How to Apply Press-On Nails

• Start with clean, dry hands. Remove any old polish.
• Gently push back your cuticles with the cuticle stick.
• Lightly buff the surface of each nail with the file to remove shine. This helps glue and tabs grip.
• Wipe every nail with the prep wipe (or rubbing alcohol) to remove oils. Don't touch your nails after this step.

Lay the nails out from largest to smallest. Hold each one against your natural nail and choose the size that covers it from edge to edge without touching your skin. Between two sizes? Pick the smaller one and file the sides. Lay your ten nails out in order so they're ready to go. Most product pages also show a size chart with the width and length of each nail in millimetres.

• Glue for a stronger, longer hold.
• Adhesive tabs for quick wear that's easy to take off, ideal for a day or an event.

• With glue: add a thin layer to your natural nail and a small drop to the inside of the press-on. Line it up at your cuticle, angle it down and press.
• With tabs: peel a tab, stick it to your natural nail, peel off the top film and press the nail on.
• Hold firm pressure on each nail for 20 to 30 seconds, pressing the sides as well as the centre.

File the tips if you'd like them shorter. For the best hold, avoid hot water, lotions and long soaks for the first hour or two.

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• Good prep matters most: buff and clean every nail before applying.
• Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning.
• Use your fingertips, not your nails, to open cans and packaging.
• Keep cuticles soft with the ritual cuticle oil pen (apply it around, not under, your nails).

Never pull or force a press-on off. Apply the reset nail glue remover around the edges, or soak your fingertips in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes until the bond softens. Then ease each nail off gently from the side with the cuticle stick. Clean off any leftover glue or tab and store your set in its box to wear again.

Need more glue or tabs? Shop Complete Your Routine.