Getting your nails done is such a nice, luxurious way to show yourself some love, and many people view it as an important part of their self-care. It's so much fun choosing the design that you've been wanting for ages and getting to see it come to life in front of your very eyes. But it doesn't always come cheap, and therefore, in the current financial climate, some people are turning their backs on gel nails and acrylics in favour of something a little less expensive - press-on nails.
Press-on nails can be purchased from retailers such as Primark for as little as £1, and come in an array of colours, shapes and designs. Whether you want leopard, french, or plain pink, there's something for everyone. And, some beauty gurus have been sharing ways to make them last longer on TikTok.
Some people have been claiming that they can make their false nails last up to two months - but it could be coming at a cost to their overall nail health thanks to the product some have been using - Gorilla Glue.
Gorilla Glue is extremely strong and is formulated to bond 'metal, wood, ceramic, leather, paper, rubber, plastics, porcelain, stone and more', according to their website.
One TikToker even added a caveat in her caption, writing: "DISCLAIMER: I am not telling anyone to try this."
Expert Marion Yau, from Harley Street Nail and Nail Surgery Specialist, said that fake nails can be a 'great intervention', and they can be 'applied almost anywhere, without waiting for someone to do them for you', but warned that people need to be careful with the products they use to attach the false nails onto the natural one.
She said: "Most fake nails come with nail glue made to match the brand of the fake nail. Thus, sticking with the supplied glue is also an excellent idea.
"Unlike superglue, some nail glue dissolves over time and leaves no glue or damage to natural nails behind.
"It is possible to irritate the skin and the nail when using non-nail glues such as super glue. An allergic reaction to glue can damage the nail plate and skin, resulting in paronychia (a bacterial infection).
"It is possible to cause damage to the nail plate, causing it to become brittle and potentially lift. Some people who use non-nail glues have permanent nail deformities and chronic swelling in their cuticles."
She also recommended giving your nails a break and allowing them to breathe and shared some tips to make press-on nails last longer without causing damage.
Marion continued: "Always avoid wearing fake nails for a prolonged period of time. Allow your nails to breathe and take breaks between episodes of using fake nails so they can recover."
Marion suggested washing your hands prior to application with soap to remove oils and dirt.
She also said that water can loosen the glue, so wear gloves when working with it, and 'let them fall off naturally, or remove them with a remover that does not contain acetone'.
Shimol Kangua from Bangs Salon in Walthamstow also condemned using super glue on a nail, even though it may cause nails to last longer 'than conventional nail glue'.
They added: "When the glue hardens on the nail it can form small cracks in the nail plate and damage the nail itself.
"Uneven application can result in pockets which attract moisture and inevitable fungal infections. This can result in partial or complete loss of the nail."
Have you ever experienced a nail fail? Email: danielle.wroe@reachplc.com
