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.