Your first soft gel press-on manicure

With our step-by-step guide, you can achieve the perfect look in under 10 minutes—for strong hold, natural shine, and a 100% wow effect.

Reading time approx. 5 Minute
Reading time approx. 5 Minute
Soft Gel Press Ons Removal Reading Soft Gel Press Ons Application 5 Minute

Video tutorial: Your new nail routine explained in under 3 minutes

Here we show you all the steps for the perfect application of our Soft Gel Press Ons – simple, quick, and reliable. Learn how to prepare your nails optimally and ensure a result that not only looks good but also lasts for days.

Everything you need for your soft gel press-on manicure

  • Soft Gel Press On Starter Set

Nice to have:

  • Nail glue for up to 14 days of durability
Christmas Starter Set - Soft Gel Press Ons

Christmas Starter Set - Soft Gel Press Ons

  • 30 Press-Ons & Adhesive Stickers per Set
  • Easy Application & Removal
  • Innovative Gel Formula in Salon Quality
  • No Chipping or Fading
Brush - On Nail Glue - Doonails US

Brush-On Nail Glue

  • Precise application with built-in brush
  • Strong & reliable hold in seconds
  • Perfect for fake tips, Press Ons & nail art

Here's how to apply Soft Gel Press Ons correctly:

Step 01

File natural nails into shape

File your nails into the desired shape and carefully push back your cuticles with the rosewood stick.

                                                                            Note

Do not discard the rosewood stick after use, as it will be needed later for gentle removal.

Step 02

Roughen and clean natural nails

Lightly buff the nail surface with the buffer, removing the thin layer of cuticle at the base of the nail plate. Then remove dust and residue from the nail surface with the cleaning cloth.

Tipp

The more thoroughly you prepare your nails, the longer and better your soft gel press-ons will last! It is particularly important to push back the cuticles and thoroughly clean the nail surface. We even recommend that you do not wash your hands or apply cream or oil for about 30 minutes before application.

Step 03

Selecting the correct size

Now choose the right size of press-ons for your nails. To do this, gently press the loose press-on onto your natural nail. The right size will form a line with your natural nail at the edges. If necessary, you can file the edges of the press-ons to make them narrower so that they fit your nail plate perfectly.

Tipp

The tip of the press-on nail can be recognized by the fact that it is slightly thicker than the base.

Step 04

Select application method

A. Adhesive stickers Gentle, reusable, and lasts up to 7 days: Select the appropriate size of nail stickers. They should not be too narrow or extend beyond the nail. Apply the appropriate adhesive stickers with protective film to the nail and press down firmly. Make sure that the sticker is not stuck to the cuticle. Remove any air bubbles with the rosewood stick or our Duo Nail Tool and peel off the protective film.

Note

If you have very short natural nails and still want to wear longer press-ons, we recommend using some nail glue for better hold. Choose a slightly smaller adhesive sticker and carefully apply some glue to the edge of the press-on nail – this will ensure that the nails sit securely and prevent lifting.

B. Nail glue Long-lasting & lasts up to 14 days: Apply nail glue generously to the adhesive surface of the press-on nail and coat the natural nail with a thin layer of nail glue. Make sure that the nail glue is not applied to the cuticle.

Note

Please note that your Press Ons cannot be reused after applying nail glue. If you want to wear them multiple times, use our adhesive stickers instead.

Step 05

Stick on soft gel press-ons

Place your chosen press-on nail at a 45-degree angle at the base of your nail and slowly press it down with a little pressure. Then press firmly for approx. 60 seconds. The result: a perfect manicure in under 10 minutes!

Tip

A small bump on the tip of the nail is normal due to the manufacturing process and can be gently filed down.

Removing Soft Gel Press Ons correctly

Just as quickly as you applied your Soft Gel Press Ons to your nails, you can remove them again. All you need is some warm water, Doonails remover oil, and a squirt of soap. And best of all, the whole process is also super nourishing for your hands and nails!

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Your nail journey is just the beginning!

Our Facebook community has application tips, design ideas, and lots of inspiration waiting for you! Show us your results, get feedback, and exchange ideas with other Doonails fans.

Our Facebook community has application tips, design ideas, and lots of inspiration waiting for you!

Show us your results, get feedback, and exchange ideas with other Doonails fans.

Doonails US

Frequently asked questions

Can I care for my nails as usual after application?

When using adhesive stickers, we recommend avoiding nail oil or creams, as these can negatively affect their durability. If you use nail glue, you can care for your nails as usual.

I am allergic to gel and shellac. Are Soft Gel Press Ons suitable for me?

Yes. Our Soft Gel Press Ons are made from an innovative gel formula and contain neither HEMA nor DI-HEMA. They are also free from benzoyl peroxide, which can often cause skin irritation and allergies. When used with the adhesive stickers provided, they are the ideal choice for people with allergies.

Can I use nail glue instead of adhesive stickers?

Of course! You can choose whichever you prefer. The adhesive stickers are gentle (lasting up to 7 days), while the nail glue provides a strong hold for up to 14 days. Please note that the press-ons are only reusable when using the adhesive stickers.

When should I use nail glue and when should I use adhesive stickers?

The adhesive stickers are ideal if you want to wear your press-ons gently and flexibly, for example for special occasions or shorter periods of wear. If you want longer-lasting hold (e.g. on vacation), we recommend the nail glue. Please note that the press-ons are only reusable when using the adhesive stickers.

Can I wear the press-ons in the sauna or in chlorinated water?

Yes, you can generally wear our Soft Gel Press Ons in the sauna or in chlorinated water—they are water-resistant and can withstand everyday wear and tear very well. However, frequent or prolonged exposure to heat (e.g., in the sauna) or aggressive chemicals (such as chlorine) can affect their adhesion over time.

There is a gap between the natural nail and the press-ons. Why is that?

Our Soft Gel Press Ons are designed to fit as many nail shapes as possible thanks to their different sizes and slight flexibility. In rare cases, however, they may not fit every nail perfectly. A small gap may appear if the natural curve of the nail differs significantly from the shape of the Press Ons. In such cases, it often helps to carefully bend the press-ons slightly before applying them or to try a different size. The choice of attachment method can also make a difference: while adhesive stickers are ideal for easy and gentle application, nail glue often provides an even stronger bond and a tighter fit on the nail.

Do Press Ons only work on natural nails, or do they also stick to gel nail residue?

Press-on nails adhere best to clean, dust-free, and grease-free natural nails. Small remnants of gel nails are usually not a problem as long as the nail surface is roughened.

What should I do if the adhesive stickers do not fit?

After placing the adhesive stickers on your natural nails, you can trim them to fit the size of your natural nails. Then remove the protective film and apply your Soft Gel Press Ons as usual.

Can I shorten the length of the press-ons?

No. Press-ons should not be shortened by filing them down heavily, as this can cause the sealant on the top coat to loosen or peel off. It is best to simply file the sides of the press-ons to make them narrower.

Can I also adjust the length with nail clippers?

No. Press-ons should not be adjusted with nail clippers. Cutting or filing them down too much will loosen the seal of the top coat or cause it to peel off. In this case, it is best to use our extra short or short press-ons.

Which press-on shapes are intended for which nails?

That depends entirely on your taste and your nail bed. Short, square shapes look natural and are suitable for everyday wear, while long, almond-shaped or ballerina-shaped styles are particularly elegant and eye-catching. You will also find our size guide with exact mm specifications for our press-on shapes on our product pages.

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