The 10-Minute Prep for 2-Week Nails

The secret to a salon-quality bond starts with the prep. If you want your press-ons or gel polish to last a full 14 days without lifting, you need to follow the "Dry Prep" method.

1. Push Back the Cuticles: Use a sanitized steel pusher to gently push back the proximal nail fold. This clears the nail plate and allows for a closer application.
2. Remove the Shine: Using a 180-grit buffer, gently remove the surface shine from your natural nail. You aren't trying to thin the nail, just create a "keyed" surface for the glue to grab.
3. Dehydrate, Dehydrate, Dehydrate: This is the most important step. Use 90% or higher Isopropyl Alcohol on a lint-free wipe. Scrub the nail until it looks chalky white.
4. Avoid Water: Do not wash your hands for at least 1 hour after application. Water causes the natural nail to expand, which will lead to lifting as it dries and shrinks.

Follow these steps and you'll never deal with a "popped" nail again!