Three Ways to Wear Press-On Nails
Unless attending a particularly important event and wanting a long-lasting manicure, spending an entire afternoon at a nail salon might seem worth it.
For a quick beauty fix for weekend outings or dates, spend just 10 minutes applying press-on nails!
Then, switch back to a bare nails state easily for your daily work life.
Press-on nails are perfect for those whose jobs don't allow for manicures and for those who get bored of nail designs quickly and want to change them frequently according to their mood and outfit.
Besides selecting your favorite press-on nails to match your outfits, choosing a method that doesn't damage your natural nails is crucial.
Mystic Eyes | Purple | Press On Nails
This article will explain how to:
* Make press-on nails last longer
* Wear them without damaging your natural nails
* Reuse a set of press-on nails multiple times
Three Methods to Apply Press-On Nails
- Glue (Not recommended due to damage to natural nails and press-on nails)
- Jelly Glue
- Solid-State Gel with UV Light
Jelly Glue
Jelly glue is simple but not very durable. It's similar to using double-sided tape on your nails. The process is quick, taking just 5 minutes for both hands, but the wear time is short.
Depending on your technique, jelly glue can last up to 7 days for short nails and less for medium to long nails, especially if you frequently engage in activities like washing dishes or clothes.However, due to the high adhesive nature of jelly glue, it used to inevitably leave residue on the nail pieces.
Now there's a new solution!!!
After receiving a new set of press-on nails, apply a layer of peel-off base coat to the back of each nail and cure it with a small UV lamp.
This ensures that when you remove the jelly glue press-on nails, you save over 80% of the time and prevent damage to the nails from forceful removal, making them 100% reusable. Although this method reduces the adhesion between the jelly glue and the nail pieces and adds an extra 5 minutes to the preparation before each use, I am always grateful to my past self for the effort when it comes time to remove them. Purchasing a bottle of peel-off base coat is definitely worth it.
Solid-State Gel with UV Light
5th Gen Solid Nail Glue | Press-On Nails Special | Nail-Friendly | Extension Adhesive Gel | Solid Glue
Solid-state gel is my top recommendation for long-lasting press-on nails. This method can keep nails intact for two weeks without damaging natural nails or press-on nails. Although the application process takes about 30 minutes, it's significantly shorter than a salon visit.
Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:
1. Trim and Shape Nails:
Clip your nails short and lightly shape them, taking about 3 minutes.
2. Apply Peel-Off Base Coat:
Apply a peel-off base coat to your nails and the back of the press-on nails, then cure under a UV light for about 3 minutes per hand.
3. Apply Solid-State Gel:
Squeeze the solid-state gel onto the back of the press-on nails and use a tool to spread it evenly, ensuring it reaches the tip of the nails, taking about 3 minutes.
4. Press-On Application:
From the tip to the base, press the nails on, making sure there are no air bubbles. Clean any excess gel with alcohol wipes.
Cure each nail for 30 seconds after shaping, and for 3-5 minutes after completing each hand.
This method provides long-lasting wear, even with regular activities like washing dishes. For medium to long nails, it can last over 10 days; for short nails, it can last over three weeks.
In the past, the main drawback of using solid-state gel for press-on nails was the light transmission issue with the nail lamp.
This led to categorizing press-on nails into those suitable for solid-state gel (transparent) and those not suitable (opaque).
NIGHT IN FRANCE | PINK BUTTERFLY BLACK ICE | BLACK
Comparing the transparent nails on the left with the opaque and reflective press-on nails on the right, the latter couldn't use the solid-state gel method.
Hence, solid-state gel was previously only suitable for light-colored, transparent press-on nails.
But now, let me introduce the latest breakthrough by nail enthusiasts: the combination of jelly glue and solid-state gel with a UV lamp!
This combination allows for the use of colored, opaque press-on nails. The process is the same as previously described, except that after applying the jelly glue, you apply solid-state gel to the edges and sides where the jelly glue doesn't cover. Then, press the nails on, clean off the excess gel, and cure under a UV lamp horizontally for 2 minutes and vertically for 2 minutes. This results in an incredibly strong bond without any gaps, making the nails feel super sturdy.
This combination has effectively eliminated the previous limitations of light penetration with solid-state gel, making it a perfect method for any type of press-on nails.
Though there may still be minor issues, such as the nail curvature not perfectly matching the standard market sizes, requiring some nails to be raised with solid-state gel to avoid gaps, or excess glue not being cleaned properly from the back of the nail pieces if not done carefully. Despite these small issues, press-on nails remain a superior alternative to traditional nail salons due to their affordability, speed, and comfort. The comfort alone is priceless, and the cost savings are an added bonus.
In conclusion, the combination of jelly glue and solid-state gel has revolutionized the application of press-on nails, making them a versatile and reliable option for everyone.