My fave glue: https://amzn.to/440PKPR
cuticle remover that works so good, it’s crazy: https://amzn.to/42m8JDe
blank nails (pre-buffed underneath, too!): https://amzn.to/4jnpkfS
Some cute new ones i’m trying tomorrow: https://amzn.to/3EwAbF8
Another option: Olive and June nails at walmart! they’re really sturdy!
Okay bestie, let’s be real — we all love a good press-on nail moment. They’re cheap, cute, zero commitment, and come in 500+ styles on Amazon. But the struggle of them popping off mid-text or while opening a bag of chips? Nah, we’re not doing that today.
If you’re tired of losing a nail in public and pretending it didn’t just fly across the room, this post is for you. Let’s talk press-on nail hacks to keep your claws on LOCK for daysss — maybe even up to 2 weeks if you do it right 👀
🧼 1. Clean Your Natural Nails Like They Owe You Money
Your nails gotta be squeaky clean before you even think about gluing anything on. Oil, lotion, leftover nail polish? Immediate ick.
Do this:
- Wash hands with soap and water
- Use a nail file to lightly buff the surface (gives glue something to grip)
- Swipe nails with alcohol or acetone to fully dry them out
🔥 Pro tip: Skip the lotion right before application. It’ll mess with the glue. Moisturize later, babe.
✂️ 2. Trim & Push Back Your Cuticles
We love a clean cuticle moment, but this is also functional. Glue can’t stick to skin, so the less cuticle in the way, the longer your nails will last.
Use:
- A wooden cuticle stick
- Or the back of your tweezers (we’ve all been there)
🔗 3. Use Both Glue & Sticky Tabs (Yes, It’s a Thing)
This hack? Life-changing.
- Apply a sticky tab first
- Add a tiny dot of glue on top
- Press the nail on and hold for 30 seconds
Boom. Stronger hold + easier removal = win/win.
⏱ 4. Hold It Down Like Your Life Depends On It
Don’t be lazy. Press each nail down for 30-60 seconds. You want that glue to bond like a toxic ex that won’t let go.
Bonus tip: Apply nails before bed so you’re not out here scrubbing dishes 5 minutes later.
🧤 5. Wear Gloves, Always
Doing dishes? Cleaning? Wrestling raccoons? Whatever — wear gloves.
Water is press-on nail kryptonite. It weakens the glue, and next thing you know, your cute almond nail is at the bottom of your bathtub.
🧼 6. Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools (We Know, It’s Hard)
You’re not a bottle opener. Don’t peel stuff, don’t pry stuff.
Treat your press-ons like they’re real acrylics. That energy.
🔄 7. Carry a Mini Nail Kit for Emergencies
Keep glue or extra nails in your bag, car, or wherever you live your chaotic life. One pops off? Reapply and move on like the icon you are.
💅 Final Thoughts
Press-ons are cute, easy, and budget-friendly — but with the right care, they can actually last.
So clean those nails, glue ‘em like you mean it, and protect your mani like it’s your phone battery at 1%.
Now go slay. Your nails deserve it. ✨
For the besties who don’t want fake nails, just polish: anything fast drying! but these i’ve tried, and they’re great! https://amzn.to/442vw8f
This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!)
COURTWHEE 