Ditch that nail glue & get an LED lamp PRONTO (+ how to do it safely)
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I love a good trip to the nail salon, but sometimes the DIY stuff is way more fun (not to mention cheaper). Press-on nails are not only super trendy right now (it seems like everybody is experimenting with them), but a trip to your local drugstore reveals dozens of different colors, shapes, sizes, and designs to choose from. They are seriously my guilty — but not so guilty — pleasure.
However, after several years of playing with press-on nails, the damage has been done. The glue is essentially superglue and really breaks down and weakens the natural nails over time. Dave Crisalli, founder and CEO of a nail boutique called Prose, told Today that “Repeated use of press-on nails may be damaging depending on the type of glue or adhesive used and the chemical composition of the glue.”
After repeated use, you can only imagine the shape that my little decorated spirit fingers are in. I recently considered taking a break from acrylic and press-ons, but came across a hack that has changed my life — and my nail health.
Instead of using the standard nail glue that typically comes with the set of press-ons, I apply a gel polish glue like the Beetles Nail Glue Gel.
BUT! It’s important to note that you should absolutely not (again — absolutely NOT), use gel nail glue on press-on nails unless they are clear nails. Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec told Well +Good, “The nail should be clear or mostly transparent for the light to reach it to be able to cure it. It won’t cure through an opaque nail.”
And when the gel can't cure properly?
"It will be tacky, not adhere, and can cause an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis."
This allergic reaction was described by TikTok user @k.wamp, who says in the video, "My nails looked great until they started itching so bad that I had to literally pour almost boiling water on my fingers just to ease the pain. And then my fingernails were like so squishy underneath they were falling off."
Sooo yeah. My advice? Cure clear, transparent nails with the UV gel and then paint the clear nail. The results will be just as gorgeous and last a very long time.
That being said, here’s how to do it:
Brush the glue on your nail like your everyday nail polish, set the press-on on top of your nail, and place your finger under a gel nail lamp while holding the press-on tightly to your nail. Hold it under the lamp for 60-90 seconds.
Yes, it’s that easy! This method makes my press-ons last WEEKS, and when I do remove them, my natural nails look and feel healthy.
Some more tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Gently buff your natural nails with a nail file to get a good grip on the nail and remove any dirt or debris
Wash your hands with soap and water AND rubbing alcohol to ensure they are really, REALLY clean of dirt and debris
Don’t get your nails or hands wet for at least 2 hours after application to ensure the nail glue sets fully
Try it for yourself and let me know how it goes below! I swear you won’t regret it ❤️
