How to Shape and File Press-On Nails for a Natural Look

When you think of press-on nails, you may think of cheesy French tip manicures of the early 2000s. Well, things have changed, and press-on nails are back in vogue. And even better, they now come in a wide variety of attractive and fashionable designs.

If you want to get in on this trend, but are hesitant about revisiting prior experiences of sticky fingers and fake-looking nails, have no fear! Below are all the tips and tricks you need for how to shape your press-on nails to make them look as real and classy as a professional manicure.

 

What are Press-On Nails?

Press-on nails are artificial nails that are made of materials such as acrylic or resin and are painted with nail polish. Depending on the nails’ design, they can either be applied to the fingernail with glue or an adhesive tab.

In decades past, these types of artificial nails weren’t that aesthetically pleasing and could make a big mess during the application. Today’s iteration of press-ons offer stunning designs with a simple (and longer-lasting) adhesion process.

 

How To Apply Press-On Nails

It only takes a few easy steps to apply press-on nails and get the luxurious look of an expensive manicure at a fraction of the price.

Choose the Right Size

To start, you’ll need to be precise when selecting the size and shape of the nails you want to wear. Press-on nails come in a range of sizes, so you should make sure that you choose a size that aligns with the proportions of your fingernails.

If it’s between a press-on nail that’s too big or too small, pick the nail that’s a little smaller than your actual fingernail—it’s better to have some extra space on your nail than have the press-on nails sticking to your skin.

 

Clean Your Nails First