Thinking About Trying Press on Nails?

I've been seeing many people finally deciding to try press on nails which is so exciting for me! However, it has come to my attention that many people are confused between press on and gel x, the durability, and general sizing and retention questions. I'm here with some tips and tricks, and what I do to keep my nails on. I truly endeavor for my sets to feel like you went to the salon without the tedious hours and breaking your pockets.

I absolutely love making art in the form of nails, and I am confident in the durability of my art

Sizing Your Nails

Once I discovered press ons didn't need to look like press ons I was ecstatic! I felt like a common theme I saw in the press on nail community at first was "if they're press on you're going to be able to tell", and personally some of the professional press ons I saw DID look like press ons! Then I started to realize that some of my sets looked like full sets and others were giving press on and that's when I figured out IT'S THE SIZING! My press ons were too big! Since I was making acrylic nails, the press ons would get wider, thus spilling over my nail bed. So if you are just getting into making press ons and plan to cover them, keep that little tidbit in mind. To fix that issue I sized down the nail, and once the acrylic was applied, it fit perfectly.

I have a size chart that shows the individual sizes of the nail tips. When the customer is unsure of their size I use the TikTok dime method. I've found that most people wear the average sizes I have mapped out in small, medium, and large. Your Your nails must fit sidewall to sidewall while simultaneously not spilling over your cuticle and nail bed. A proper fit will allow the nail to lay flush to your nail bed to prevent things like hair being caught underneath your press on, or oil and soap loosening your press on prematurely due to everyday activities. As stay at home mom, the last thing I want to do is have to keep track of my nails while I'm shoving my hand in the hamper to pull out piles of clothes!

Applying Your Nails

Putting on my nails is my second favorite part of my press on nails. The first is making them, obviously! The only thing I do differently from my customers when I apply my nails is that I use an e-file to buff my nail beds. When I'm in a rush though, I also use a regular file. I do this because I know that most of my customers won't have things like a dehydrator, bond, and primer. I endeavor to cater to the moms, professionals, students, and anyone who doesn't have the tools or talent of a nail tech. My nails are meant to be a full set in minutes, no stress and minimal work. Here are the steps I take when applying my own nails. Disclaimer: I HAVE used my small nail file to buff my nails to make sure it works well!

1. Push Your Cuticles Back - Use an orange stick or cuticle tool to push your cuticles back. You can also use your thumbnail, but if you bought a pair of xPRESSive Nails you won't have to!Don't forget to clean under your nails with the pointy end too!
2. Buff Your Nails - Use your preferred method of filling to buff your nails. This means the entire surface of your nail will be a scratchy white. There should be no shine visible at all. Pro Tip: Buff along your cuticles after you've pushed them back in lieu of cutting them!
3. Apply Your Glue - Take all of the nails off of the sticky in order for ease with your application. I suggest also fitting the nail to you nail bed without the glue firs to make sure you're putting the right nail on the right fingers. I cannot tell you how many times I've accidentally glued my middle finger nail to my pointer finger by accident! With proper prep fixing a crooked nail, or the wrong nail will be a pain. For longer retention I recommend covering your nail bed with glue, and flip your press on and put some glue in the well of the nail also.
4. Apply The Press On - This part is the most important in my opinion! Your nails can last a long time with little prep with how well you actually put your nails on. Make sure the press on sits right up under your cuticle, NOT over it because it will lift prematurely. Make sure you are HOLDING the nail straight as you place it on your nail bed, if you did all the steps right it will be VERY hard to fix your nail if you apply it crooked. Absolutely speaking from experience! If you have crooked nail beds like I do and you don't want your nail to look crooked, put your finger straight forward and lay the nail on top of the nail bed ensuring that it is completely straight. You may see a little bit of your nail bed on the sides, but honestly it comes down to what you prefer.

Removing Your Nails

I recommend using warm water, oil, and soap in a bowl to lift and ultimately pop off your nails. Once you know you're going to remove your nails you can start to wiggle your nails gently, lifting as much as you can to help remove them easier while soaking. I must say that I do not remove my OWN nails properly. I truly do not have the patience, and if you are the same, the only thing I use is a metrocard - stronger than a business card and and plastic but around the same thickness. If you can find something durable and thin to slide under your nails it is the "easy" pop off method. I will warn you though, if your nails are not ready to lift and you force the nails off you will break the nail at the top of the nail bed if it is a gel set because of the strength of the glue... speaking from experience! You can also crack your natural nail down the middle which is really painful... also speaking from experience! The soak off method takes quiet a while but it is better for the overall health of your natural nails.

Reuse

All of my nails are reusable. If you glue your nails neatly, it should not leave much glue residue underneath the nail. If so, you can use the long side of the file to try and remove it, and sometimes I just scrape the excess off with my fingernails. However, the neater your application, the longer your retention AND the less crunchy glue you have to contend with! I've made all the mistakes with my own nails so you don't have to!

Miscellaneous Tips

Some other helpful things you need to know for the best time with your nails!

1. Do NOT wash your hands directly before, or directly after applying your nails. It leaves a white residue which is super annoying because we're going for the perfect salon look.
2. After you apply the glued nail bed HOLD for 30 seconds! It might seem ridiculous and excessive but its the best to really mold you nail to your nail bed- you should be able to FEEL the difference!
3. If you plan to keep on your nails for a shorter period of time, only apply glue to your nail bed. Still hold for 30 seconds because we don't want to LOSE our nails!
4. Always carry your glue. Everyone is different, and my nails are durable, however if you work with water, oils, etc. it will loosen your nails over time. When you leave the house just carry your glue and be MINDFUL of your hands.
5. There is a learning curve, I had to learn how to make and how to wear press on nails. I realized I was really rough with my hands so I used to smash my fingers in doors, poke myself in the eye and everything! Of course my nails are sturdy and haven't broken from a door slam (luckily for me) but they are not infallible and will break with certain force, as all nails do.
6. xPRESS yourself! Step out of your comfort zone and get something you normally wouldn't! The nails are press on, you can always take them off. I always say you don't have to commit! Sometimes I love my nails immediately, and sometimes it takes literally 2 days to decide they're cute.
7. Beware becoming completely obsessed with press on nails. I started wearing press ons and haven't looked back since. I've gotten SO much better, and I am still elevating my technique and products whenever I can so I am always giving luxury that lasts.

An Exhibition For Your Fingers

Press on nails are a fun and inexpensive (sometimes) way to enjoy the art you truly love. My nails are created with a person who uses their hands often in mind, and I pride myself on the durability and the beauty of my work, and I love nothing more than to share in the beauty. Sometimes it is hard to see the beauty in everyday life, especially as a stay at home mom, but you can always look down at your hands and find a little art. As always, thank you for coming on this journey with me. Mush Love, Renee <3