Maximizing the Wear Time of Your Press On Nails: Tips for 2 Weeks of Fabulous Nails

Looking to make your press-on nails last for 2 weeks? Just follow these easy steps!

Wash your hands!

Before applying press-on nails, it's important to wash your hands and nailbeds with warm, soapy water to eliminate any dirt and germs. Using a nail brush can help ensure that your nailbeds are thoroughly clean.

Gather your supplies!

Get your favorite box of press on nails. The brand of press on nails really matters. Red Aspen press-on nails (called dashes) are my favorite because they are more curved and hug your unique nailbed shape better than any other brand I have tried. In my experience, store-bought brands generally have a flatter design and are more prone to popping off compared to Red Aspen nails. You will also need a cuticle pusher, cuticle trimmer, nail file, alcohol or alcohol prep pads, nail dehydrator, and nail glue.

Size and layout your nails!

Sizing your nails is very important to getting 2 weeks of wear out of your press-on nails. There is a learning curve when finding the perfect size. It took me a few tries before I figured out the right size for each of my nails. It is easier to tell if a nail is too small because the press-on will not fully cover your natural nail and you will see it on the sides of your press-on nails. When the press-on nail is too small, it will cause pressure and lead to a premature pop off. Now, determining if the press-on nail is too big is a little more difficult and is what I struggled with in the beginning. Just putting the press-on on top of your nail and seeing that it covers your natural is not enough. Press down on the nail and if it goes over your skin, then it is too big, and you need to size down. When your press-on nail overlaps your skin, the press-on will not get a good seal and will allow moisture under your nail and will lead to a pop off or the growth of bacteria (ew).

There are sizing numbers on the back of all Red Aspen dashes. The number should be facing AWAY from the cuticle and placed at the tip of the nail. If the dash is placed upside down it will feel uncomfortable, and the tips will break easier because they are tapered and intended to be thinner to snuggle up to the cuticle for a more natural look. Sometimes it is hard to see the numbers. I found that if your color over the number with a pencil it makes it easier to see.

Once you have found the perfect size for each of your nails, lay them out from thumb to pinkie.

PREP PREP PREP you nails!!

Prepping your nailbeds is probably the MOST crucial step in achieving a 2-week wear!

1. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or orange stick and, if needed, trim your cuticles with a cuticle trimmer.

2. Buff your entire nailbed with a file. Buffing your nails before applying press-on nails helps the glue stick better and makes the nails last longer. Buffing removes shine and dead skin cells from the nail plate, which gives the glue full contact.

3. Clean the nailbed with alcohol or an alcohol prep pad to remove the dust from buffing.

4. Apply a nail dehydrator to each nail. If you have oily skin, then you have oily nailbeds too. Using a nail dehydrator will remove the excess oils from your nailbeds and help your press-on nails last for 2 weeks.

Apply the glue

Apply glue to the ENTIRE nailbed! I highly recommend getting the brush on glue because it makes this step so much easier and less messy! Also, apply the glue to the back of the press-on nail.

**Pro-Tip**

If you get glue on your press-on nail simply apply some cuticle oil to the glue before it dries and wipe off with a paper towel.

Apply Press-On Nail!

Now it is time to apply the press-on nail! Apply the press-on at a 45-degree angle, snuggled up into the cuticle and lay flat. This will keep air bubbles out from under the press-on and ensure a good seal. Press down and hold the press-on on your nail for 30-45 seconds, rocking your finger back and forth to pop any air bubbles that might've gotten caught. The tighter the seal, the longer the wear of your press-on mani!

Now you are ready to rock your press-on mani for the next 2 weeks!

Should a pop off occur, which can happen occasionally, don't worry! Just gently buff the back of the press-on nail, buff your nailbed, clean with alcohol, apply glue, and reattach the nail.

In case you require further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach out to me either via email at beauty.in.a.dash15@gmail.com or through Facebook. However, you are likely to receive a faster response on Facebook. Here is the link to my customer care group on Facebook: Beauty in a Dash with Brittney | Facebook.

To explore the fantastic range of products from Red Aspen, visit Red Aspen Nails, Lashes, Skincare, and Tanning Products.