Tutorials to Help You Wear Press-Ons Like a Pro 💅✨

Whether you’re new to luxury press-ons or levelling up your application game, here’s your step-by-step guide to getting the longest wear, the best comfort, and that flawless finish we all love.

Sizing 101 — Find Your Perfect Fit

Getting the right size is the first step to press-ons that look seamless, feel comfortable, and wear naturally. Every set is made just for you, so this part matters — take your time and enjoy the process.

What’s in Your Sizing Kit

Each kit includes one nail in every size for the shape you’ve chosen.

Different shapes use different size ranges, so keep this in mind.

Every shape fits a little differently — which is why we size each finger individually instead of guessing.

Step 1 — Start with clean, bare nails

Make sure your natural nails have no polish, no gel, no strengthening clear coat.

Anything left on the nail can change the fit, so this step is key for accuracy.

Step 2 — Size each nail one by one

  • Test the samples on both hands — your left and right aren’t always the same.
  • The rounded edge goes towards your cuticle.
  • A perfect fit sits sidewall-to-sidewall without pressure or pinching.
  • Too tight = uncomfortable, may pop off early.
  • Too loose = will sit raised instead of hugging the nail.

Take your time — a correct fit makes all the difference.

Step 3 — Between sizes?

Always size up, never down.

You can gently file the edges when your set arrives for that ultra-custom, flush-to-cuticle fit.

Step 4 — Record your sizes

Write down your numbers finger by finger, for example:

L THUMB: 1

R THUMB: 0

and so on for BOTH hands.

Once you order, add these sizes into the notes section so ordering is quick, easy, and stress-free. If you have ordered in the past and added your sizes into the notes but can not remember them, send me an email of your name and/or order number so i can go back for you to check your custom sizes.

Need help?

I’m just a message away. Send photos, ask questions, or double-check your fit any time — I’m always happy to guide you through your first set. 💛

Application 101

My gel press-ons are wearable art — culturally rooted, reusable, and made to be worn with pride.

Each set carries story, identity and mana. With proper prep and application, you can get up to 10 days of wear, and reuse your set many times again.

Slow down, enjoy the process — this is your moment of self-care.

Step 1 — Prep Your Cuticles

Start with clean, bare nails.

Gently push back your cuticles and remove any dry skin on the nail plate — this helps the nail sit flush and reduces lifting.

🌿 Tip: Prep the night before if you want a calm, easy application flow.

⛔ Avoid water 1 hour before + after applying — softened nails don’t hold glue as well.

Step 2 — Light Buffing for Grip

Use a soft sponge buffer to remove surface shine.

You’re not thinning the nail — just creating texture so glue can adhere properly.

Avoid coarse files and heavy buffing, as this can damage natural nails.

Step 3 — Clean + Dehydrate

Wipe each nail with isopropyl alcohol or acetone to remove oil, dust and residue — all of which cause lifting if left behind.

Short-wear option (3–7 days):

You can skip buffing + alcohol wipe for easier removal later.

Step 4 — Apply Like a Pro

  • Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the natural nail
  • Avoid flooding the cuticle
  • Set the press-on at a 45° angle, cuticle first
  • Roll downward + press firmly for 30–60 seconds

Cuticle oil can be used after 1–2 hours, once adhesion has fully cured.

✨ The Nina Pool Method — Ultra-Long Wear ✨

Best for maximum retention, high-use hands + long gaps between sets.

This method layers glue onto glue, creating a strong internal bond.

How to Do It

1. Prep thoroughly

Push back cuticles well, remove all dead skin + dust, buff lightly and cleanse.

A perfect prep = a perfect hold.

2. Apply a thin layer of nail glue to your natural nails

Smooth + even — this becomes your base coat.

3. Let it air-dry fully — 1–3 hours

Patience is key. Nails should feel matte, firm + dry to touch.

4. Buff the dried glue layer

Lightly roughen — just enough to give grip.

5. Apply press-ons with glue as normal

Glue → dried glue → press-on = incredible staying power.

Ideal for holidays, mahi weeks, māmā hands, travel, events + busy daily life.

Not recommended if you prefer short wear + fast removal.

Using Glue Tabs (Short-Wear Option)

A gentle, temporary option — perfect for 2–5 day wear, testing shapes, or event-only use.

  • Replace glue with a full-coverage tab
  • Ensure it covers the whole nail plate
  • Press firmly to activate the adhesive

Soft on natural nails + very reuse-friendly.

Removal 101 — Gentle, Safe & Reusable


Removal should never be rushed or painful.

When done slowly and mindfully, your natural nails stay healthy and your press-ons are ready to be worn again — and again.

Step 1 — Soak

Fill a bowl with warm–hot water, a little soap and a nourishing oil like olive or avocado.

A good mix is:

2 parts water : 1 part soap : 1 part oil

Soak for 10–15 minutes to soften the adhesive.

This works for both glue and tabs.

🌿 Pro Tip: After a warm shower, they almost melt off — effortless.

Step 2 — Gently lift

Once softened, use a cuticle stick to gently work from the sidewalls.

  • If the nail slides off easily — perfect.
  • If you feel resistance — stop, add more oil and soak for a few more minutes.

Never force, peel, or pull — slow removal is the secret to long-term nail health.

Step 3 — Clean & hydrate

Buff away any remaining glue from your natural nails.

Wash hands, then replenish moisture with cuticle oil — your nails will thank you.

Step 4 — Prep for reuse

Your press-ons are reusable — here’s how to refresh them for next wear:

  • Lightly buff or file glue from the inside of each nail
  • Make sure they’re clean + fully dry
  • Store safely (your Gemini Claws box is perfect for keeping sizes in order)

Your set is now reset, revived and ready for round two 💛