What’s in your kit
- 10–12 nails (multiple sizes)
- Nail glue
- Adhesive stickers (tabs)
- Mini buffer
- Alcohol pad
- Wood/orange stick
You may also want: nail clippers, cuticle pusher, cotton pads, 91% alcohol, acetone (for removal), and a UV/LED lamp (for gel method).
PREP (do this for every method)
- Dry hands. Start with clean, dry nails—no lotion or oil.
- Push & tidy. Gently push back cuticles with the wood stick; clip hangnails only.
- Shape & shorten. Clip natural nails short so tips seat flush.
- Buff lightly. Use the buffer to remove shine from the natural nail (not skin).
- Dehydrate. Wipe each nail with the alcohol pad. (Oils = the enemy of adhesion.)
- Size it right. Match tips to each finger before gluing. If between sizes, file the bigger size to fit.
- (Pro bonus) Lightly etch the inside of the press-on (where it meets your nail) with the buffer for extra grip.
METHOD A — Nail Glue (quick, strong, 5–10 days)
Perfect daily wear. Fast, gagworthy.
- Thin glue layer on your natural nail and a small dot inside the tip (don’t flood).
- Apply at 45°: Place the cuticle end first, then roll the tip down to push out air.
- Hold & press 30–60 seconds. Thumb last.
- Detail check: Wipe any squeeze-out with a dry cotton swab before it hardens.
- No water for 1–2 hours. Avoid oils today.
Pro tips
- If an edge lifts, add a micro-drop of glue and clamp for 30s.
- Typers & gym girls: choose short/medium for longest wear.
METHOD B — Sticker + Glue (quick-change, 1–7 days)
Soft landing, easier removal. Great for shoot/weekend nails.
- Apply sticker to the natural nail; press firmly 10–15s.
- Tiny glue dot on the underside of the press-on (center).
- Apply at 45° from cuticle → down.
- Press & hold 30–60s.
- No water for 1 hour.
Why it works: sticker gives cushion & clean peel; micro-glue locks the seal so you still get that snatch.
METHOD C — UV/LED “Gel Glue” (salon-strong, 2–4 weeks)
For the busy bitches who need set-it-and-forget-it wear. Requires base/builder gel & a UV/LED lamp.
- Prep as above (etch inside of tips too).
- Optional slip coat: Apply a thin layer of base gel to your natural nails; cure 30s.
- Gel in the tip: Put a small bead of base/builder gel inside the press-on near the cuticle side.
- Apply at 45° and press firmly to push out bubbles.
- Flash-cure each nail 5–10s while holding pressure (use a mini flashlight lamp if you have one).
- Full cure both hands 60–120s in a 36–48W lamp.
- Seal edges: If needed, brush a thin line of gel around the cuticle/free edge and cure 60s.
Rules for the long haul
- No hot water/steam for 1 hour after curing.
- Daily cuticle oil (NOT under the tip).
- Gloves for cleaning/dishes.
