How to Apply
Updated: Jul 22
Applying press-on nails might feel a little tricky the first time, but do not worry—your perfect at-home manicure is only a few simple steps away! Each Pinky Promise Nails set is carefully pre-sized to match your natural nails, and your order includes the tools needed to help you achieve a neat, comfortable and long-lasting salon-quality finish.
What Comes in Your Application Kit?
Your package includes more than just your beautiful new nails. You will also receive:
Nail glue: Used to secure your press-ons firmly in place.
Nail brush: Helps remove dirt, dust and oils from your natural nails before application.
Buffer: Gently removes the natural shine from your nails, helping the glue bond more securely.
Nail file: Can be used for small adjustments to the shape or length of your press-ons.
Cuticle pusher: Gently moves the cuticles back to create a clean area for the press-on to sit against.
Everything in your kit has been included to make your application as easy as possible—no emergency trip to the shops required!
Why Your Nails Fit So Perfectly
Every nail in your set is made according to the measurements provided with your order. This means there is no guessing which nail belongs on which finger, no pile of unused sizes and no major filing required before application.
Before using any glue, place each press-on over its matching natural nail to check its position. It should sit comfortably from sidewall to sidewall without pressing into the surrounding skin. Because the nails are pre-sized, you should not need to change their width. However, you may use the included file or coarse side of the buffer to make a very small adjustment to an edge or slightly customise the length or shape.
File gently and a little at a time—your nails are accessories, not a woodworking project!
Preparing Your Natural Nails
Good preparation is the secret behind a longer-lasting manicure. Even the strongest glue will struggle to bond to nails covered in oil, moisture, dust or old polish.
Start by removing any existing nail polish and washing your hands. Use the nail brush to gently clean around and underneath your natural nails, then dry your hands and nails thoroughly. Your nails must be completely dry before you begin applying glue.
Next, use the cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles. Do not cut the cuticles or force them backwards, as the cuticle helps protect the nail area from germs and infection.
Lightly buff the surface of each natural nail until the shine has just been removed. You are only creating a slightly rough surface for the glue to grip—you should not buff until your nails feel thin, tender or sore. Brush away all remaining dust and avoid applying cuticle oil, hand cream or other oily products before your manicure.
Applying Your Press-On Nails
Work on one nail at a time so that the glue does not begin drying before the press-on is correctly positioned.
Apply a small, even amount of glue to your natural nail.
Apply a small drop or thin layer of glue to the inside of the press-on nail.
Keep the glue away from your skin and the cuticle area.
Position the press-on just above the cuticle rather than directly on top of it.
Lower the nail into place and press down firmly.
Hold it securely for approximately 10–20 seconds, applying pressure across the entire nail.
Repeat until your manicure is complete.
Use enough glue to create an even bond, but avoid flooding the nail. Too much glue can spill onto the surrounding skin, while too little may leave gaps underneath the press-on.
Should you accidentally glue your skin together, do not pull or tear it apart. Stop using the product if you experience ongoing burning, itching, redness, swelling, blistering or discomfort, as nail adhesives and other artificial-nail products can sometimes cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Helping Your Manicure Last
Once your nails are applied, give the glue time to form a strong bond. Avoid soaking your hands in water shortly after application, and wear gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or handling harsh household chemicals.
Remember the golden rule: your press-ons are jewels, not tools! Avoid using them to open cans, scrape labels, lift lids or pry objects apart. This can loosen the press-on and may also damage your natural nail underneath.
Check your manicure regularly for lifting, particularly around the cuticles and sidewalls. A loose nail should not simply be pressed back down with more glue, as moisture or dirt may already be trapped underneath it. Instead, remove the press-on safely, clean away the old adhesive and make sure both the natural nail and press-on are completely clean and dry before considering reapplication.
Never pull, peel or force your press-ons off. This can remove layers from the natural nail plate, leaving your nails thin, rough or tender. Always follow the recommended removal instructions and give the adhesive enough time to soften.
Wearing Press-Ons Regularly
Press-ons can be enjoyed regularly, but healthy natural nails should always come first. Between applications, take a moment to check each nail for tenderness, thinning, lifting, unusual colour changes or damage.
Do not apply a new press-on over a nail that is painful, broken, inflamed, unusually thin, lifting from the nail bed or showing signs of infection. Covering an existing nail problem can make it more difficult to notice and may make the problem worse.
Your nails do not necessarily need a lengthy “breathing break” after every set, but they should be left uncovered whenever they appear weak, sore or damaged. It is also helpful to leave them bare long enough to inspect and care for them properly before applying another set.
What Is a “Greenie”?
A “greenie” is the informal name for a green, blue-green or dark green discolouration that can appear on the natural nail. It is commonly associated with Pseudomonas bacteria growing in an area where the natural nail or enhancement has lifted and moisture has become trapped. It is not simply a stain to cover up, and it is not necessarily mould.
The best way to reduce the risk is to:
Apply press-ons only to clean, healthy and completely dry nails.
Remove a nail when it begins lifting instead of adding more glue.
Avoid leaving water trapped underneath a loose press-on.
Keep your tools clean and do not share them with other people.
Remove all old adhesive before reusing a press-on.
Never apply a press-on over existing green or unusual discolouration.
Should you notice green discolouration, remove the press-on and leave the natural nail uncovered and dry. Do not buff the colour away aggressively, cover it with polish or glue another press-on over it. Wait until the nail is healthy and the discolouration has cleared or grown out before applying another set.
Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or dermatologist if the discolouration persists, spreads or is accompanied by pain, warmth, redness, swelling, tenderness, discharge, an unpleasant smell or separation of the natural nail. These symptoms may require professional assessment rather than another manicure.
With gentle preparation, careful application and a little nail TLC, your Pinky Promise Nails can look beautiful while keeping your natural nails happy underneath—because a gorgeous manicure should never come at the cost of healthy nails.
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