application guide
🌸 How to Apply Your Press-Ons (With Sticky Tabs)
Ready to glow up your nails with ease? Here’s how to apply your press-ons using sticky tabs — perfect for short-term wear like a special event or a weekend moment of self-love 💕
Step-by-step:
♡  Trim your natural nails short so your press-ons sit perfectly.
♡  Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher.
♡  Remove any dead skin around the cuticles for a clean, neat finish.
♡  Buff the surface of your nails until the shine is gone — this helps your press-ons grip better.
♡ Clean your nails with alcohol pads to remove any oils or dirt.
♡ Pick the perfect sticky tab size for each nail.
♡ Apply each sticky tab to your nail bed, peel off the clear film, and get ready to press!
♡ Warm up the sticky tabs with a hairdryer for a few seconds — this step helps them stay put longer.
♡ Press on your nails at a 45° angle, starting from the cuticle and pressing down toward the tip. Make sure you avoid placing them on the skin!
♡ Hold each nail firmly for 20-30 seconds to secure them in place.
♡ Avoid water and oils for at least 2 hours after application to help your nails last.
A gentle reminder:
Sticky tabs are perfect for short-term wear — around 1 to 2 days — or whenever you want to switch things up with ease. They’re also the go-to if you love reusing your press-ons. For longer wear, try using nail glue instead 💖
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💖 How to Apply Your Press-Ons (With Nail Glue)
Looking for a longer-lasting glow-up? Nail glue is your bestie for keeping your press-ons in place for up to 2+ weeks. Here’s your gentle, step-by-step guide to getting that salon-perfect look at home 💕
Step-by-step:
♡ Trim your natural nails short so the press-ons sit flush and secure.
♡ Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher — this gives a clean, lifted look.
♡ Remove any dead skin around the cuticle area for a flawless finish.
♡ Buff your natural nails until the surface is matte — this helps the glue grip better.
♡ Clean your nails thoroughly with an alcohol pad to remove oils or dirt.
♡ Apply a thin, even layer of glue to both your natural nail and the inside of the press-on nail where it will make contact. A little goes a long way!
♡ Place the press-on nail at a 45° angle, starting at the cuticle and pressing toward the tip. Avoid placing it on your skin and make sure there are no air bubbles.
♡ Hold the nail down firmly for 20-30 seconds to lock it in place.
♡ Avoid water and oil for at least 2 hours to let the glue fully set.
A gentle reminder:
Nail glue is the go-to option for long-term wear — perfect if you want your nails to last up to 2+ weeks 💅✨
Yes, you can still reuse your press-ons! Just use a mini nail drill to gently file off the old glue (they’re super affordable and easy to find online).
If you prefer switching up your look more often or want super quick removal, try sticky tabs instead 💗
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💫 A Few More Gentle Reminders
♡ Always remove all glue residue completely and wash your hands before applying a fresh set — this helps your next set go on smoothly and stay on longer 💅✨
♡ Our press-on nails are reusable, so be sure to store them safely in the original packaging when you're not wearing them 🌸
♡ When it’s time to remove your nails, be gentle — never pull them off. For safe removal, please follow the step-by-step guide on the back of your press on nail packaging. Your natural nails will thank you 🫶
♡ Have questions or need a little extra help? I’m always here — just reach out at hello@nailsbyhelen.com or send a DM on Instagram 💌
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