Nail Concrete

Interactive Step by Step Guide

Salon-strong wear for 3 weeks comes down to prep. Follow every step and make sure you click ‘done’ on each step before you move to the next step.

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Stage 1

Prep

Most lifting starts here. Give your natural nails a clean, dry, oil-free base.

  1. Wash your hands

    Wash your hands

    Wash with soap and warm water straight before you start, then dry your hands and nails completely.

  2. Push back your cuticles

    Use the cuticle stick to gently push your cuticles back, so each press-on sits on the nail, not on skin.

  3. Buff your natural nails

    Lightly buff the whole surface of each nail until the shine is gone. A matte nail gives Precision Bond™ glue something to grip.

  4. Remove every trace of oil

    Wipe every nail with the alcohol wipe, including the sides and edges. Don't touch your nails again once they're clean.

Stage 2

Apply

Work one nail at a time with Precision Bond™ glue for 3 weeks of wear.

  1. Choose the right size

    Lay out a press-on for each finger first. It should cover your nail from sidewall to sidewall without touching skin. Between sizes, size down.

  2. Glue both surfaces

    Brush a thin layer of Precision Bond™ glue onto your natural nail and onto the underside of the press-on.

  3. Apply at a 45° angle

    Place the press-on at your cuticle at a 45° angle, then lower it down towards the tip to push out any air.

  4. Hold for 30 seconds

    Press firmly on the centre and sides for a full 30 seconds. Keep your hands out of water for the first hour.

Stage 3

Common application mistakes

Nails lifting early? It's almost always one of these.

  1. Nails are too big for your nail beds Avoid

    Nails are too big for your nail beds

    These nails look lovely, but they're far too big for this customer's fingers. Oversized press-ons overlap the skin and sidewalls, look bulky and pop off early.

    The fixSize DOWN. Pick the size that fits sidewall to sidewall without touching skin. The soft gel nail naturally expands to fit once it's glued down.

  2. Glue applied to only one surface Avoid

    Glue applied to only one surface

    Glue on just one side leaves gaps and air pockets under the nail.

    The fixBrush a thin layer onto both your natural nail and the press-on.

  3. Sticky tabs used instead of glue Avoid

    Sticky tabs used instead of glue

    Sticky tabs are made for short wear of a day or two, not 3 weeks.

    The fixUse Precision Bond™ glue for long-lasting wear.

  4. Hands not washed immediately before application Avoid

    Hands not washed immediately before application

    Lotion, soap and natural oils build up quickly and stop the glue bonding.

    The fixWash and dry your hands right before you start.

  5. Avoid

    Alcohol wipe not used thoroughly

    Any oil left on the nail weakens the bond, especially at the sides.

    The fixWipe every nail, edges included, and don't touch them afterwards.

  6. Cuticles not pushed back Avoid

    Cuticles not pushed back

    Press-ons sitting on cuticle skin lift as the skin moves and grows.

    The fixPush your cuticles back before you apply.

  7. Avoid

    Nails not buffed sufficiently

    A shiny nail surface gives the glue nothing to grip.

    The fixBuff until the shine is gone across the whole nail.

  8. Nails not held down for the full 30 seconds Avoid

    Nails not held down for the full 30 seconds

    The bond sets while you hold. Letting go early leaves weak spots.

    The fixHold each nail firmly for a full 30 seconds.

  9. Cuticles weren't pushed back Avoid

    Cuticles weren't pushed back

    The press-on needs to sit underneath the cuticle—not on top of it. Cuticles grow slowly and will detach the press on.

    The fixPush your cuticles back, then slide the press-on in just under the cuticle line at a 45° angle.

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