History of Press-On Nails (and how to make them last 2+ weeks)
In the past year or so, press-on nails have taken the beauty industry by storm. And friends, they are a far cry from the plastic press-on nails of our childhood (you feel me, fellow 90s babies?).
The history of artificial nails dates back centuries; tons of cultures around the world have adorned their nails for beauty, status, and more. People in Ancient Egypt used natural dyes to decorate their nails. During China’s Ming Dynasty, noblewomen wore long artificial nails to signify that they didn’t have to do manual labor (unlike the commonfolk). In early 1800s Greece, upper class women allegedly wore pistachio shells over their nails.
Fast forward a century or so, and the popularity of artificial nails has spread across the world, and we can thank a dentist. Yes, I’m serious! In 1954, a dentist by the name of Dr. Fred Slack Jr. cut his thumb nail at work and created an artificial replacement using dental acrylic resin and aluminum foil. He experimented for a while to get the materials and appearance just right. Once he did, he and his brother Tom patented the design and started Patti Nails.
In the following decades, press-on nails became more and more popular, and with that popularity came vast improvements. In the 1960s came the first press-on nails as we conceive of them today, and the 1970s saw their popularity increase tenfold.
At some point, press-on nails fell out of the zeitgeist only to experience a revival in recent years…like many popular 90s trends (anyone else ready to bring back gaucho pants?). They’re easy, versatile, cute, and they make it so easy to change up your look.
But I see so many people saying that their press-on nails only last a few days before lifting or popping off entirely! To which I say…(sorry, but) you may not putting them on right. Specifically, I want to scream from the rooftops: NAIL PREP IS EVERYTHING! So I’m going to show you, step by step, how I get my press-ons to last for 2+ weeks. Buckle up.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Don't worry, you won't pay any extra – sometimes you might even get a tasty discount.
Step 1: Choose a set
I’ve tried a lot of brands. Two of my tried and true favorites are Glamermaid and Kiss imPress. But right now, I’m really obsessed with a newer company called Prime Beauty. (Full disclosure, I’m an affiliate, but there’s a reason I became one! These may be THE sturdiest press-ons I’ve ever used. You can also use code HISTORYWITHCARA for 10% off at checkout). They sent me a pack of 4 sets, and this is the one I chose for today.
Step 2: Push back your cuticles
If you spend extra time on any one step, make it this one. You can use the wooden cuticle pusher that comes in the kit, or you can purchase a metal reusable one. If your cuticles are particularly long, you may want to soak your hands in warm water for around 10 minutes.
Step 3: GENTLY!!! Texturize your nails
Take the included nail file and lightly texturize your nails. Make sure to focus a little extra near the cuticle. The texture gives the glue or adhesive tabs something to grip onto, so your nails will last longer without lifting or popping off.
Step 4: Clean your nails
Use the included alcohol prep pad to wipe down your nails. We want to make sure you get rid of any dust or oils, again, so that the glue or adhesive can really stick on.
Step 5: Choose your nail sizes
You want the press-on nail to just cover your nail bed, without touching the skin on the side. If none of them fit perfectly, better to go slightly too small than slightly too big.
Lay them all out in order. This will save you some time as you apply them.
Step 6: Use your adhesive
Decide whether you’ll be using glue or adhesive tabs. I personally use adhesive tabs because I like to change my look up often, and I find that they’re gentler on my nails. If you use the tabs, make sure the actual sticky part isn’t pushed right against your cuticle, but ever so slightly away.
Remove the plastic overlay. I like to have tweezers onhand for this.
Secret bonus tip
This is my top secret bonus tip for getting my press-ons to last for 2 weeks! Use a hairdryer to heat up the adhesive tabs. Not for long! Around 5 seconds will do the trick.
Step 7: Apply your nails
The grand finale, finally! Apply your nails. Position them at a bit of an angle (see photo for reference) and press down. Hold it down for 15-30 seconds (I know, I know, but it really does help).
Step 8: ENJOY!
Voila! You’re all done! Get out into the world and enjoy your nails and all the compliments that will come with them. No, seriously, every time I’ve left the house with this set I’ve gotten no less than 3 compliments. People are always shocked that they’re press-ons.
That’s all for now, folks.
I hope you enjoyed these tips and learning a bit about the history of this trend! When I learn about things like this, it always makes me feel closer to the fashionistas and divas of yesteryear. We’re all connected, and always have been. <3