The Cox Studio
How to apply
Prep is the most important part of wearing press ons. A thorough prep is what makes your set look like salon nails instead of fake nails glued on top, and it is also what makes them last longer.
Prepare your cuticles
Never cut your cuticles at home. Only push them back. If they are very dry or stuck to the nail, apply a cuticle remover cream first to soften them.
The cuticle pusher mini stick in the Prep Kit is fine for light work, but a professional cuticle pusher is recommended. Push around all sides of the cuticles on each nail.
Why it matters: Cuticle skin left on the surface of the nail plate stops the adhesive from bonding, and that is where lifting begins. This first step is crucial to avoid lifting or losing a press on nail.
Buff all 10 nails
Use the buffer included in the Prep Kit until all the shine is gone. You do not need to over buff. Shape your natural nails if needed with the mini file included.
Press ons hold best on shorter nails. Make sure your natural nails do not show underneath the press on. For example, square natural nails under an almond press on will show at the edges.
Why it matters: Buffing removes the glossy surface of the natural nail, so the adhesive has a matte, textured surface to grip. A smooth, shiny nail gives the adhesive very little to hold on to.
Clean and dehydrate every nail
Use the alcohol pads included in the Prep Kit, one for each hand. Wipe every nail to remove dust, oils and buffing residue. The alcohol also slightly dries the nail, which improves adhesion.
If your nails are naturally oily, or you have had adhesion problems before, apply a nail dehydrator after cleaning with the alcohol pad. A dehydrator removes the remaining oils and moisture from the nail plate, creating the best possible base for a strong bond.
Why it matters: Prep is the most important part of the whole process. Any dust, oil or moisture left on the nail sits between the nail and the adhesive and weakens the bond.
Choose your adhesive
Choose the adhesive that matches how long you want to wear your set. These wear times depend on how well you prepped your nails, so your prep determines how long your set lasts.
Up to 3 daysGlue Tabs
€1
→
Up to 14+ daysMakartt glue
€3
→
Up to 21+ daysNewMakartt Semi Solid Glue
€6
→
Up to 21+ daysSOFbond Nail Glue
€8
→Glue tabs are a short and quick way to wear your set, perfect for weekends, events, or anyone who cannot wear nails every day. Makartt glue is a reliable everyday option. Makartt Semi Solid Glue is thicker, so you get more time to adjust your nails, and it needs no lamp. SOFbond is the strongest option for the longest wear.
Apply your set
With glue tabs
Choose the tab that matches your nail size exactly, so that it covers the entire nail. Then position the press on at a 45 degree angle and press down for a few seconds, making sure it is fully secured. The tabs are strong, so with proper prep they will last for days.
With liquid glue or Semi Solid Glue
Apply the glue over the entire nail, covering the whole surface without overflowing. Position the tip of the press on at the cuticle at a 45 degree angle, then press down slowly and keep pressing for a few seconds until the glue is dry and secure. If any glue touches your skin, clean it immediately with alcohol or one of the used pads.
Semi Solid Glue dries slower, so you have more time to adjust the nail. Keep pressing a little longer, around 20 to 30 seconds, until it is secure.
Warm your glue tabs
Some people warm the glue tabs with a hair dryer once they are on the nail, so the adhesive softens slightly and holds better. It works, but it is not needed. The heat reaches your skin through the tab, so be careful not to burn yourself: use a low heat setting, keep the hair dryer at a distance, and warm the tab only briefly.
No water, creams or oils for 2 hours before and 2 hours after applying
Water, creams and oils interfere drastically with the adhesion of the glue, both before and after application.
Hydrate your cuticles every day
Apply cuticle oil at least once a day to keep your cuticles hydrated.
Why it matters: When cuticles dry out they curl up, and that makes your press ons lift or fall off. Hydrated cuticles stay flat and soft, so the edge of your set stays sealed.
The Cox Studio
How to remove
How you remove your set depends on which adhesive you applied and how long you have worn it. Take your time, because patience is what keeps both your press ons and your natural nails in good condition.
Never pull or force your nails off, under any circumstance
If a nail does not come off easily, it needs more time. Soak a little longer and try again.
Removing glue tabs
Glue tabs melt very quickly in hot water. Put your hands under hot running water, or submerge them in a bowl of hot water, and the tabs will soften and release.
Cold water does not affect glue tabs. Quick showers will probably not affect them either, but long showers and washing your hair may loosen them or make a nail fall off.
Glue tabs are a quick way to wear your press ons without any worries at all. If you love nails just for weekends or events, they are perfect for you. Once the tabs are off, apply cuticle oil.
Removing Makartt glue, SOFbond or Semi Solid Glue
The soaking method is the same for all three glues. What changes is the strength of the hold, which sets the minimum wear time and how long you will need to soak.
Makartt glue
Makartt glue is a medium hold glue. With correct prep it can last for weeks, but it can lift if the prep was not thorough. Either way, do not try to remove it before 5 days of wear.
SOFbond
SOFbond follows the same method, but it is stronger. Never remove it before 7 days of wear, and expect to need more soaking time than with Makartt glue.
Semi Solid Glue
Semi Solid Glue is removed the same way as SOFbond. Never remove it before 7 days of wear. If you prefer, you can also use a glue remover.
Prepare your soak
Fill a bowl with hot water and add oil and dishwashing liquid. You need three things:
A bowl
A metal bowl works best because it holds the hot water for longer.
Oil
Any oil works. Olive oil is a good choice.
Dishwashing liquid
Any dishwashing liquid works. Fairy is a good choice.
Soak your hands
Submerge your hands and keep them in the water for as long as needed. Some people need 10 minutes and others need 30, so there is no set time. It is never more than about 30 minutes.
Treat it like a relaxing spa moment. Sit back, watch a show, wind down and do not be impatient.
The water needs to be as hot as possible without burning yourself.
Check with the stick
When the time has passed, take the stick included in the Prep Kit and check if you can slide it under the press on. If you can, use it to help the press on come off, but only if it is easy. If it is not easy, your nails need more time in the water.
Do not pull or force the nails under any circumstance.
Glue remover
A glue remover can also help, and they are sold in many online shops. Glue removers are quite drying because they are a solvent, which is why they are not sold on this website, but they can cut the time it takes to remove your set.
Clean your hands and your set
When all your nails are removed, wash your hands and your press ons with soap and water, then dry them well. Then clean off the glue residue.
Glue tabs
If a tab stuck to the press on or to your natural nail, unstick it with hot water or the tip of the stick.
Liquid glue on press ons
Clean the residue with the Buffie, the glue scraper or an electric file. All three are available on this website.
Glue on natural nails
Clean it with the Buffie or with the mini buffer included in the Prep Kit.
Store your set and care for your nails
When all your press ons are clean, wipe them with an alcohol pad to remove any dust, then put them safely in a case until your next wear.
After removal, apply cuticle oil to your cuticles to bring back the moisture.
How many wears will your set last?
It depends on how you use your set. If you only wear them occasionally with glue tabs, your set can last for years. If you wear them every day with glue, they can last up to 5 wears, with each wear lasting 2 or 3 weeks.
It also depends on your daily life and how you take care of them. If you bite them, scratch things or pull things, even strong gel that is sealed properly can chip or break. Improper or harsh use damages them, so be mindful when you wear them.
Your nails are jewels, not tools
How long they last and how many times you can reuse them is all up to you.