press-on too. After that, try not to touch the nail again.
Step 4: Choose and place the tab
Pick the tab size that fits the nail. Place it on your nail, leaving about 1 mm to the cuticle. If the tab is too long, trim it so it does not overlap your skin. There is a number inside each press-on nail to help you find the right finger.
Step 5: Press the tab down and peel the paper
Press the tab down firmly, especially at the edges. Then peel off the protective paper. Tweezers help here.
Step 6: Line up the press-on
Hold the press-on at about 45 degrees, line it up with the cuticle end, and press it onto the tab. Then slide it towards the cuticle and press it down.
Step 7: Press for 15 to 30 seconds
Press each nail firmly for 15 to 30 seconds. Work from the centre towards the edges so any air bubbles disappear. This is the step people rush, so count it out properly, one nail at a time.
Step 8: Keep water away for a while
Avoid long contact with water for the first 2 to 4 hours. More on that below.
Why press-on nails fall off, and how to fix each one
If your press-on nails keep falling off, or one keeps coming off however careful you are, the cause is nearly always on this list. Find your symptom and try the fix next time.
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Nail lifts within a day | Oil on the nail | Dry your hands with a paper towel, wipe each nail with an alcohol wipe and do not touch it again. If they still come loose quickly, take the shine off lightly with the soft side of the file next time |
| Lifting at the edges | Too little pressure | Press each nail for the full 15 to 30 seconds, from the centre towards the edges |
| Nails loosen after washing up | Water too soon | Keep water contact short for the first 2 to 4 hours |
| Gap or lift at the side | Wrong size | Measure the widest point of the nail in mm. Between two sizes, take the larger one and file the sides down in a few strokes |
| Edge of the nail catches and lifts | Tab too big and overlapping your skin | Trim the tab so it sits on the nail only |
| Lifting at the cuticle | Cuticle not pushed back | Push the cuticles back gently before the tab goes on and leave about 1 mm to the cuticle |
| One nail snaps off or comes loose | Using nails as tools | Use a fingertip or another tool for tins, stickers and zips instead of your nails |
| Nails do not last the first few days | Hot baths or long washing up early on | Wear gloves for washing up and save long baths for later |
| Fresh tab will not stick when you reapply | Nail still damp | Let the nail dry completely before the new tab goes on |
The first 24 hours
Avoid long contact with water for the first 2 to 4 hours, so the washing up and the bath can wait. Dry your hands properly after every wash, and wear gloves when you wash up. After that you can carry on with normal life. You do not need to tiptoe around the kettle.
Adhesive tabs or glue
Nail glue can grip for longer, and some people like that. The catch is that glue is harder on your own nails when you take the press-ons off. We use adhesive tabs on purpose.
With tabs, expect your press-on nails to last 1 to 2 weeks, about 10 days on average. How long exactly depends on how often your hands are in water and what your work involves. If your job has strict hand hygiene rules, for example in nursing, our guide on press-on nails and bare below the elbows covers what to think about.
More on wear time in how long press-on nails last.
If one comes off
One nail coming off is not a disaster, and that is what the 5 spares are for. To put a single nail back on:
- Clean the back of the press-on and the nail itself with an alcohol wipe, and make sure both are dry.
- Put a fresh tab on your nail, leaving about 1 mm to the cuticle.
- Press the tab down, peel off the paper, line up the press-on and slide it into place.
- Press for 15 to 30 seconds, from the centre towards the edges.
Always use a fresh tab. If the nail that came off is damaged, use one of the spares in the same size.
Taking them off, and wearing them again
When the time comes, soak your hands for a few minutes in warm soapy water. Then lift each nail gently from the side with the cuticle pusher, moving it slowly back and forth. Never pull a dry nail off. You do not need acetone, and you do not need to file anything.
Clean the press-ons, put them back in their box, and they are ready for next time. With fresh adhesive tabs and good care, a set can be worn three to five times.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I press each press-on nail?
Press each nail firmly for 15 to 30 seconds, working from the centre towards the edges.
Can I shower after applying?
Avoid long contact with water for the first 2 to 4 hours. Shower before you start, or apply in the evening and shower the next morning.
Why does only one nail keep coming off?
Look at the size of that one nail first. Measure the widest point again, and if you are between two sizes, take the larger one and file the sides down in a few strokes. Check that the tab is not overlapping your skin, and that you are not using that finger as a tool. Your 5 spares are there for a second try.
Do I need to buff or file my own nails first?
No. Clean, dry and free of oil is what matters. Only if your press-ons tend to come loose quickly, take the shine off very lightly with the soft side of the file, then wipe with an alcohol wipe.
Can I apply press-ons on short or bitten nails?
The tab needs enough nail to sit on. If there is enough nail for the tab to stick to, you can apply the press-ons, and a short shape such as Round or Oval Short looks most natural. Measure carefully; if one nail is a little narrower than the rest, file a spare down at the sides to fit it.
Can I use tabs and glue together?
We recommend tabs only. Our 1 to 2 weeks of wear time is for adhesive tabs, and glue is harder on your own nails when it is time to take them off.
How long do press-on nails last with tabs?
1 to 2 weeks, about 10 days on average. It depends on how often your hands are in water and what your work involves.
Where to go next
If you are still deciding on a size, the UK size guide has a chart for each finger. The How it works page shows the application with pictures. You can see every set in our range under all handmade press-on nails, and the UK page has the details on delivery, payment and exchanges.
