How to Prep Your Nails For a Long Lasting Press-On Manicure

It’s no secret that Red Aspen Nail Dashes can give you the cutest manicure around. So cute, in fact, you wish it could last forever! While we can’t make Nail Dashes stick around that long, we can help you increase your wear time, so you can keep your manicure intact for as long as possible! Red Aspen is introducing a few new tools to our collection that will help your Nail Dash manicure last even longer, as well as make the application process a breeze.

Why Use Red Aspen Nail Dashes?

Having a cute and trendy manicure can take a look from drab to fab, but not everyone has the time or money to get salon manicures every two weeks. That’s why Red Aspen created Nail Dashes. 

Nail Dashes are just that - Nails in a dash! These quick and easy to apply press-on nails are a fraction of the cost compared to salon acrylics and dip manicures. Even better? They won’t damage your nails in the process.

Unlike salon acrylics, you can rotate through nails every few days or keep them on for up to two weeks! It’s all up to you. You’re also guaranteed to get perfect nail art and nail shapes every single time! But of course, with every press-on nail, you run the risk of one or two falling off prematurely. From sizing, to nail prep, to application, there are a few factors that play into the early removal of press-on nails.

Choosing The Right Size

That's right! Just like clothes, Nail Dashes have sizes, and those sizes are essential to the longevity of your manicure.

A Nail Dash that’s too big can overlap onto the skin around your nail and cause glue to spread onto the skin, while a tight-fitting Nail Dash can cause too much pressure and soreness on your natural nails. These won't cause damage to your natural nails or skin, but they're not fun to deal with and are easily avoidable!

How to Properly Prep Your Nails

There are a few prep steps you can take to ensure your nails won’t budge! Follow the steps below to help keep your manicure in place for as long as you desire.

Wash with a Nail Brush 

Before you begin applying your Nail Dashes, wash your hands in warm, soapy water and use the new Red Aspen Nail Brush to gently scrub the tops of your natural nails and underneath your nails to remove any pesky dirt and grime. Having clean nails is important and will help the glue stick better!

File and Buff Your Natural Nails

Using the nail file/buffer included in your Nail Dash kit, or Red Aspen’s full size Nail File, gently file down any sharp edges on your natural nails. Afterwards, use the file to buff the surface of your nail beds.

Buffing your nail beds creates a rough surface for the glue to adhere to. It’s important to buff your nails very gently so your nails don't become brittle, just rough enough so the glue has a good surface to stick to.

Prep Your Natural Nails With Red Aspen Prep Pads

Nail Prep Pads are a great new way to remove dirt and dust from your natural nail. Simply open one pack, and wipe each of your natural nails. Less dirt on your nails means less to interfere with the glue’s hold. 
This product works best when paired with Red Aspen’s Nail Dehydrator.

Use Nail Dehydrator to Dehydrate Your Nails

Red Aspen’s new Nail Dehydrator removes the moisture and oils from your natural nails to ensure the best Nail Dash adhesion. 

The natural oils in your nails can be difficult for the glue to stick to, so using Nail Dehydrator is perfect for removing those oils and extending the life of your manicure! 

After you’ve filed and shaped your natural nails and have wiped them with Red Aspen’s Nail Prep Pads, apply one coat of dehydrator to your clean natural nails. Wait at least 5 seconds for the product to dry, and apply your Red Aspen Nail Dashes as usual!

Time For The Fun Part - Applying Your Nail Dashes!

Proper nail prep is vital to the longevity of your manicure - but on top of that, application is key! When you apply your Nail Dashes correctly, you can increase your wear time and keep your press-ons from popping off prematurely!

To apply your Red Aspen Nail Dashes, follow these steps: 

  1. Begin with bare nails. Wash hands and nail with our Nail Brush. Dry nails and hands.

  2. Push back your cuticles or remove them with Red Aspen Cuticle Remover.

  3. Lightly file surface of the nail bed. 

  4. Clean nails with Nail Prep Pads for better Dash adhesion. Apply Nail Dehydrator.

  5. Apply nail glue to the natural nail and/or back of Dash.

  6. Align the Nail Dash with your cuticle and apply at a 45-degree angle.

  7. Press the Nail Dash to the natural nail firmly for 30 seconds.

  8. Clip or file Nail Dashes to desired length or shape.

  9. TIP: Apply Nail Dashes starting with the pinky and ending with the thumb.

Time To Rock Your Red Aspen Mani

Now that you have all the tips, ticks, and tools - it’s time to show off your Red Aspen Nail Dash manicure! 


Written by: Kelly Ann Asker

Wed, Mar 27, 2024