cuticle essence  cuticle oil  cuticle serum  cuticle treatment  handmade press on nails  nail care  nail oil  press on nails  reusable nails  stick on nails

Beginner’s Guide to Salon-Like Press-On Nails at Home

Want salon-worthy nails without the hassle or cost? Pressii press-on nails make it easy—even for newbies. Follow this step-by-step guide to get perfect results at home, with tips to steer clear of common slip-ups. 

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You don’t need a salon kit. Just grab:

• Your press-on nail set (pick a style you love—we’ve got everything from soft pastels to bold glitter

• A nail file and buffer

 Cuticle oil and a cuticle pusher

• Pressii’s adhesive glue or sticky tabs (glue for longer wear, tabs for quick changes)

Pro tip: Don’t skimp on tools. Using dull files or low-quality glue is a common misstep that ruins results.

Nail Kit, Base Coat (purple bottle),Solid Glue,UV Lamp,Sticky tabs,Cuticle Stick, Alcohol Wipe, Nail File

Step 2: Prep Your Nails (The Most Important Step!)

Many beginners rush through this—and regret it. Dirty or oily nails make press-ons pop off fast, so:

• Wash hands with soap and dry completely (moisture is enemy number one here).

• Trim your natural nails to a short, even length (no longer than the press-ons—long nails cause lifting).

• Use a buffer to gently rough up the surface—this helps the adhesive stick better. Skip this, and your press-ons won’t last.

• Push back cuticles with a pusher, then apply a drop of cuticle oil. Dry, ragged cuticles ruin the smooth look, so don’t skip moisturizing.

Prep Nails,stick on nails, butter

Step 3: Find the Perfect Fit

Grabbing the first size you see is a easy mistake. Pressii sets come with multiple sizes—take 30 seconds to test them:

• The right size covers your entire nail bed with no gaps at the sides or cuticles. Gaps let in dirt and loosen the bond.

• If a press-on is slightly too big, file the edges gently (but don’t overdo it—you’ll lose the design!).

• Too small? Swap it for a larger size. Ill-fitting nails look messy and fall off quickly.

nail's size,s m l

Step 4: Apply Like a Pro

Glue mishaps are super common. Avoid these blunders:

• For glue: Dab a thin, even layer on the back of the press-on (not your nail). Too much oozes out; too little won’t hold. Wait 10 seconds for it to get tacky—rushing this step causes slipping.

• For sticky tabs: Peel the tab, stick it to the press-on, then peel the other side. Press firmly to smooth out air bubbles (bubbles make nails lift).

• Line up the press-on with your cuticle (leave a tiny gap—this looks more natural). Press down hard for 20 seconds, focusing on the edges—weak pressure here is a top reason for early peeling.

Base Coat & Solid Glue Set

Step 5: Finish & Seal

Don’t ruin your hard work with these final slip-ups:

• File the tips of the press-ons to match your natural nail shape (round, square, or almond). Filing too aggressively can crack the press-ons, so go slow.

• Add a clear top coat to lock in the design and boost shine (this also hides small gaps!). Skip this, and the design may chip.

• Avoid water for 1 hour after applying. Washing dishes or showering too soon loosens the glue—patience pays off here.

Finish,Seal,cuticle essence  cuticle oil  cuticle serum  cuticle treatment  handmade press on nails  nail care  nail oil  press on nails  reusable nails  stick on nails

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Wear

• With glue, press-ons last 5–14 days; with tabs, 1–3 days.

• To reuse Pressii nails: Gently peel them off, wipe away old glue with alcohol, and store in the original case (tossing them in a drawer scratches the design).

• Never use nails as tools (opening cans, scratching labels)—this bends or breaks them.

Follow these steps, and your Pressii press-ons will look like you paid for a salon visit. Take your time, avoid the small mistakes, and enjoy switching up your style whenever you want.

Ready to try? Shop Pressii’s best-selling sets now—your next favorite manicure is just a click away.

Back to blog