Best Tips For Applying Press On Nails

What are Red Aspen Nail Dashes?

Have you ever wondered how to apply press on nails properly? Or more importantly how to apply press on nails to make them last longer? In this post I am going to teach you the best tips for applying press on nails to keep them from popping off but first I want to introduce you to nail dashes, the best press on nails around! Nail Dashes are press-on, salon quality manicure for a fraction of the price and time. The benefits of using them are:

• Easy to apply
• Non- damaging
• Apply in minutes
• Variety of shapes, lengths and finishes not easily achieved with polish, stickers or wraps. (Side note: nail dashes CAN be used in conjunction with nail wraps such as Color Street, dashes provide the length and strength, wraps add the extra colors and designs!)
• Fraction of salon cost
• Dashes currently come in petite, short square, medium round, long coffin nail styles. So they cover the short press on nails and the long press on nails depending on your style! The petite nails are great for those with small nail beds or as press on nails for kids! My girls have loved the nail dashes and now as tweens/teens they can put them on by themselves. All dashes can be clipped and filed to any shape or length you prefer.
• Each box comes with 24 nails in a wide range of sizes to fit all nail sizes.

*THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, I EARN A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU WHEN YOU SHOP USING THESE LINKS.

Shop the press on nail styles below here!

Starting at the top from Left to Right

• Dark + Stormi Square
• Carolina Chickadee Square
• Peachy Keen, Kathleen Round
• Salted Caramel Crunch Ballerina
• Truth or Dare, Jazlyn? Coffin
• Winnie’s in White Sands Square

Step 1: Clean Your Nails and Push Back Cuticles

Best Tips for Applying Press On Nails

One of the first steps when you are wondering how to apply fake nails is to clean your nails of any leftover nail polish or nail glue. Then make sure to push back your cuticles. Each box of Nail Dashes comes with a full press on nail application kit which includes an orange stick and file so you have everything you need!

Step 2: Pick Out Your Nail Sizes

How to Make Press on Nails Look Real

One of the most important steps if you want your press on nails to look real is making sure you choose the appropriate size. Compared to drugstore press on nails, Red Aspen nails are extremely thin and fit perfectly up to the cuticle which gives them a very natural look. Ensuring you have the correct size will make your press on nails last as long as possible. Each box of nail dashes comes with at least 24 nails so you are sure to find ones that fit your nails! Each nail has a number at the tip of it ranging from 0-9, 0 being the largest and 9 being the smallest. New nail dashes that are being released are including sizes 0-14 to reach even more nail bed sizes.

If you choose a nail that is too small or too large you will be more likely to have pop-offs. Lay your press-on nails out in the correct order so you don’t get confused once you begin to apply them. Once you know the sizes that work best for you keep track of it for future applications! You can fill out the form below and I’ll email you a download for keeping track of your nail sizes!

Step 3: Buff Your Nails

How To Make Press On Nails Last Longer

The next step is to take the enclosed file and gently buff each nail to rough up the surface. This will help the nail and glue adhere better therefore reducing the likelihood of pop-offs!

Step 4: Clean Your Nails With Rubbing Alcohol

How To Apply Press On Nails Properly

The last step before actually applying the nails is to clean each nail with rubbing alcohol. You want to dry out the natural nail and make sure there is not moisture. If you leave moisture on the nail bed you can end up with green nails once you go to take them off. This does not last but better just to avoid it all together! I like to keep these rubbing alcohol wipes on hand because they are so easy to carry with you and store with your nail dashes. Be sure your nails are nice and dry before you begin application!

Step 5: Apply Dashes

How To Keep Press On Nails From Popping Off

Now its time to put them on! I like to start with the pinky on each nail and move inward ending with my thumbs. First apply a thin layer of nail glue to your natural nail and to the nail dash. I like to take the tip of the glue and spread it evenly across the entire nail. If you are wanting to wear the nails for less time only use a small dot of glue in the middle of the nail! Red Aspen actually just released a brush on nail glue like a nail polish that is life changing.

When you go to apply the nail the number side will go towards the tip of the nail away from the cuticle. Often people have made the mistake of applying the nails upside down which will definitely make them pop off sooner. The thinner side of the nail definitely goes near the cuticle.

Apply the nail at a 45 degree angle and then press the nail on firmly and hold for 30 seconds. I like to make sure no excess glue has come out or gotten on my finger before I press down to hard so as not to get glue on the top of the nail. If you do feel like excess glue is squeezing out, I grab my rubbing alcohol wipe and wipe it off quick. Repeat until all of your nails are on!

Step 6: Trim or File Nails to Desired Shape (if needed)

At this point you are ready to rock your amazing new at home manicure! If you prefer a different shape or size than what you applied, the amazing thing is you have the power to change that! You can either use the enclosed file to file them down shorter or if you have a lot of length to take off you can clip them with nail clipper and then file them! You can use a regular nail file or use can use a salon style acrylic nail clipper which I think is great for getting an easier cut across the nail.

If you are wondering how long do press on nails last it will definitely depend on how you follow the instructions above but also your individual nails. Many people get at least a solid 2 weeks out of theirs (and sometimes more) while others may get closer to 10 days. Some people just love changing them so much that they use less glue and change up their manis every few days or so. You can make some pretty adorable mani mix-ups with all of the different colors and styles they have to offer! Congratulations you have just found one of the best mom/woman hacks of all time! Salon quality manicure at a fraction of the price and time investment. You can shop the best press on nails here!

Please let me know how you love them! If you would like a link to some nail dash cheat sheets and graphics plus videos of application and removal you can sign up for my email list here and I will send it on over! with a quick how-to guide and a graphic for tracking your nail sizes! If you give them a try be sure to tag me on Instagram @ABeautifullyFitSoul