In a previous blog, I talked about the luxury that your press-on nails can exude despite costing less and letting you gain more control over your nail health. As much as it is important for your press-on nails to look good and feel right, it is also important for them to be used safely to ensure your nail health remains intact.

It’s easy to disregard nail health because short-term effects are often not as drastic. The changes that happen over time are more important to prevent. Not only can real nails become brittle if press-ons aren’t applied and removed carefully, bacteria can get trapped inside nail beds leading to risks of infections. This is avoidable by practicing regular TLC )tender loving care) with your nails and hands, and using the right materials when putting on false nails.

There are many signs to tell whether your nails are healthy. What I like about press-on nail sets is that I can remove them when I feel like they are hampering my life or I don’t need them. For example, I remove my press-ons when putting on my eye lenses. Later, I can choose to put the same ones back on or change it up if I want. Sometimes, the temporary removal is also necessary to give my nails the break they need. 

Here’s why press-on nails are better for your nail health in the long run:

No unfamiliar harsh chemicals that salons may use

The biggest problem with trusting a new salon with your nails is that you cannot be sure about the products they are using. Repeated exposure to strong acrylic liquids and gels can dry out nails and irritate your cuticles, leading to damage that can be hard to reverse. At LUNA LAB, we use hypoallergenic nail adhesives to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. We also offer vegan and cruelty-free nails to make sure your gel press-on nails are as comfortable as possible.

Breathable breaks for your nails

Press-on nails are easy to take off between uses, allowing nails and cuticles time to recover. While the idea that “nails need to breathe” has been proven a misconception, it is still important to allow them to be their natural selves. This isn’t as easy to achieve with salon nails because you are much more removed from the application and removal process. With control in the situation, you can learn to understand what your nails need and how to best take care of them. They may not need to breathe, but it is healthy to just let them (and you) relax in between applications!

Gentle on your cuticles

Press-on nails are cute and cuticle-friendly! While these tiny pieces of skin are easy to ignore, they are actually crucial to your nail health. And when nails are not treated with care, cuticles are usually the first ones to suffer. Some salons can also be a bit rough with your cuticles, especially with vigorous scraping or excessive buffing. Press-on nails do not involve any harsh filing (if you’re careful), making sure your cuticles are safer. We recommend cuticle oil to keep them hydrated. 

You can buy a cuticle oil pen along with your press-on nail set. It is designed to encourage nail growth and penetrate deeply to heal and protect worn-down cuticles and damaged nails.

Much safer and relaxed removal

Removing press-on nails safely is key to taking care of your nails. At LUNA LAB, you will find not just non-damaging nail extensions but also extensive guides on how to best apply and remove your nails. Every nail order comes with detailed prep, application, and removal tips to make sure you get the best looking nails every time.

Removal can be a daunting task, especially because you might feel a bit scared of hurting yourself or causing damage to your nails in the process. But I am here to help; removal is supposed to be quick, painless, and even therapeutic. Here is how I do it:

• Fill up a bowl with warm to hot water.

• Add any dish soap or oil - they help loosen the glue. Any oil or dish soap does the trick! Give it a good mix.

• Have a seat and get ready to…relax. That’s right, this is the perfect time to unwind!

• Soak your nails in the water for 5-10 minutes.

• Use a cuticle pusher (included in the LUNA LAB prep kit) to gently lift the press-on nail from your natural nail. If it isn’t budging, soak your nails for a few minutes more.

• Repeat for each nail.

• Buff your nails (buffer included in the LUNA LAB prep kit) to remove the glue residue from your natural nails, smoothening them out again. Go slow and make sure you are gentle with your cuticles!

• File your nails (mini nail file included in the LUNA LAB prep kit). Your natural nail has definitely grown out under your press ons so bring them back to the shape you’d like!

• Nip your cuticles (wood cuticle stick included in the LUNA LAB prep kit). You could also just choose to push them back instead! 

Find detailed tutorials and instructions for nail removal on my instagram!

I use much less force, allow my nails the time they need, and make the removal process a relaxing one I enjoy! This is super simple to do on your own; all tools you need are already available in your LUNA LAB nail prep kit.

Press-on nails ensure significantly less damage than salons, and give you FULL control in the process with a margin of the cost. Start looking for the nail size and style that fits YOUR lifestyle!