How to Make Press on Nails Last: 9 Top Tips

In this day and age, who has time to go to the nail salon?

Whether you’re a busy businesswoman or want to glam up without dropping half of this week’s paycheck, press-on nails are a viable solution that makes your nails look fab.

But let’s be honest - anyone who has ever used press-on nails knows that they can be a bit finicky.

Without proper installation and care, you can lose those nails in a flash.

Not only does this leave your nails looking sub-par and grotesque, but it’s a waste of money - and those are two things no girl wants.

The good news is there are several ways to make press-on nails last longer.

And don’t worry - there are no special tools or training to do it.

How to Make Press on Nails Last

If you’re tired of your press-on nails making a premature departure, then you need to follow these five quick and simple tips for success.

Let’s dive in, chicks!

1. Remove Excess Cuticles

Don’t think you can bust open your pack of press-on nails and be good to go.

The key to press-on nails lasting longer is proper preparation of your natural nails. The best way to start is by removing excess cuticles.

Cuticle skin is found around the border of your natural nail bed and needs to be removed using a cuticle pusher prior to gluing press-on nails.

Otherwise, you’ll be attempting to glue nails on top of dead cells, which is asking for disaster.

Don’t know how to do it? It’s relatively easy - and here’s a handy video to help you out. (Note: using cuticle oil can help you immensely!)

2. Buff Your Natural Nails’ Surface

Using a nail buffer, gently buff away the entirety of your natural nails.

This will remove any oils that can make it challenging for press-on nails to stick to.

It will also create a much-needed coarseness to extend fake nail longevity.

3. Clean Your Natural Nails

Using nail polish remover on a cotton pad, remove any leftover nail polish, acrylic resin, or glue from your previous press-on nail adventure.

Then, swipe over the nail plate with a cotton ball of rubbing alcohol.

This will remove any natural oil residue that can hinder your nails from sticking to your nail beds.

4. Clip Your Nails Shorter

Longer natural nails will make it easier for false nails to pop off.

While this isn’t necessarily a “must” for using press-on nails, it’s going to make your life 100% easier.

Clip them shorter and immediately make your press-on nails last longer.

5. Wash Your Hands With Warm Soapy Water

Never try to apply press-ons to dirty hands or fingers. The glue will have a difficult time adhering, and you might not get the final look you’re dreaming of. When washing warm water is best.

6. Use the Right Fake Nail Size for Your Finger

Choosing the right length is crucial when it comes to making your fake nails last longer.

Not only that, but the correct length will look infinitely better than ones that are too large or too small.

With that in mind, make sure you’re double-checking whether or not the press-ons fit onto your entire nail correctly.

Accidentally bought the incorrect size nail set? As long as they’re not too small, you can still work with the artificial nails.

All you need to do is customize using a nail file (or buffer) to remove some of the excess material to form a better fit that sits like a glove on your real nail.

7. Use a High-Quality Nail Glue

You can’t expect great results if you’re not using premium, high-quality nail glue.

And yes, even press-on nails that come with built-in adhesive strips can benefit from nail glue.

While there are many great choices on the market, I recommend the Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue for press-on nail success.

With just a drop on the back of the false nail and your natural nail, you can create the security you can depend on - no matter what comes your way.

8. Be Gentle

When it comes to “how to make press-on nails last longer”, it’s not all about prep and application.

Whether you want oval nails, squared options, or stiletto nails in your at-home nail studio, it’s essential to treat them with care.

This means that you should avoid strenuous activities, such as opening up a box or package using your nails.

It would help if you also stayed away from excessive moisture and heat for any lengthy period of time.

For example, avoid swimming to opt for swimming only for a short period.

Soaking in a spa is okay, but I suggest leaving your nails out of the tub to avoid getting damaged from the heat and hydration.

How To Apply Fake Nails Correctly To Make Them Last

The ninth tip is undeniably the most important one. After all, if you don’t apply your press-ons correctly, there’s no chance of them sticking for more than a few days. Here’s how to do it.

1. Start with clean, prepared, and dried natural fingernails. Never try to glue press-on nails when your fingers are still wet. Make sure they are completely dry before moving forward.
2. Use a drop of nail glue on the press-on nail and natural fingernail. A drop is all it takes - no need to go overboard!
3. Align the press-on to your nail shape, and push for 30 seconds. You want to ensure that the fake nails are secured to your natural nails before going out and about. Make sure that the press-ons cover the entire surface of your name and push them under the cuticles ever-so-slightly for a perfect fit.
4. Apply a clear top coat of polish. When you’re finished applying the press-ons to your fingers, cover them with a clear coat of polish. This will strengthen and protect the press-ons so you can enjoy durable press-ons for long periods of time.

Lasting Press-on Nails FAQ

How Long Do Press On Nails Last Usually?

With proper preparation, application, and care, press-ons can easily last up to two or three weeks.

Why Do My Press On Nails Keep Popping Off?

There are a few reasons why your press-ons might be popping off.

Most of the time, it’s an issue of not using high-quality nail glue or not applying the nails correctly.

Other times, proper prep work wasn’t done, including removing excess cuticles and buffing the nail.

If you follow the steps mentioned above to make press-on nails last longer, you shouldn’t have to worry about fake nails popping off.