Ten minutes is all you need. Even so, this is where things often go wrong with press-on nails: one set comes loose after three days, while another sits perfectly for one to two weeks, about ten days on average. The difference almost always lies in the preparation. Below you can read, step by step, how to apply press-on nails exactly the way we recommend.
What is in your box?
Every set contains 10 nails plus 5 spares in one size, 150 adhesive tabs, a nail file, a cuticle pusher and alcohol wipes. So you have everything to hand and do not need to buy anything extra. We deliberately do not sell glue: adhesive tabs are what we recommend, because they are easy to apply and you can take the nails off neatly afterwards.
Step 1: push back your cuticles
Use the cuticle pusher to gently push your cuticles back. That gives you more surface to stick to and lets the nail sit neatly right up to your cuticle. It looks sleeker and leaves less room for the edge to start curling up.
Step 2: start with clean, dry nails
Wash your hands, dry them well and do not put on any hand cream or oil afterwards. You do not need to roughen or file your own nail: cleaning, pushing back the cuticles and degreasing is enough for a good hold. The nail file in the box is for the sides of the press-on nails, if you want to shape them to fit.
Step 3: degrease every nail
Wipe each nail with an alcohol wipe. This is the step people skip most often, and the one that matters most. A trace of grease or cream is enough to make an adhesive tab let go. Give the nail a moment to dry before you carry on.
Step 4: stick on the nails and press firmly
First lay out all the nails in order, finger by finger, so you do not have to hunt around with sticky fingers. Smooth the adhesive tab onto your own nail, from the centre to the edges, so there are no air bubbles underneath. Then place the nail and press it down firmly for fifteen to thirty seconds. That half minute per nail really does make the difference. Found an air bubble or an edge that lifts? We have a separate guide for that: press-on nails and air bubbles or lifting.
Step 5: let them rest
For the first two to four hours, avoid long contact with water. A quick hand wash is fine, but put off the long bath or the washing-up for a little while. After that your nails are firmly in place and you can simply get on with your day.
Tip: choose your size before you start
Lay the nails loosely on your fingers first. The right size covers your whole nail without going over your skin. If you are between two sizes, take the larger one and file the sides down a little. You will find more help in our size guide. If you want to be sure you have the right fit, the Beginnerset Reflected is handy, with sizes S, M and L in one box.
When is the best time to apply them?
Many people put them on in the evening, after a shower, so no water comes near them for the first few hours anyway. If it is your first time, it is also worth reading the common beginner mistakes, which saves a lot of hassle.
Why preparation makes the difference
An adhesive tab only holds well on a clean, dry and grease-free nail. If you skip a step, you usually only notice after a few days, when an edge starts to lift. So do take your time over steps two and three. It saves you a new set or a spare nail later. If your nails do come loose quickly, only take the shine off very lightly with the soft side of the file, without scrubbing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to apply them?
About ten minutes for a whole set, especially after the first time.
How long do press-on nails stay on with adhesive tabs?
One to two weeks, about ten days on average. The more careful the preparation, the longer they usually last.
What if the size does not fit?
You can exchange an unused set for the right size within 14 days through our returns portal. You pay the return postage and we send the new size free of charge.
How do I take them off again?
Soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes and lift the nail from the side. Read everything in removing press-on nails without damage.
Ready to begin?
Take a look at all our handmade soft gel press-on nails. You will find the delivery time for your country at checkout.
