Application and removal instructions

Your press-on nails will come with an application kit, which includes: a nail file, a cuticle stick, a buffing block, nail wipe pads, nail glue and sticky tabs. 

Before applying the press-on nails, make sure they fit your nail bed - you can file the sides and shape the cuticle area if needed, to customise the press-on nails to fit your nail beds. 

Natural nail preparation: 

  • Start with clean natural nails free of any product 
  • File and shape your natural nails with the nail file 
  • Using the cuticle stick, gently push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin to free all possible space on your nail bed 
  • You can also use the nail file or buffing block to gently file away excess dead skin
  • Use the buffing block to lightly buff your nails and remove the natural shine 
  • Cleanse each nail with the nail wipe to remove any dust/debris and dehydrate your nail plate so the glue can adhere 

After following the instructions above, you are now ready to apply your press-on nails either using nail glue or sticky tabs. We recommend starting with the pinkies and leaving the thumbnails for last, to make it easier to apply the nails. 

Press-on nail application - using nail glue (for long-term wear):  

  • Apply a small drop of nail glue to the lower centre of the press-on nail and a small drop of glue to the centre of your natural nail. Avoid the cuticle area and the sides of your nail
  • Carefully place the press-on nail slightly under the cuticle area of your natural nail 
  • Press down with moderate - firm pressure for about 40-60 seconds, rocking the nail down to get rid of any air bubbles 
  • If any glue gets on your skin during the process, quickly wipe it off before it dries. If the glue has already dried it can be filed or buffed off later on 
  • Repeat these steps for all the remaining nails 

Press-on nail application - using sticky tabs (for temporary / short term wear): 

  • Size the sticky tabs to your natural nails. They do not have to cover your whole nail but should cover most. You can also cut/trim the tabs if you need a better fit 
  • Peel off the sticky tabs from the plastic backing. Apply the sticky tab to the back of your press on nail or to your natural nail, getting as close to the cuticle as possible without touching it, to avoid lifting 
  • Apply the press-on nail to your natural nail, slightly under the cuticle area, with firm pressure. Press down for about 15 seconds, making sure to press down all the edges 
  • Repeat these steps for all the remaining nails 

Enjoy wearing your nails! Don’t forget to tag us on our social media @alexisaesthetic1 

Removing press-on nails (if applied with nail glue): 

  • Apply cuticle oil and soak nails in a mixture of warm/hot water (as hot as you can handle, being careful not to burn yourself) and a little dish soap and oil. Soak nails for around 10-15 minutes 
  • Use the cuticle stick to gently lift the side edges of the nails 
  • Apply more cuticle oil to help loosen the nails if needed 
  • Repeat these steps until the nails have safely come off. Be gentle and do not force the nails off as this will damage your natural nails 
  • Wash hands and remove excess glue from your natural nails using the buffer or nail polish remover 
  • Apply cuticle oil 
  • Use the buffer or nail file to remove excess nail glue from the inside of the press-on nails 
  • Rinse off any oils or soaps left behind from soaking, in a fresh bowl of water, and then use the nail wipe pad to wipe down the nails (the alcohol will not damage the nails) 
  • Your press-on nails are now ready to reuse! 

Removing press-on nails (if applied with sticky tabs): 

  • You may be able to gently pull the press on nails off easily, if they are not stuck too tightly to the natural nail. If you are unable to, follow the steps below to avoid damage to your natural nails 
  • Soak nails in a mixture of warm/hot water (as hot as you can handle, being careful not to burn yourself) and a little dish soap and oil. Soak nails for around 10-15 minutes 
  • Use the cuticle stick to gently start lifting the press-on nails from the natural nail 
  • Soak nails further if you are still having trouble lifting them 
  • Once the press-on nails are off, remove the sticky tabs, and buff your natural nail to remove any residue 
  • Wash hands and apply cuticle oil 
  • Rinse off any oils or soaps left behind from soaking, in a fresh bowl of water, and then use the nail wipe pad to wipe down the nails (the alcohol will not damage the nails) 
  • Your press-on nails are now ready to reuse! 

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Why press on nails?

Press-on nails are perfect for everyday wear or for special events, parties, weddings, birthdays, photoshoots, etc. They are quick and easy to apply, and you can achieve salon quality results anywhere and anytime. They are reusable and extremely durable, and can last just as long as salon nail enhancements, saving you hours at the salon and lots of money, without compromising quality results. This also means that you are not exposed to harsh chemicals or UV as you would in a salon, making them healthier for your nails. Press-on nails are ideal for everyone - their application with sticky tabs is convenient for individuals unable to wear nail products to work but desire beautiful nails on their days off. These press-on nails are also completely customisable, giving you endless options for unique hand painted designs, exactly how you want them to look.

What is soft gel? Soft gel vs plastic? Why pick soft gel over other materials/extensions?

Soft gel extensions are thin, full-cover nail tips that add length to your natural nails, similar to regular press on-nails. They are high quality press-on nails made of gel, unlike most other press-on nail extensions made of plastic. Regular press-ons can be rigid and heavy, but soft gel tips are made from a flexible gel, making them more lightweight and durable, and less prone to breakage/chipping. While plastic cannot hold its shape when bent or rolled, soft gel is hard to damage and is able to hold its original shape. Soft gel extensions offer you the wear and flexibility of hard gel nails and the ease of application/removal of fake nails, giving them the perfect combination of characteristics! Their increase in popularity over the years is also due to their thin appearance compared to acrylic nails, and their natural look and feel, making them more comfortable to wear. Soft gel tips are designed to protect and enhance your natural nails, and will not cause any damage as long as they are removed correctly. They are also more gentle on your nails and healthier than acrylics, as they don’t use any harsh chemicals or emit strong fumes. Soft gel nails are quick and easy for anyone to apply and remove, can last 3-4 weeks, and can be reused multiple times with proper care.

How do I make my press-on nails last longer?

  • Make sure your nails are the correct size! You want them to sit comfortably on your nails. Don’t be afraid to lightly file/shape the sides of the nails for an exact fit.
  • Avoid exposure to water and oils / moisturisers etc an hour before and after application.
  • Getting a full 360° seal with no air bubbles is key to having your nails last. When applying glue, avoid the cuticle area and sidewalls to avoid seepage onto your cuticles, and don’t over do it. Wipe it off quickly if any gets on your skin. Rotate pressure when you are applying the nails - this is really important so you don’t get any air bubbles.
  • The level of prep you do will directly correlate to how long your press-ons last - proper prep will ensure nails last between 2-3+ weeks. If you want the nails to last around a week, skip the buffing and nail wipe pad and use very little glue in the centre of your nail.
  • After buffing your natural nails for preparation, use primer and dehydrator if you have them.
  • Always wear gloves whilst doing household chores etc or when handling cleaning products/chemicals.

Can I get a refund or exchange if I am unhappy with my order?

All products are handmade to your specific size, shape, length, design etc. Therefore, items cannot be refunded or exchanged. Please contact us if you are unhappy with your order.

Can I just order a set of custom nails off the website?

No! Please message me first so we can confirm your shapes, lengths, designs etc. I will then assist you on how to checkout on the website.

However, other items such as sureprise sets, cuticle oils, sizing kits etc can be purchased straight from my website.

How long do the nails last? Are they reusable?

With proper application and care, your nails can last anywhere from 10-21 days! They are 100% reusable with proper removal, and customers are able to rewear their sets 3-5 times on average if using glue, and even more times if using sticky tabs!

Do you sell any pre-made / ready to ship nails?

We currently don’t have any designs to pick from or sets that are pre-made and ready to ship. Every set is hand-made to order, meaning that you are able to customise your sets to your exact specifications and needs.

How long do I need to wait to receive my order?

Fulfilment time for sizing kits, shape finder kits and cuticle oils is 3-5 days (BEFORE SHIPPING) and for press on nail sets is 1-3 weeks (BEFORE SHIPPING). These are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, although we will always try to get your order out as soon as possible. Additional charges apply if you would like your order to be prioritised and fulfilled quicker.

Shipping times depend on your location. Express shipping and international shipping options are available at checkout. 

More information on shipping can be found here.

What shapes and lengths do you offer?

We currently offer the following nail shapes and lengths: 

How do I know my nail sizes?

Check out our nail measurement guide for more information.

Application / removal instructions?

Instructions are sent with each nail kit, but if you want instructions online, you can find them here.