Press-on nails are at their best when application feels unhurried. A few intentional minutes of preparation make it easier to create a clean, polished finish that feels like your own.
Begin with clean, dry nails
Start with hands that are clean and completely dry. Remove any old polish, then gently push back cuticles only if that is already part of your usual nail routine. Lightly buffing the natural nail can help create a smooth surface, but use a soft touch—you are refining, not thinning, the nail.
Lay out your set before you begin
Arrange every press-on in size order before reaching for adhesive. Each nail should sit comfortably from sidewall to sidewall without pressing into the skin. When two sizes are close, a slightly smaller fit generally looks more natural than one that overlaps the edges.
Apply with intention
Follow the adhesive instructions supplied with your set. Work one nail at a time, beginning at the cuticle area and lowering the press-on toward the tip to minimize trapped air. Apply even pressure with your thumb for the time stated in the adhesive directions. Avoid rushing straight into water, oils, or product-heavy tasks immediately after application.
Make the finish feel like yours
Once the set is applied, check your hands in natural light and gently press each nail once more. Keep a note of your preferred sizes for future Nails By Her edits—your best fit becomes easier to recreate every time.
Always follow the safety and use instructions included with your adhesive. Stop use if you experience discomfort or irritation.