If you love having your nails done but can't afford to regularly make it to the salon or simply can't deal with how long it takes to sit without being able to use your hands, it's time to try press-on nails. While these might seem like relics of the past, don't be fooled. The implausible press-on nails of old have gotten a believable yet luxe update for modern-day wear. From almond to coffin or simple French to trendy chrome, no matter how you like to wear your nails, there's a press-on nail kit to fit your personal style. Though the kits may look intimidating, they are super user-friendly. Ahead, discover more about press-on nails, including how they work and expert tips to ensure they last as long as possible.
Meet the Experts
- Braelinn Frank is an Austin-based nail artist and the founder of press-on brand Rave Nailz.
- Ann McFerran is the Glamnetic CEOand Co-Founder.
What Are Press-On Nails?
Nail artist and founder, Braelinn Frank, says that many press-on nails are acrylic resin false nails that can be applied in minutes, but have a near-perfect resemblance to a salon-quality acrylic mani.
Basically, press-on nails are fake, painted nails that you glue onto your natural nails. Beyond their high-quality appearance (so long as you use quality press-ons, that is), they come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors, not to mention a range of budgets.
How Do Press-On Nails Work?
Press-on nails typically come in a kit that includes the nails, a cuticle pusher, a file, and nail glue. The nails themselves are usually divided into a five-compartment container with multiple sizes for each nail so that you have a good chance of finding a press-on that perfectly matches your nail shape. And, if they’re a bit off, that’s where the file comes into play.
Once you select your press-ons, you glue them on. It’s as simple as that. If you don't want to use glue, some press-on nail kits come with sticky, double-sided tabs to attach them to your nails.
How Long Do They Last?
Again, this comes down to the quality of press-ons you purchase, but Frank says that a good application can last up to two weeks with proper care. Glamnetic Founder, Ann McFerran, adds "Prep and the amount of glue you apply are KEY [to help the nails last]." When applied properly, Glamnetic press-ons can last two to three weeks.
Can Press-On Nails Be Reused?
“If the nails themselves are durable, you can reuse them,” Frank says. (Her brand's press-on nails are reusable.) “My rule of thumb is: More glue equals longer wear. The cool part about press-ons is that you actually can wear them for very short periods of time too,” If you want to reuse your press-ons or wear them for a short period of time, apply them with double-sided sticky tabs instead of nail glue—it'll make removal much easier.
Are Press-On Nails Safe for Your Natural Nails?
Thank your lucky stars because press-on nails are one of the safest options for extensions in the book—if you remove them properly.
“Compared to the alternative, acrylic extensions, press-ons are a lot safer,” Frank emphasizes. “Damage to your nails comes in the form of erosive substances like acetone and in order to remove acrylic extensions, you have to soak your nails for at least 15 minutes—your nail beds are crying!” Plus, she points out that in order for the acrylic polymer to stick, technicians have to buff your natural nail, making it paper-thin, which, as you can imagine, isn’t exactly good for your nails.
How to Apply Press-On Nails
1. Clip and buff your nails. “For the longest-lasting press on mani, clip your natural nails short,” Frank starts. McFerran recommends buffing your natural nail with a nail file so the glue will adhere better.
2. Clean your nails. Frank says to remove all polish and clean your nails well with soap and water to ensure a clean base for your press-on mani. "If you have it on hand, clean them with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball too,” she says.
3. Pick out your nail sizes. Frank says choosing your nail sizes before you start applying them is a must so that you aren't trying to find your size with wet glue on your hands. “For an even more perfect match, file the sides of the press-on nail to fit your nail beds,” she says.
"Always select a size where the left and right sides of your nails don’t show, and make sure the nail sits right above your cuticle line. If nails are too big, they come off more easily," McFerran adds.
4. Apply one nail at a time. “Apply three large drops of glue in the middle center of the press-on nails as well as on your actual nail," McFerran advises. "It’s always better to slightly overuse glue than under-apply it as you can always wipe off the excess that overflows from the sides with a paper towel. Under-applying glue can cause air bubbles and cause premature lifting."
5. Optional: Paint your nails. If you opted for clear press-ons (as opposed to pre-painted ones), you can paint them to your liking once the glue is dry. Don’t forget topcoat so that your polish lasts as long as your press-ons.
How to Make Your Press-On Nails Last Longer
- Make sure your nails are totally clean before applying your press-ons so that dirt, oil, or other debris doesn’t prevent the glue from fully adhering the press-on to your real nail.
- Apply your glue according to how long you want your press-on nails to last. If you’re hoping to switch up your nail look just for the weekend, Frank says to only use a couple of drops of glue; if you want your press-ons to last for a week or more, apply glue to the press-on nail and your natural nail.
- Opt for shorter nails. As fun as long coffin, stiletto, and almond-shaped nails are, the longer the length, the more likely they’ll be to snag on something and accidentally pop off.
- Consider using a different glue than the one that comes in your kit. McFerran recommends using a premium nail glue. Some of the top-reviewed nail glues include Glamnetic Brush-On Nail Glueand Mia Secret Nail Glue.
- Skip baths or just remember not to submerge your nails underwater. Since press-ons are designed to come off with just soap and water, letting them sit under soapy suds for long periods can shorten their wear. If you do dishes, invest in a pair of gloves to help prolong your press-ons.
- Apply a top coat. Typically, we reserve top coats for polish manicures, but they work great for press-ons as well. Not only does this keep your tips from chipping but they also make them look more realistic. Our team loves the Olive and June 7 Free Top Coat Polish.
How to Remove Press-On Nails
Press-on nails can be damaging if they're not removed correctly—the last thing you should ever do is peel them or rip them off your nails. "To remove [static] press-ons, all you need to do is soak in warm soapy water for 15 minutes until they loosen naturally—no chemicals needed,” Frank shares. If you've had your nails on for two weeks or longer, this soaking method should be very effective.
For extra strong glue or press-on nails you haven't had on for very long, McFerran recommends a press-on nail remover like Glamnetic's Press-On Nail Remover. "To remove your press-ons, gently wedge the sides of the press-on nails with the cuticle stick to create a little space where you can then use the dropper to generously drop the formula in to dissolve the glue. Wait five mins and your press-on will come off very easily without damaging your nails."
For nail adhesive tabs, you can take a small amount of nail polish remover around the edges of the press-on and slowly lift it off, according to manicurist and Byrdie Advisory Board member Evelyn Lim.
