Press-on nails have come a long way. Today's premium sets — Instant manicures from Lanamae — can look just as polished as a salon manicure when applied correctly. Follow this step-by-step guide for a flawless, long-lasting result.
What You'll Need
- Your Lanamae press-on nail set
- Nail glue (included in all Lanamae Press-On nail sets)
- Nail filer
- Alcohol wipe to prep your nails
- Cuticle pusher
Step 1: Prep Your Natural Nails
This is the most important step. Start by removing any old polish and washing your hands thoroughly. Push back your cuticles gently with a cuticle pusher — this gives you a clean canvas and helps create a seamless fit against your nail bed.
Lightly buff the surface of each nail to remove shine. This roughens the surface just enough for the glue to bond properly. Finish by wiping each nail with rubbing alcohol to remove oils and dust. Do not skip this step — oil is the number one reason press-ons lift early.
Step 2: Size and Lay Out Your Nails
Before applying any glue, match each press-on to the correct finger. The press-on should cover your nail from sidewall to sidewall without overlapping your skin. If you're between sizes, go slightly smaller — a nail that's too wide will lift at the edges. Alternatively, choose the bigger size and gently file down the sides for the perfect fit.
Lay them out in order from pinky to thumb so you're not scrambling once the glue is on.
Step 3: Apply the Glue
Apply a even layer of nail glue over your entire nail bed. You can also add a small dot to the inside of the press-on for extra hold. Too much glue creates air bubbles and can cause lifting.
Step 4: Press and Hold
Align the press-on at your cuticle line and press down firmly, starting from the base and press down on a 45 degree angle. Hold for 60-90 seconds with firm, even pressure. Repeat for each nail.
Step 5: File and Shape
Once all nails are applied, use a nail file to refine the tip of each nail.
Pro Tips for Longer Wear
- Avoid soaking your hands in water for the first hour after application.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.
- Avoid picking or peeling — this damages your natural nails.