How to Shorten and File Press On Nails

Yes, you can shorten and reshape press ons. The safest way is to file rather than cut, and to do it before you apply them.

Shorten before you apply

It's much easier to work on a nail that's in your hand than on your fingertip. Lay out the set, decide on your length, and file each nail down before gluing. Hold one against your own nail to check.

File, don't cut (mostly)

Clippers put pressure on the acrylic and can crack it or leave a jagged edge. A fine-grit nail file gives you control.

1. Use a fine file (180 grit or higher). Coarse files chip acrylic.
2. File in one direction, from the side towards the centre. Sawing back and forth can fray the edge.
3. Take off a little at a time and check length often.
4. Smooth the edge with a buffer so it doesn't snag.

If you need to remove a lot of length, clip a small amount off the very tip with sharp clippers, then file the rest.

Changing the shape

You can go from almond to a softer oval, or square off a tip into a squoval. You can't add length back, so work slowly. Not sure which shape suits you? See almond vs coffin and squoval nails explained.

Filing after you've applied them

Light touch-ups are fine once the nails are on. Support each nail with your thumb underneath while you file, so you're not levering it off your natural nail.

Or start with the right length

If you usually file sets down, you might prefer to start shorter. Our extra-short and short almond sets are made ready to wear. See the short press on nails guide.

Shop short sets

• Ballet Extra Short – $14.99
• Blush Short Almond – $14.99
• Browse all short press on nails