How to prep your nails, apply and remove sets
First off, the most important, how can you prep your nails like a pro and get the most of your press on?
For a long lasting and strong hold the health of your natural bed matters, if you are switching from gel/acrylics your nail bed might not be in their best shape, I know, I have been there, I switched to press on almost 4 years ago and trust me is a process, but I got you!
It is very important from now on you taking care of your natural nails with love.
From now, we forget what acetone and over filing is, we nourish our nails every day and specially every night before bed time, that will moisture them, specially your cuticles. I also recommend to scrub yours hands 3 times a week.
Apply nail oil every day will make them not only nourished but stronger. They will also start to grow faster and your manicures will last longer.
After 3 years of trial and error I made the perfect blend of organic oils that are specially formulated for the health of your nails check the oil here
My passion for nails determined me to bring the best for you, because cute nails is not only an aesthetic but what is underneath.
Preparation:
Spend time to prep your nails and cuticles is vital for a good looking manicure.
1-Wash your hands with lukewarm water and soap, with a cuticle pusher, push back your cuticles and clean the sides as well. You can use a liquid cuticle remover if you need it, that will make the job a little easier.
2-If you feel you need to cut your cuticles (be careful with this step) you can cut them with a cuticle nippers, wash again, gentle brush them, scrub and moisturise.
This steps, every 3 weeks would be optimal for good looking hands/manicure.
3-Scrub every 3 days and moisturise every day. Do not forget to use nail and cuticle oil every day!
Press On Application:
Step 1- Push back cuticles and any built up skin on the natural nail, use a liquid cuticle remover if necessary.
Step 2- File the corners of your nails if necessary so it won't show under the press-on.
Step 3- Use the buffer included to buff the surface of your natural nails to remove shine and encourage strong adhesion for the liquid glue.
Step 4- Wipe natural nails with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any oil, dust or dirt on the natural nails. I highly recommend to apply a nail dehydrator as well.
Steps 1 to 4 are standardized for both glue and glue tabs applications.
Step 5- Apply an even coating of glue* to your natural nails, making sure NOT to flood the cuticle area, and apply your press-on at 45° angle to make sure there are no air bubbles. Hold for 10-15 seconds and make sure to apply even pressure all over each nail to firmly apply.
Avoid contact with water before and after application.
*Nail glue can cause an allergic reaction, Always conduct a patch test before use.
To remove press-on nails, follow these simple steps:
1. Fill a bowl with very hot water (but not hot enough to burn your skin).
2. Add a few drops of dish soap and a small amount of oil to the hot water.
3. Submerge your hands in the bowl for about 15 minutes. This will help loosen the adhesive.
4. Gently use a cuticle pusher to aid in the removal process. Do not force or pull on the nails.
5. You'll feel when the press-on nails are ready to come off.
6. Do not remove the nails before 7 days if you did a full prep, as premature removal can harm your natural nails.
7. If you only need the press-on nails for less than 7 days, use the included glue tabs instead of the glue, which is intended for 7-20 days of wear.
8. If you're using glue tabs, just remove them by submerging your hands in hot water for less than 5 minutes, but please do not pull them off, even if they seem to come off easily.
By following these steps and being cautious with glue tabs, you can safely remove press-on nails without damaging your natural nails.
To remove the glue from your press-on nails, follow these steps:
1. **Filing with a mini file:**
- Take a mini file and gently file the inside of the press-on nail. This will help remove any residual glue.
- If you have an e-file, the process will be much faster. You can find e-files on Amazon for as little as €8.
2. **For glue tabs:**
- If you're using glue tabs, you can simply pull the tab off using the pointy side of the cuticle pusher included with your kit.
- Alternatively, you can soak the press-on nails with glue tabs in a bowl of hot water. This will help soften the adhesive, making it easier to remove.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove glue from your press-on nails, keeping them clean and ready for future use.
Do's and dont's:
True is, press ons needs to be handle with care, same as gel/acrylics you can't use yours nails as tools, remember you still apply them with glue so they will last as long you take care of them.
If you want the press on for only 1 day or event, I usually skip part of the prep, I do not dehydrate my nails so the natural oils will start to lift the press on in about couple days and the removal process will be extremely easy if you want to remove them right after the event (also will depend the glue brand)
But if you want them for a week or more (up to 20 days) you will need to keep this in mind:
Avoid long hot-baths, if you submerge them for long time, they can lift. showers are completely fine.
ALWAYS wash dishes with gloves and also when cleaning with chemicals.
NEVER use your press on as tools, forget about open cans or anything that involve motions like picking and prying.
If you have any question please do not hesitate and send me a DM on Instagram!