You don’t have to be an expert to apply press on nails with glue. Here’s the exact method I use to get at least 3 ½ to 4 weeks of wear out of my press ons without spending a ton of time or money.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here. Do you want to know how to apply press on nails with glue?
Maybe you want an alternative that’s more affordable than acrylics and gels? Or perhaps you want to spend less time in the nail salon without sacrificing the look of a fresh manicure?
Regardless of your preferences, press on nails with glue might be just what you’re looking for.
I used to wear press ons because they were available everywhere, extremely budget-friendly, and the perfect solution when I wanted to change nail styles quickly.
Like many others, though, mine never lasted more than a few days…that is, until I discovered the secret to making press on nails with glue last 3 ½ to 4 weeks.
In this post, I’m going to reveal the exact steps I take to make my press ons last longer and look realistic. You’ll learn everything from how to prep your natural nails, which glue I use, how to customize them for longer wear and more.
This process is so easy and affordable that after just one wear, you’ll be asking yourself why you ever gave up on press on nails in the first place.
This post is all about how to apply press on nails with glue.
HOW TO APPLY PRESS ON NAILS WITH GLUE
1. Choose Your Press On Nails
(style, length, shape)
2. Prep Your Natural Nails
(cuticle care, removing oils and dead skin, contouring cuticles, filing, cleaning)
3. Application
(nail fitting, applying)
4. Customize
(filing, cutting, creating thickness)
1. Choose Your Press On Nails
The very first thing you want to do is identify the style, length, and shape of your desired press on nails.
- Some of the most popular nail styles are French tips, nude/naturals, bold and alternating colors, glitter, graphic designs and many more.
- For nail lengths, brands typically offer long, medium, or short.
- There are tons of nail shapes to choose from and I recommend this being the last factor when selecting your press ons because you can always create the shape of your choice.
My absolute favorite brands are Kiss and Static Nails and I always prefer to go with longer lengths to elongate my fingers. For natural looks, here are my go-tos for each brand:
Brand: Kiss
Where to buy?: Online, in-store at grocery + drugstores, Ulta, Target, and Bed, Bath & Beyond
Price Range: $4.94 – $29.58
Go-To Style: Bare but Better TruNude Nail Shades (Long) *pictured above
Brand: Static Nails
Where to buy?: Online, in-store at Ulta
Price Range: $20.00-$24.00
Go-To Style: Toasted Sugar Almond
Get The Right Tools
After you select the press on nails you will be using, I highly recommend grabbing a few extra tools to make sure you get the full life out of your press ons.
Here are the tools (shown in video):
- Stainless Steel Cuticle Pusher – These are available everywhere nail-related items are sold.
- Electric-Powered Drill – Here is the exact one I purchased from Amazon for $18.69. It still works without any issues and comes with everything you need, including 11 drill bits and 56 sanding bands.
- Nail File (Emery Board) – You can grab these literally anywhere nail-related items are sold and they usually cost about $0.99 for a single file/ board. I also purchased these, along with buffer blocks, on =”https://amzn.to/3xFDsdI”>Amazon in a 12-pack for $6.99.
Other General Household Items:
Nail clippers (optional)
2. Prep Your Natural Nails
Total Time: < 5 minutes
Action Items: 5
Now that you have everything you need to apply your press on nails with glue, start by prepping your natural nails for the application process.
Cuticle Care
Step 1. Begin by using your cuticle pusher to gently push your cuticles backwards.
This step takes 1-2 minutes (to complete both hands) and will help ensure the press ons can adhere to your nails without lifting or peeling prematurely.
Remove Oils And Dead Skin
Step 2. Use your electric drill and sanding band to remove any oils or residue once the cuticles have been pushed back.
Some nail kits include a small blue file for this step, but I 100% recommend using your electric drill instead to guarantee nothing prevents your press ons from sticking.
Helpful Tips
You do not have to be an expert to use electronic tools but read the directions and check out a few helpful videos if needed.
I prefer to use my electric drill on a low speed, because it’s better for minimizing damage to my natural nails.
Contour Your Cuticles
Step 3. Add a nice curve to your cuticles using a cone-shaped nail drill bit starting from one side of each nail to the next.
Trust me, this step is HUGE in helping your press ons look incredibly natural. You’ll see how flawlessly they lay on your natural nails when it’s time to fit them for sizing.
File Your Natural Nails
Step 4. Use a nail file, or emery board, to shape your natural nails and remove any sharp edges.
Helpful Tips
File your natural nails to a desired, equal length and match the shape of the press ons you purchased.
For example, if I’m wearing almond shaped press ons, I will add a curve to my natural nails. If I choose a straight or rectangle shape, I file my natural nails to match.
Clean Your Nails
Step 5. Use an alcohol wipe to remove dust and particles on the surface of each nail.
Step 6. Use a q-tip to gently remove dirt underneath the nail.
3. Application
Total Time: < 7 minutes
Action Items: 2
Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for – application time!
Nail Fitting
Step 6. Open package and fit press on nails against each desired natural nail.
Helpful Tips
Use the size indicators located on the back of each press on nail.
For reference, here are the sizes I commonly use on each finger when working with Kiss press on nails:
Thumbs – 2
Index – 7
Middle – 4
Ring – 5
Pinky – 11
These will vary from person to person so definitely do not miss this step.
Once you’ve completed nail fittings, lay them out in order of each finger so you know which nail is next during the application process.
From left to right, your nails should be lined up like this:
(Left Hand) pinky, ring, middle, index, thumb | (Right Hand) thumb, index, middle, ring, pinky
Apply
Step 7. Begin by opening your glue and decide if you want to start with applying press ons to your pinky fingers or thumbs first.
- This is not a deal breaker, but I prefer to work with my thumbs first because my nails look more identical and my ability to grab things is not restricted. Do what works best for you.
Step 8. Add 1 drop of glue to the middle of the press on nail.
Step 9. Then, add another drop of glue to the base of your natural nail and use the tip of the glue bottle to spread it around.
Step 10. Count to 4 seconds and then apply the press on nail to your natural nail.
Step 11. Hold for another 5-10 seconds before moving on to the next nail.
Step 12. Repeat until all press ons have been applied.
4. Customize
Total Time: < 5 minutes
Action Items: 3
At this stage, you have already prepared your natural nails and applied your press ons with glue. Since everything is dry, you will want to customize your nails to make them last longer.
Customize
Step 13. Use a nail file, or emery board, to create your preferred shape
Check out this video by Paola Ponce Nails to see how to achieve natural shapes like: Squoval, Oval, Round, Almond, and Coffin with a nail file.
Step 14. If needed, use nail clippers to cut your nails to the desired length. (optional)
I think this step is optional and, if needed, should be done AFTER the nail has been filed into the shape of your choice. I’ve had too many instances where I accidentally cut the nail too short and limited my shape choices as a result.
-Shape them first, then cut and go back over the shape, if needed.
Step 15. Move the file back and forth across the top of each nail to increase the thickness and then you’re done!
This step is a lifesaver for anyone that is “hard” on their nails, like me. A thicker nail tip helps to prevent cracks and breaks along the top of the press ons. My general rule of thumb is that my press on nails should be thicker than, and cover, my natural nails completely.
FAQs
Q – Do press on nails mess up your natural nails?
The answer is that press ons do not mess up your natural nails – however, your removal process might if not done correctly.
Check out this video, by Jay Munee DIY, to learn how to remove press ons with acetone and the hot water/cuticle oil method that works great to preserve them!
Q – Can you wash your hair/ shower while wearing press on nails?
Absolutely! Some of my best recommendations are:
Make sure your nails are completely dry and secure before washing your hair.
Use the pads of your fingers when shampooing your scalp, not the tips of your nails.
Avoid long exposure to hot water and oil-based products to minimize press on lifting.
Q- Is the glue that comes with the kit lower quality?
While there are definitely “stronger” adhesive options, I prefer using the glue included in the kit. With this, I’ve experienced less damage to my natural nails and easier removal processes.
Also, with these improved steps, I never experience nails popping off due to adhesive issues.
Q – Do all press on nails look fake?
While there were only a few brands that offered more realistic looking nails back in the day, I have not seen this issue today. the case back in the day, but brands have stepped up and are offering many new, trendy, and natural, style choices.
Once you select your press on nails with glue, it’s important to customize them to ensure the best fit for your fingers/hands. We’ll get into more of this later!
Conclusion
That’s it!
Within approximately 17-20 minutes, you should be able to complete these detailed, but easy steps, to apply press on nails with glue and make them last 3 ½ to 4 weeks.
You learned about some of the common misconceptions with wearing press ons, but I hope the information above put all of your previous concerns to bed.
I promise, once you get this process down, it should only take about 12 to 17 minutes to complete, with the bulk of time spent customizing.
I cannot stress enough the importance of working with clean, residue-free nails, and customizing to get the best natural look, fit, and longevity out of each wear.
Can’t wait to see how your first set goes! Don’t forget to email me pics or tag me in your posts on social media!!
Xx