With the evolution of the beauty industry, press on nails have become a popular choice for those who want salon-like nails without the salon prices. Whether it’s about expressing personal style, or simply desiring a polished look, press-on nails have made these achievable within the comfort of your home. One question that often pops up is, can you cut press on nails? This guide will take you through the process, tips, and tricks of trimming press-on nails to perfection.
Understanding Press-On Nails
Press on nails are artificial nails that can easily be attached to your natural nails using adhesive. They come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors, catering to a range of personal preferences and budgets. Quality press-on nails can give you a salon-quality manicure within minutes.
Press-on nails, contrary to some misconceptions, can indeed be trimmed and filed, just like your natural or acrylic nails. Whether you’re looking to achieve a natural look, or simply prefer shorter nails, here’s how you can do it.
Can You Cut Press On Nails?
Yes, absolutely. Press-on nails are designed to be customizable. If the original shape or size doesn’t meet your expectations, you can easily trim and file them to your liking. This modification can be done either before or after gluing them to your natural nails, whichever suits you better. You just need a nail clipper, much like the one you use for your natural nails.
Trimming Oversized Press On Nails
Wearing overly long press-on nails can sometimes make them look less natural. For a more authentic appearance, it is advisable to trim and file them according to the size of your natural nails. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to trim oversized press-on nails.
Prepare your natural nails: Start by washing your hands with warm soapy water, then wipe your nails with cotton soaked in nail polish remover. This helps remove natural oils on your nails, allowing the press-ons to bond stronger with your natural nails.
Push back cuticles: Remove any excess to provide ample surface area for the press-ons to adhere well. Your natural nails should be trimmed short and filed to prevent any damage.
Apply nail glue: Apply the adhesive on the tip of your natural nail and the bottom-backside of the press-on, and gently press it onto your nail. Repeat this for all your nails and allow them to sit for 2-3 hours to bond and cure.
Trim the nails: If you wish to shorten the nails after they are glued, use a nail clipper and trim them from the center towards both sides.
Shape the nails: After trimming, use a nail file to smooth their edges and shape them as desired.
Cutting Press On Nails With Regular Nail Clippers
You can indeed use regular nail clippers to trim your press-on nails. However, ensure that the nails have been allowed to sit for 2-3 hours to bond strongly with your natural nails before trimming.
Benefits of Using Press On Nails
Press on nails offer the convenience of being able to trim long nails to your desired length and shape, as easily as trimming your natural nails. All you need is a nail clipper and the press-on nails. This could be a great alternative for those who prefer shorter nails or are out of them.
Quality of Press On Nails
The quality of press-on nails you choose greatly influences their lifespan. Good quality press-ons can last up to two weeks with proper care. Moreover, if the nails themselves are durable, they can be reused too.
Safety of Press On Nails
Press-on nails are one of the safest options for nail extensions. Compared to acrylic extensions, which require prolonged soaking in erosive substances like acetone, press-on nails are a healthier choice. To remove press-on nails, all you need to do is soak them in warm soapy water for 15 minutes until they loosen naturally – no harsh chemicals needed.
How to Put On Press On Nails
Here is a simple five-step guide on applying press-on nails:
Clip your natural nails: For a longer-lasting press-on manicure, clip your natural nails short.
Clean your nails: Remove all polish and clean your nails thoroughly with soap and water to ensure a clean base for your press-on manicure. If possible, clean them with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball. Then, dry your nails completely.
Choose the right nail sizes: Before you start applying the nails, choose the right sizes. For a perfect fit, you may need to file the sides of the press-on nails.
Apply the nails: Cover your entire nail with glue, align the press-on with your nail bed, and press down firmly for 20 seconds.
Paint your nails: If you’ve chosen clear press-ons, you can paint them to your liking once the glue is dry. Don’t forget to apply a topcoat to make your polish last as long as your press-ons.
Making Your Press On Nails Last Longer
Here are some tips to make your press-on nails last longer:
Cleanliness: Ensure your nails are totally clean before applying your press-ons. Dirt, oil, or other debris may prevent the glue from fully adhering the press-on to your natural nail.
Glue application: How you apply your glue can determine how long your press-on nails will last. If you want your press-ons to last for a week or more, cover your entire nail with glue.
Choose shorter nails: Though long coffin, stiletto, and almond-shaped nails are fun, the longer the length, the more likely they’ll be to snag on something and accidentally pop off.
Top Press On Nails to Try
Here are some of the best press-on nails you can try:
Rave Nailz Fluffy Cloud Nailz, $25.00. These fluffy cloud nails are perfect for a fun, unique look.
Static Nails Cristal Almond, $25.00. If you love an almond-shaped nail look, you’ll love these minimalist nude nails with real Swarovski crystals.
imPRESS Pop Star 2 Press-On Manicure, $8.00. This easy-to-use set lets you accomplish the classic French manicure design with a hint of glitter and glam.
- BeeYourself Nails, starts from $15. Handmade Luxury Press On Nails, premium quality with more comfort.
So, yes, you can cut press on nails. With a little patience and the right tools, you can achieve a salon-like manicure right at home.