How To File Down Press On Nails

If you lot love having your nails done but tin can't always head to the salon, it's time to put press-on nails on your radar. While these might seem like relics of the by, the inexpensive press-on nails yous remember from childhood have gotten a rather luxe update for modern-24-hour interval clothing.

Whether you want to wear your nails long or short, polished to perfection or accentuated with gems, there's a press-on nail kit for that. Since it may accept been quite some time since you lot final ventured the world of press-ons, ahead you'll rediscover what they are, how they piece of work, and how to ensure they look their best for as long as possible. Happy DIY-ing!

Meet the Expert

Braelinn Frank is an Austin-based smash artist and the founder of beloved press-on brand Rave Nailz.

What Are Press-On Nails?

While this largely depends on the make you cull to motility forward with, Frank says that many press-on nails are acrylic resin faux nails that can be applied in minutes, but have a nearly-perfect resemblance to a salon-quality acrylic mani.

Beyond their high-quality appearance (and so long as you utilise quality press-ons, that is), they come up in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors, not to mention a range of budgets. Where some press-on nails tin be snagged for but a few bucks, others—like Rave Nails which are built to last and fabricated with runway-quality nail art in listen—band up for as much as $25 a pair.

How Do Press-On Nails Work?

Press-on nails typically come up in a kit that includes the nails, a cuticle-pusher, a file, and blast gum. The nails themselves are usually divided into a five-compartment container with multiple sizes for each nail so that you have a good chance of finding a press-on that perfectly matches your nail shape. And, if they're a flake off, that's where the file comes into play.

Once you lot select your press-ons, you glue them on. It's every bit simple as that. (But, if yous're fretting over the process, no worries! We take you through a full run-down of how to apply press-on nails at the end of this commodity.)

How Long Do They Last?

Once again, this comes down to the quality of press-ons you lot purchase, only Frank says that a adept awarding can last upward to two weeks with proper care. "If the nails themselves are durable, you lot can reuse them too," she says. "My rule of thumb is: More glue equals longer article of clothing. The cool part about press-ons is that you actually can wear them for very short periods of fourth dimension besides!" Just look at Beyonce's 2018 Coachella operation. "There's no salon backstage," Frank says. "She just switched out her press-ons!" And then, whether you want flashy nails simply for the weekend or you're hoping for a longer-lasting mani, printing-ons might only exist the answer to your prayers, peculiarly those that come up with adhesive tabs (which you should use if y'all want to swap out immediately like Beyoncé).

Are Press-On Nails Safe For Your Natural Nails?

Thank your lucky stars because press-on nails are one of the safest options for extensions in the book.

"Compared to the culling, acrylic extensions, press-ons are a lot safer," Frank emphasizes. "Damage to your nails comes in the class of erosive substances like acetone and in gild to remove acrylic extensions, you have to soak your nails for at least xv minutes—your boom beds are crying!" Plus, she points out that in club for the acrylic polymer to stick, technicians have to vitrify your natural smash, making information technology newspaper-sparse, which, as yous can imagine, isn't exactly good for your nails.

Static printing-on nails don't require any excessive buffing or soaking. "To remove [static] printing-ons, all you need to exercise is soak in warm soapy water for 15 minutes until they loosen naturally—no chemicals needed," Frank exclaims. However, other brands practise require yous to soak them off, just for a shorter period of time, at which point they should loosen upwards quickly. For nail adhesive tabs, yous can take a small amount of nail polish remover effectually the edges of the press-on and slowly lift it off, according to manicurist and Byrdie Advisory Board member Evelyn Lim.

How to Use Press-On Nails

one. Clip your nails. "For the longest-lasting press on mani, clip your natural nails short," Frank starts.

2. Clean your nails. Frank says to remove all polish and make clean your nails well with soap and water to ensure a clean base of operations for your press-on mani."If y'all have it on paw, clean them with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball too," she says. From there, dry your nails completely and move to the next step.

iii. Pick out your boom sizes. Frank says choosing your boom sizes before y'all start applying them is a must and then that you aren't trying to notice your size with wet glue on your hands. "For an even more perfect match, file the sides of the press-on nail to fit your blast beds," she says.

4. Apply ane nail at a time. "Ane finger at a time, cover your whole nail with mucilage, then marshal the printing-on with your boom bed and press down firmly for twenty seconds," Frank instructs. "Enjoy your mani for up to ii weeks!"

5. Optional: Paint your nails. If y'all opted for clear printing-ons (every bit opposed to pre-painted ones), you can paint them to your liking once the glue is dry out. Don't forget topcoat so that your smooth lasts as long as your press-ons.

5 Means to Make Your Press-On Nails Last Longer

Make certain your nails are totally clean earlier applying your printing-ons so that clay, oil, or other debris doesn't prevent the glue from fully adhering the printing-on to your real nail.
Utilize your glue with how long you desire your press-on nails to final. If y'all're hoping to switch up your smash await just for the weekend, Frank says to merely use a couple of drops of mucilage; if you want your press-ons to last for a calendar week or more, encompass your entire nail in glue.
Opt for shorter nails. Every bit fun every bit long coffin, stiletto, and almond-shaped nails are, the longer the length, the more than likely they'll be to snag on something and accidentally pop off.

Consider using a different glue than the one that comes in your kit. Some of the top-reviewed nail glues include Osculation PowerFlex Max Speed Glue ($iii) and Mia Secret Nail Mucilage ($10).
Skip baths or just retrieve not to submerge your nails underwater. Since press-ons are designed to come off with simply lather and water, letting them sit under soapy suds for long periods tin shorten their vesture.

The Best Printing-On Nails to Effort

Rave Nailz Fluffy Cloud Nailz $25.00

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Press-on nails are particularly corking for weekends where yous're looking to drastically switch-upward your manicure without it affecting your day-to-day look. That'southward why we love these fluffy cloud nails. While we might non wear them every mean solar day of the week, they'd be a fun addition to any festival 'fit.

Static Nails Cristal Almond $25.00

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If you love an almond-shaped blast look, you'll swoon over these minimalist nude nails. They feature embellished argument nails that are dotted with real Swarovski crystals for a slightly elevated, glam end expect.

imPRESS Pop Star two Press-On Manicure $viii.00

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ICYMI: French manicures are back in a big way. With this easy-to-utilise set, you tin accomplish the classic pattern with a hint of glitter and glam.

Dashing Diva Pies Served Daily Magic Press On $nine.00

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Some press-on boom kits come up with a multifariousness of colors so that y'all're able to make it on the gradient nail trend. This Dashing Diva set features a mix of pinkish press-on nails so that yous can play with how yous want to shift your gradient.

KISS Full-Cover Oval Nails $6.00

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If you're looking for length but still desire to pigment your own nails, consider this acknowledged 100-count press-on nail set. It comes with a multifariousness of press-on oval nails so that y'all can do your own nails over and over over again.