How to Apply & Remove Your Press-On Nails
How to apply &
remove your nails
Everything you need for a perfect, long-lasting application — and how to remove safely without any nail damage.
How to apply
Follow these 6 steps for the longest-lasting, best-looking result.
Cut and file your natural nails as short and flat as possible. Remove any existing nail polish. The flatter your natural nail surface, the stronger the bond and the longer your press-ons will last.
Short natural nails = longer lasting press-ons
Wipe each nail with isopropyl alcohol or acetone nail polish remover. This removes oils, moisture and residue. This is the single most important step — never skip it. Do not moisturise your hands before this step.
Oils on the nail break down adhesive — always clean firstLay out all 10 press-ons and match each to the correct finger before applying any adhesive. The press-on should cover your nail from cuticle to side edge without touching your skin. If slightly wide, file the sides gently.
Do this before any adhesive — you can't swap once glue is onGlue tabs: Peel tab, press inside the press-on, peel backing, press onto natural nail for 30 seconds.
Nail glue: Apply thin layer to your natural nail. Wait 5–10 seconds until tacky, then apply press-on. Press firmly for 60 seconds.
Press down on the entire nail surface for 30–60 seconds per nail. Apply pressure from the cuticle first, then toward the tip and sides. Use your other thumb or a pen to press the edges flat. The more time you hold, the better the bond.
Use a pen cap to press hard on edges without smudging the artOnce all nails are applied, use a gentle nail file to refine the shape or smooth any edges. File in one direction only. Avoid water, dishes and swimming for at least 1–2 hours after application to let adhesive fully cure.
No water for 2 hours — this doubles your wear timeUpload your removal photo here
e.g. nails soaking in bowl of water
Recommended: 700×900px portrait
How to remove safely
Never force or peel — always follow these steps to protect your natural nails.
Soak your nails in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes. This softens the adhesive and makes removal gentle and easy.
Use an orange stick or cuticle pusher at the cuticle edge. Never use metal tools — they scratch and damage your natural nail.
Wiggle gently side to side while easing the press-on off. If it resists, soak for longer — never force it.
Buff away any adhesive residue. Apply cuticle oil and hand cream. Your natural nails should look exactly as before — if removed correctly.
Choose your method
Different hold strengths for different lifestyles — choose based on how long you want your nails to last.
Adhesive stickers included in every Le Papillons set. Gentle, zero damage, and easy to remove. Best if you like switching designs often.
- Zero damage to natural nails
- Easy to remove at home
- Nails can be reused up to 20×
- Included in your set
Professional nail glue gives the strongest bond. Feels closest to a salon gel manicure. Requires acetone to remove.
- Longest hold — up to 3 weeks
- Most natural feel
- Waterproof and gym-proof
- Available at any UAE pharmacy
Apply gel base coat, cure under UV lamp 30 seconds, press on while tacky. Great balance of hold and gentle removal.
- Good hold without harsh glue
- Gentler removal than nail glue
- Set can be reused with care
- Requires UV/LED nail lamp
Care & wear tips
Small habits that make a big difference to how long your set lasts.
Prolonged water and detergent exposure is the #1 cause of press-on lifting. Wear rubber gloves when washing up.
Use the pad of your finger instead of your nail tip to type, open things, and scratch. This habit alone doubles wear time.
After applying, keep nails dry for 2 hours minimum so the adhesive fully cures to maximum strength.
Remove gently with glue tabs and store back in your original box flat. Keep clean — reusable up to 20 times.
If an edge starts to lift, apply a tiny drop of nail glue and press for 60 seconds. Catching it early saves the whole nail.
Apply cuticle oil and hand cream around — not on — your nails daily. Oils on the nail surface weaken adhesive over time.
Do's & don'ts
The most common mistakes — and how to avoid them.
- Clean nails with alcohol before applying
- Press firmly for 60 seconds per nail
- Match all sizes before you start
- Trim natural nails short first
- Wear gloves when washing dishes
- Soak in warm water before removing
- Store sets flat in the original box
- Apply cuticle oil around nails daily
- Apply over moisturised or oily nails
- Get nails wet within 2 hours of applying
- Force or peel nails off without soaking
- Use metal tools to remove nails
- Use nails as tools for opening things
- Apply glue to the press-on instead of the nail
- Ignore an edge that's starting to lift
- Skip the cleaning step — ever
Frequently asked
Find your perfect set
Browse our handcrafted collections — every set comes with glue tabs, sized to fit, ready to apply.