How to Make Press-on Nails Last Longer, According to Experts

A full set of detailed nails can take hours to complete at the salon, and the price of frequent visits can add up quickly.

Luckily, premade press-on nails offer a faster, more affordable alternative to traditional gel or acrylic sets.

Although they’re not guaranteed to last as long as traditional manicures, press-ons can stay on for weeks at a time with the proper prep and care.

To find out how to get salon-quality results at home, Business Insider spoke with three nail experts. Here’s what they said about making the most of your press-on nails.

File down the press-on nail to get a better fit

According to Julie Kandalec, a celebrity manicurist and founder of Julie K Nail Academy, the most important aspect of making press-on nails last is making sure each one fits properly.

When trying on each press-on, she said to take note of how it fits along the sides and natural curve of your nail. For example, she told BI that applying a curved press-on onto a flatter natural nail will likely cause it to pop up because of the poor fit.

“The tiniest bit of pressure is usually OK. But if you really have to press it on there, it’s gonna last a day, and it’s popping off.”

If you have particularly flat nail beds and your press-ons are curved, Kandalec said to size up on the nail for a bigger, flatter well. Then, file down the sides to accommodate the size of your natural nail. If you can feel the sides against your nail bed, it’s too big.

Use a file on the surface of your natural nail and the underside of the press-on nail

Kandalec recommends using a file on both your natural nail and the underside of the press-on nail to ensure maximum grip for the glue.

She said to flick the file inside the press-on nail in a few different directions to create some roughness for better adhesion.

Then, use a file on the top surface of your natural nail to remove any excess acrylic or gel, especially along the cuticle area, which is more prone to lifting.

Avoid creating air bubbles

Without proper preparation, air bubbles may form between the natural and fake nails. After a few hand washes, water can get into the gaps, loosen the glue, and cause lifting of the nail, Tokyo Nails co-owner Nomundari Uuganbayar told BI.

To avoid this issue, she suggests a solid prep process, including pushing your cuticles back and cleaning the area. She also recommends buffing the natural nails to create a soft texture, and making sure they’re dry before application.

Remember that glue is a trial-and-error process

Although there’s no exact measurement for the perfect amount of glue, Kandalec told BI it’s best to fill the well of the press-on nail.

If the glue seeps out from the sides of the fake nail, you’ve likely added too much. In that case, you can use a wooden cuticle stick to clean up the excess.

Be sure to apply glue to your natural nail as well before placing the press-on. If you’re able, Kandalec suggests fitting the press-on closely to your cuticles so it sits just beneath the skin along the sides of your nail.

Apply the press-on at an angle

According to Teresa “Tere” Rodriguez — a Chicago-based artist and licensed nail tech who offers a press-on nail subscription — it’s best to apply the fake nail at an angle for about 20 to 25 seconds to allow the glue to set.

Rodriguez recommends applying the press-on nail from the cuticle, then pushing down toward the top for an effective grip.

Avoid water for about 20 minutes after application

It’s best to avoid getting your nails wet for at least 20 minutes after the application. This is because the glue needs time to fully dry and bond the press-on to your natural nail. Washing your hands too soon can cause the bond to weaken and lead to premature lifting.

According to Rodriguez, a good set of press-on nails can last up to two or three weeks with the proper application and care.