How to Apply Your Nails!

What comes in your application kit:

  • 1 buffer
  • 1 nail file
  • Your choice of glue
  • 2 orange wood sticks
  • 2 Alcohol Prep Pads
  • 1 Cuticle Oil Wipe

Prep:

  1. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands.
  2. Trim/file your nails down so that they are no longer than your fingertip to avoid lifting and ensure a good fit.
  3. Using the orange wood stick, carefully push back your cuticles and gently scrape off any dead skin or debris from your nails.
  4. Using the buffer, buff the entire surface of each nail to ensure the glue adheres.
  5. Use the alcohol prep pad to wipe down the entire surface of each nail to remove any oil, dust, or debris.

Application (Glue):

  1. One nail at a time, place a dot of glue on the inside of the false nail and a dot of glue on your corresponding nail.
  2. Using the tip of the nail glue applicator, spread both dots around, leaving a small margin (1-2 mm) around the edge of the false nail and near your cuticle and sidewalls.
  3. Lightly push the false nail onto your nail at a 45 degree angle, leaving a small gap (1-2 mm) between your cuticle and the false nail. Slowly push the nail backwards and down - adjust until it fits nicely right up against your cuticle (without discomfort!) and is aligned with your knuckle, then firmly press and hold the nail until the glue is dry (about 15-30 seconds).
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 on each nail. Then, use the cuticle oil wipe across each of your fingers and massage the oil into your cuticles and the skin around your nail beds.

Application (Sticky Tabs):

  1. Start by sizing the nail tabs to your nail beds; find the size that fits over most of your nail, with only a small margin (1-2 mm) between your cuticle and the sidewalls. Don't be afraid to flip them horizontally or trim them for the best fit!
  2. Place the sticky tab on your nail, and press down firmly, making sure there are no lifted parts. Carefully pull the paper off the sticky tab.
  3. Place the nail at a 45 degree angle right at the back end of your sticky tab (the side near your cuticle), then slowly push the nail backwards and down until it is flush with the cuticle (without discomfort!) and flat against your nail. Check that the nail is aligned with your knuckle, then hold it down for about 20 seconds to ensure it is set in position.
  4. Repeat steps 2-3 on each nail. Then, use your cuticle oil wipe across each of your fingers and massage the oil into your cuticles and the skin around your nail beds.

Voila! You've just given yourself a salon quality nail set at home.

Notes:

  • I recommend applying false nails right before you go to sleep. It’s best to keep your nails dry for at least 2-3 hours to let the glue fully cure and bond securely with the nails.
  • If using sticky tabs, It is ok to go a bit out of order; because the sticky tabs don't have a drying speed, you can move slower or do all your nails at once. The choice is yours!
  • If you come across any jagged edges on the false nails, or need to shorten your natural nails, use the nail file provided. (PLEASE make sure to only file in one direction when filing your natural nail so that you don't disrupt/break your nail layers)
  • It may be more difficult to glue longer nails. Always press down at the base of the nail, don't rely on the tips or middle as it may leave air bubbles.
  • If for some reason the nail glue dries before you have a chance to secure the nails together, wait for the glue to fully dry, then redo steps 4-5. On the underside of the false nail, file/buff off as much glue as you can without damaging the nail, then simply repeat step 7.
  • In XL+ nails, the arch is slightly larger than other nails, so semi-solid glue will be given. in this case, you may need to use more glue; try putting more glue in the arch of the false nail to ensure no air gaps, then continue the steps as normal, being careful not to get glue on your skin.

You can always DM me on Instagram or email me if you're unsure or need help. don't be shy, we want those nails to stick!

Choosing Your Glue

Liquid Glue is best for nails that are naturally curved, have a smooth nail bed (lacking indents or bumps), and/or will be mostly flush with the false nail during application. It is most commonly used for press ons and dries in 20-60 seconds.

Semi-Solid Glue is best for nails that may be flat, have indents or bumps, curve upwards, or will potentially have more space between the natural nail and the press on. It is a favorite choice amongst frequent press on users and dries in 15-25 seconds.

Sticky Tabs are best for short term wear or people who prefer to change their nails more often. They are better for false nails that are flush with the natural nail, even if the natural nail is slightly uneven. They last anywhere from 1-5 days. They are also a good choice for newbies to press ons or those who aren't as confident with their glue skills yet. Sticky tabs definitely have a lot more wiggle room then glue, but they still have a strong hold and give you the same look.

How to Remove Your Nails!

There are two ways to safely remove your nails:

  1. Soaking in acetone
  2. Soaking in warm water, dish soap, and oil

Soaking your nails in acetone is the fastest way to release strong glue, but the nails will be destroyed in the process and will no longer be wearable. to soak off your nails with acetone you will need:

  • A ceramic or glass bowl
  • A toothpick, orange wood stick, or cuticle pusher
  • Pure acetone or acetone based nail polish remover
  • Paper towels (just in case!)

This process may take a couple rounds, so plan accordingly and make sure you have something to watch!

  1. If your false nails are on the longer side, trim them down to make the soak-off process faster and less stressful on your natural nails. If you have the proper tools, trim off any bulky charms or 3d elements using pliers or a sturdy pair of cuticle nippers. (If you have acrylic press ons, you can also file down your false nails using an e-file if you have one) Remember that the thicker the false nails are, the longer they will need to soak in acetone.
  2. Add enough acetone to your bowl so that you can comfortably rest your wrists on the edge of the bowl, and the acetone inside will reach just above each of your nails (I recommend soaking one hand at a time). Let the nails soak for 10 minutes.
  3. One nail at a time, using your stick of choice, gently push the melted false nail off the natural nail. Only scrape the softened nail and avoid forcing off false nail that is still stuck down (Remember that if your nails are out of the acetone for too long, they will begin to harden again).
  4. Repeat steps 2-3 until all the false nails have melted off and you are left with your natural nails.
  5. Gently buff any specks of glue residue that may be left on your nails. Thoroughly wash your hands to remove any acetone that could be sitting on your skin. Massage your nails and the surrounding skin with lotion or cuticle oil to help rehydrate your fingers.

Soaking your nails in warm water, dish soap, and oil is the safest way to take off your press ons while keeping them intact and ready to be worn again. To soak off your nails in warm water, you will need:

  • A ceramic or glass bowl
  • A toothpick, orange wood stick, or cuticle pusher
  • Warm water
  • Dish soap
  • Olive oil or cuticle oil
  • Paper towels (just in case!)

Once again, prepare some entertainment, because this may take a while.

  1. Fill your bowl with comfortably warm water. You should be able to comfortably rest your wrists on the edge of the bowl and have the water reach just above your fingers. Add a few squirts of dish soap and a tablespoon of oil to the water. gently stir the mixture with your fingers to ensure it is well mixed.
  2. Let your nails soak for 10-15 minutes. Using your stick of choice, gently nudge the edge of the stick underneath the false nail near the sidewalls and proximal fold until they pop off (NEVER attempt to separate the false nail and natural nail at the free edge; doing that is a surefire way to give yourself Onycholysis). Don't force the nails off; if they won't budge, it means they need more time to soak.
  3. Repeat step 2 until every false nail has popped off.
  4. Gently buff any specks of glue residue that may be left on your nails. Massage your nails and the surrounding skin with lotion or cuticle oil to hydrate your fingers and nails.

Notes:

  • Both methods of removal will leave your nails feeling flimsy, but this is normal and temporary. Acetone strips away all natural oils and moisture from the nails, and over the next 24 hours, they will become more rigid and return to normal. After soaking your nails in water, your natural nails will absorb the water and swell up, but they should return to normal over the next few hours.