Squirrel Nails

How to apply press-on nails with glue or tabs

Published · Updated

Here is how to apply press-on nails at home: choose your size, push back the cuticle, buff and clean the natural nail, add glue or an adhesive tab, then press each nail firmly for 20 to 30 seconds. Keep your hands out of water for an hour afterwards. This is the routine we use in our Dublin studio, and it takes about ten minutes.

Most sets that come off early skipped one of three things: a press-on that sits on the nail and not the skin, a surface that is clean and dry, or real pressure when it went on. The steps below cover all three.

What you need

Lay everything out before you start. Once a nail is clean you should not have to reach into a bag or touch your hair.

Step 1: pick your size and file to fit

Our sets come in three ready-made sizes: S, M and L. Choose the closest of the three using our sizing guide.

  1. Match each press-on to a finger. Lay the nails out in order, thumb to little finger, before you open any adhesive. Hold each one against its nail.
  2. Check the edges. A press-on should sit inside the edges of your natural nail without touching the skin at the sides or the cuticle.
  3. File any nail that sits over the skin. File the sides of the press-on with a fine file, a little at a time, and check again. It is much easier to do this now than once the glue is on.

A press-on that rests on skin lifts at the edges. Fit is the step most people rush, so give it the most time.

Step 2: prep the natural nail

  1. Push back the cuticle. Soften it in warm water for a minute, then push it back gently. Skin that overlaps the nail stops the press-on sitting flat and can make it lift early.
  2. Shape the nail. File your natural nail short with a rounded edge, so it does not poke past the press-on.
  3. Buff the shine off. Buff the whole surface lightly until it looks matte. This gives the adhesive something to grip. A light buff is enough.
  4. Clean and dry. Wipe every nail with remover or alcohol. Do not touch your nails or put on hand cream after this point. Oil on the nail is a common reason a set lifts.

Step 3: how to apply press-on nails with glue

  1. Work one finger at a time. Glue each nail and press it before you move on, so the glue does not dry before the press-on goes down.
  2. Add a thin layer of glue. Put it on your natural nail, not on the press-on. Too much glue seeps out at the sides and gives a weaker hold.
  3. Angle, then press. Place the press-on at the cuticle line at a slight angle and lower it down over the nail.
  4. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Press firmly in the centre, then squeeze the sides so no air is trapped.
  5. Wipe away any glue at the edges before it sets.

Keep nail glue away from your eyes and out of reach of children. If your skin gets sore or irritated, stop wearing the set.

Step 4: how to apply press-on nails with adhesive tabs

Adhesive tabs are double-sided stickers cut to the shape of a nail. They need the same prep as glue.

  1. Pick a tab that fits your nail. It should cover most of the nail without touching the skin.
  2. Stick the tab to your natural nail. Press it down from the centre outwards so no air is trapped.
  3. Peel off the top backing. Try not to touch the sticky side.
  4. Angle, then press. Place the press-on at the cuticle line, lower it down, and hold for 20 to 30 seconds.

Glue or tabs? Glue usually holds one to two weeks. Tabs usually hold two to five days and come off more easily, which suits a weekend or an event.

Step 5: wait before water

Give the set one hour before you shower, wash your hair or do the dishes. Overnight is better if you can plan for it. The adhesive is still setting during this time.

If an edge lifts

Dry the nail and the press-on, add a tiny dot of glue under the edge, and press for 20 to 30 seconds. Do not pull a lifted nail off. When you want the whole set off, soak it off, because pulling press-ons off dry is what damages nails. Our removal guide shows how.

Share your set

All set? You can see new designs first on Instagram, @squirrelnails.

Read next: our sizing guide and how to remove press-on nails so you can wear the set again.

Questions we get asked

Should I use nail glue or adhesive tabs?
Glue holds longer, usually one to two weeks. Adhesive tabs usually hold two to five days and come off more easily, so they suit a single event or a set you plan to change soon.
How long does it take to apply press-on nails?
About ten minutes for both hands once your tools are laid out. Leave extra time before the first wear to choose your size and file any nail that sits over the skin.
Which size should I choose?
Our sets come in three ready-made sizes, S, M and L. Choose the closest of the three using the sizing guide, then file the sides of any press-on that sits over the skin.
Can I wear press-on nails on very short or bitten nails?
Yes, as long as there is a clean, dry surface for the adhesive to hold. File the press-ons a little shorter for the first wear so they are easier to get used to.
Can I use the set again?
Yes, if you take them off by soaking. Handmade sets are thicker than pharmacy sets. Buff the old adhesive off the back and store them somewhere flat and dry.

Follow on Instagram