There's nothing worse than your picture-perfect press-on nails popping off your fingers after just a few hours. Properly applied press-on nails should stick (pun intended) around for at least a week or two, so how can you make them last longer?

Keep reading to find out! 💅

Key Takeaways

1. Properly prep your nails by filing, buffing, and cleaning them
2. Use the right size of press-on nail - not too big, not too small, and not too curved
3. Use a high-quality adhesive, such as a nail glue or sticky tabs
4. Don't skimp on nail glue - apply it to your natural nail and press-on nails
5. Keep your nails and hands dry as much as possible
6. Be careful with your nails to avoid weakening the glue bond
7. Take off your press-on nails the right way - that means no biting or pulling!
8. Take care of your cuticles

See Related: 11 Cute Yellow Nail Designs for a Radiant Look

#1. Prep Your Nails Properly

The first (and most important) step of press-on nail application is preparation. If your natural nails aren't prepped, your press-ons are doomed! Prepping your nails will ensure that your press-on nails will last.

When it comes to press-on nails, there are a few things you need to do during the preparation process.

To start with, you need to lightly file the edge of your natural nails. It's also important to gently buff the surface of your nail bed to give it a bit of texture (this will help the adhesive actually stick.)

Next, clean your nail bed with acetone or alcohol to remove any oil, dirt, or bacteria that could compromise the adhesive. You can even apply a dehydrator, though this isn't necessary.

Unless you have short nails, you may need to trim your nails, as well.

#2. Pick the Right Size

There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all press-on nail! Before applying your press-on nails, you need to make sure that they fit your nail bed.

Don't pick one that is too big or too small, and also pay attention to the curve of the nail.

Bonus: 10 Zodiac Manicure Ideas That Totally Have Us Seeing Stars

#3. Use a High-Quality Adhesive

You can either use nail glue or sticky tabs as an adhesive for your press-on nails. Usually, the sticky tabs work best for short-term use, such as if you're wearing your press-ons to a special occasion. On the other hand, nail glue is better for long-term use, as high-quality nail glue can actually last a couple of weeks.

#4. Don't Skimp on Glue

Though preparation is important, nothing is as important as your adhesive! The glue you use will determine how long your press-on nails last. It's important not to skimp on glue, as that will just weaken the bond between the fake nail and your real nail.

In addition to buffing your natural nails, you should also buff the back of your press-on nails. Then, apply nail glue to both your natural nail and the press-on nail.

#5. Keep Your Hands Dry

Once your press-on nails are securely stuck to your fingertips, avoid getting them wet. This can weaken the glue bond, which can cause your press-on nails to fall off faster.

Of course, you can't avoid the water completely (after all, how else would you shower or wash dishes?), but try to reduce exposure to water by limiting your time in the pool or wearing gloves when washing dishes.

#6. Be Careful With Your Claws

If you're not used to wearing inch-long nails, then adjusting to press-on nails can be difficult (unless you are wearing short press-on nails.) It's important to be careful and gentle with your press-on nails. They're not tools!

Though it may be tempting, don't use your press-on nails to open your Amazon package. Just use the box cutter - your nails will thank you! Using your press-on nails as tools can weaken the glue bond and even cause you to break a nail.

#7. Don't Bite Them Off

Proper application is important, and so is proper removal. If you bite off or yank off your press-on nails, you're also taking off the upper layers of your nail bed.

These upper layers have a lot of keratin, a protein that keeps your nails healthy and strong. That means that the next time you apply press-on nails, they won't stay for as long. It's important to maintain the structure and strength of your nails if you want your press-on nails to last!

#8. Take Care of Your Cuticles

Your cuticles are the underrated part of your nails. Cuticle care is just as important as nail care and will make the difference between a haphazard manicure and salon-quality nail art!

Don't forget to push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher before applying your press-on nails. This will give your nail adhesive or nail glue a larger area to adhere to.

You can also apply a cuticle oil to keep your nails moisturized and hydrated.

The Bottom Line

The preparation and application process of press-on nails is what helps them last a long time. If you're used to your fake nails falling off after a couple of hours, then these tips will ensure they last a few days or even a couple of weeks!

Keep Reading: How To Safely Soak Off Press-On Nails At Home

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People Also Ask

Why do my press-on nails keep popping off?

Proper application and preparation are essential when using press-on nails. This will keep them from popping off! Be sure to trim, clean, and buff your nails before applying press-on nails, ensure your press-ons are the correct size, and use enough nail glue.

Why won't my false nails stay glued on?

There are a few reasons why your false nails won't stay on. This could be due to oily skin, improper sizing, or weak adhesive. Most of the time, fake nails won't stay on if you don't properly prepare your nails.

Why do my press-ons fall off so fast?

Improper preparation, oily skin, or low-quality adhesive can cause your press-ons to fall off way too fast. Be sure to follow the steps and tips outlined in this guide, and your press-ons will be able to "stick" around for weeks!

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