Insider tips
The shortcuts: everything we'd tell you in person to make your nails last longer, stay cleaner and reuse better.
Where should I start?
Before you apply
Set yourself up
Three things that decide how long your nails last.
Prep makes the difference Clean, dry, lightly buffed. That’s half the work.
Think of prep as the secret handshake. Clean, dry nails help everything last longer. A light buff, wipe away oils, push back the cuticles, and you’ve done half the work. No aggressive sanding: we’re going for healthy, not construction-site nails.
Find your best fit Lay them out first. Between sizes? Go smaller.
Size your nails before you stick anything down. Lay them out first and save yourself mid-application chaos. Between sizes? Go slightly smaller. It looks more natural and feels more comfortable.
Choose your application style Tabs for short wear, glue for staying power, or the hybrid trick.
- Jelly tabsQuick, easy, commitment-light. Perfect for short wear, events, or when you like to switch things up often.
- Nail glueFor serious staying power. Lasts through real life: typing, cooking, opening mysterious packages.
- The hybrid trickThe insider move. A jelly tab first, then a little glue on top before you press the nail down. Extra comfort, extra hold, especially for flatter nail beds or anyone prone to lifting. It doesn't work for everyone, but it's worth a try.
Your nail beds
Find your fit
Tap your nail bed type to see the shape that suits you best.
See all shapesWhat are your nail beds like?
Wide nail beds · Try
Oval or Extra Short
Their wider shape creates a balanced, natural look while giving comfortable coverage.
Flat nail beds · Try
Extra Short or Oval, plus a jelly tab
A jelly tab helps fill small gaps between your natural nail and the press-on, for a more comfortable, secure fit.
For extra hold, add a thin layer of nail glue over the tab. Your press-ons should always sit comfortably, never tight or forced.
Narrow nail beds · Try
Almond or Square
Almond’s tapered silhouette creates a balanced, elegant look that flatters narrower nails. Square’s clean, structured shape is a great choice too.
Between sizes? Go for the smaller one, as long as it fully covers your natural nail. You can also gently file the sides for a more customised fit.
Petite nail beds · Try
Extra Short
Tiny nails? The shorter length suits smaller nail beds, for a natural, comfortable look that doesn’t overwhelm your nails.
Long nail beds · Try
Short Almond or Short Oval
Lucky you, you’ve got plenty of options. These enhance your natural length while keeping the look elegant.
Extra Short may be too short for you, so make sure your press-ons fully cover your natural nails before applying.
While you wear them
Make them last
Small habits, much longer wear.
Let them settle No water for 1–2 hours after applying.
The adhesive needs a little time to fully bond, so skip hand washing, long showers and dish duty for a bit. Some people do their nails right before bed, so there’s no temptation.
Everyday wear Fingertips, not nails. Gloves for cleaning.
Your nails are strong, but they’re not tiny crowbars. Use your fingertips to open things, and wear gloves when cleaning. Treat them nicely and they’ll stick around longer.
Weak or damaged nails? Light prep, no buffing, and tabs or the hybrid trick.
Go gentle. Jelly tabs or the hybrid trick usually feel kinder on thin or brittle nails. Treat your nails to cuticle oil between sets and they’ll stay happier long-term.
For nail biters Shorter shapes and extra grip.
Shorter shapes are your best friend while your natural nails grow out. Try the hybrid trick for extra grip. Press-ons make it much harder to bite, which is honestly half the battle.
Troubleshooting
Lifting too early?
Here's what to check.
- Prep is everythingMake sure your nails are clean, dry and free from oils before application.
- Check your sizingPress-ons that are too big, or touch your skin and cuticles, are more likely to lift.
- Don’t skip the buffingGently buff away the shine from your natural nails to help the adhesive grip.
- Apply firm pressurePress and hold each nail for 20–30 seconds, especially around the edges.
- Avoid water straight afterKeep your hands dry for at least an hour after application, ideally longer.
- Watch the cuticlesApply your press-ons close to, but never touching, your cuticles.
- Use the right amount of adhesiveToo little can leave gaps, while too much glue can cause uneven application.
Jollè tip: if a nail starts lifting, don't glue down the loose edge. Remove it safely, clean off the old adhesive and reapply. This avoids trapping moisture underneath.
When you take them off
Remove and reuse
Gentle now means more wears later.
Removal without regret Oil, warm soapy water, patience. Never peel.
Massage around the cuticles and gently lift from the sides with a cuticle stick or a dental floss pick. Never peel or force them off. Future you will thank you.
Quicker with the Remover PenCan you reuse them? Often, yes. Jelly tabs make it easiest.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and that’s normal. Jelly tabs usually make reuse easier. With glue, it depends on how gently they come off and how wild your week was.
Wear them again
How to reuse your press-ons
It depends on how you applied them.
-
If you used jelly tabs
Gently peel away any remaining tab from the back of your press-ons. Wipe them clean and store them in their original packaging, ready for their next wear.
-
If you used nail glue
Reuse is still possible, with a little extra care. Once removed, soak your press-ons in warm, soapy water to loosen any glue residue. Then gently remove what's left with the wooden cuticle stick or mini nail file, taking care not to damage the nails.
Jollè tip: if you love switching up your nails and reusing your sets, jelly tabs are your best friend. They make removal and reuse much easier.
Ready for your next set?
Signature shades in four shapes, on in under ten minutes.
Shop the collectionQuestions?
Everything's easy once you know how. We're always happy to help.