How to apply press-on nails so they look salon-done

Press-on nails reward a little patience at the start. Most of what makes a set look salon-done, and stay on, happens before the first nail goes near your finger: a clean nail plate and the right size for each finger. Here's the whole process, start to finish.

What you'll need

• Your press-on set (lay out the tray so you can see every size)
• Nail glue or adhesive tabs
• A nail file and a soft buffer
• An alcohol wipe or a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol
• A cuticle stick

Step 1: Prep your natural nails

1. Start with clean, dry hands. Wash, then dry thoroughly. Don't apply straight after a shower or a long soak, when your nails are still holding water.
2. Push back your cuticles gently with a cuticle stick so the press-on can sit right against the base of your nail.
3. Shape and buff. File your natural nails short and even, then lightly buff the surface to take the shine off. A slightly matte surface gives the adhesive something to grip.
4. Wipe with alcohol. This removes oil and dust. From here on, try not to touch the nail surface.

Step 2: Size every finger before you open the glue

Every 24-piece Nailees set has 24 nails in 12 sizes, and each nail is numbered on the underside. Hold each size against each finger and pick the one that covers your nail from sidewall to sidewall without touching the skin. If one size is slightly too wide and the next is too narrow, choose the wider one and gently file its sides until it sits just inside your nail edges; a nail that's too wide will lift, and one that's too narrow can't be fixed. Lay out your ten nails in order before you start. Our size guide walks through it.

Step 3a: Applying with nail glue

1. Put a small drop of glue on your natural nail, or on the underside of the press-on. A thin layer is enough; too much glue squeezes out onto skin and traps air bubbles.
2. Angle the press-on at about 45 degrees, line it up against your cuticle, then lower it down onto the nail.
3. Press firmly from the cuticle towards the tip and hold for 15 to 20 seconds. Press the sides down too.
4. Wipe away any squeeze-out straight away. If some lands on your skin, our guide on getting nail glue off skin will help.

Step 3b: Applying with adhesive tabs

1. Pick a tab slightly smaller than your nail and peel it from the sheet without touching the sticky side.
2. Press the tab onto your natural nail and smooth out any air bubbles.
3. Peel off the top film, then press the press-on nail down from cuticle to tip and hold for about 20 seconds.

Tabs are gentler and faster to remove, which makes them ideal for a night out or for trying a new shape. Glue holds much longer. Not sure which to choose? Read liquid glue, gel glue or tabs.

Step 4: Let it set

Keep your hands out of water for at least an hour, ideally two, so the adhesive can fully bond. Skip hot showers, dishes and swimming until then. After that, a drop of cuticle oil around (not on top of) each nail keeps the skin soft and stops dry cuticles pulling at the edges.

Common problems and quick fixes

• Edges lifting: the nail is usually too wide, or there was oil on the nail plate. Remove that nail, re-prep, and file the sides or try the next size down.
• Air bubble under the nail: too much glue, or the nail was pressed down flat instead of rolled from the cuticle.
• Nail feels too long: file the tip down before applying, not after. Filing an attached nail can loosen it.
• One nail pops off: clean the underside, buff the natural nail again, and reapply with fresh glue or a new tab.

Ready for your first set?

Short almond and short square shapes are the easiest to start with. Browse short press-on nails, the full range of press-on nails, or pick up glue and prep if you need it. And when it's time to take them off, the removal guide keeps your natural nails in good shape.