09/25/2026
I figured out how to make press on nails stay and I'm here to share!
I figured since we all wear jewelry, we also like pretty hands. And I recently learned things I wish I had known years ago!
1. The BEST glue on the market is Dashing Diva Fast Bond in the pink tube. It is a gel adhesive instead of a liquid or those stupid tabs. I got mine at Sally Beauty Supply.
2. This is the most important - the glue needs a rough surface to bond to. A rough surface has more surface area for the glue to bond to. The inside of press ons are smooth. I bought a nail dremel tool with a diamond bit to rough up the inside of each nail. By that same token, I use the bit to rough up my nails just a little like they do at the salon. You can also use a buffing block but I think the dremel works better.
I never did this before and this is the big reason they did not stay.
After you choose the right nail size for each finger, use the dremel on each one. I lay them out in the pattern of my hands and do each one.
3. Your nails need to be free of oils. I give my hands a good wash, use 100% acetone on each nail, and then use something called a nail dehydrator which comes in a polish bottle. You don't necessarily need the dehydrator if you have the acetone but I think it helps.
4. The press on need to be wiped off with an alcohol pad after you rough them up.
5. If you have a flatter nail bed and the press ons are very curved, you can flatten them by gently bending the sides up a few times. This is crucial. Not only will they stay better but they are more comfortable.
6. The glue goes along the bottom of the nail that will go next to your cuticle. I also put a thin line in the middle of the nail. Line up and push cuticle side first and then out. Hold for a full 60 seconds each nail. Don't get wet for two hours. Even better if you do it before bed.
Doing these steps and the nails stay for a full two weeks. I can do the dishes and make jewelry anything else. They stay so well that they are a bit tough to get off. Dashing Diva makes a nail remover that works fairly well.
It's some extra work but it's a whole lot cheaper than going to a salon, and easier on your nails too.
I love these because I play guitar so I will do two weeks of short nails so I can play, and then two weeks of long and then I'll play piano, flute, and other instruments, so I can just switch around.
Hope this is helpful!
