NailInspo Lab

1. Applying a set

1. Prep decides everything. Wipe each nail with an alcohol pad and push the cuticle back gently with a wooden stick. Oil left on the nail plate is the most common reason a tip lifts early.
2. Size every nail on its own. Pick the tip that covers sidewall to sidewall without touching the skin. Between two sizes, take the larger one and press the sides in slightly — a tip that is too small will pop off.
3. Glue or adhesive tabs. Liquid glue holds longer, usually one to two weeks. Adhesive tabs come off in minutes and are the better choice for a single evening or for reusing a set.
4. Press, don't wiggle. Hold each tip for about thirty seconds, working from the cuticle towards the tip so trapped air can escape. Keep the hands out of water for the first hour.

2. Making a set last

• Apply them before you shower rather than after, and skip hand cream until the glue has fully cured.
• Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning. Hot water and detergent soften the bond.
• Keep the spare tips and glue from the kit. Once the natural nail grows out there is a small gap at the cuticle, and one touch-up buys you another week.

3. Removing them without damage

Never pry a press-on off dry — the surface layer of the natural nail can come away with it, which is what leaves nails thin and flaky afterwards.

1. Soak the fingers in warm water with a few drops of oil for about ten minutes, or use the solvent that came with the kit.
2. Work a wooden stick in from the side edge and let the tip release on its own. If you feel resistance, stop and soak a little longer.
3. Buff very lightly if any residue remains, then finish with cuticle oil.

4. Press-on set or at-home gel kit?

Pick the one that matches how often you actually change your nails — both are worth learning if you do them yourself.