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If you need a fresh manicure; it’s natural to head to your favorite salon for a fresh set of nails or a new gel polish. But if you go every week or so, the cost and time it takes to get your nails done adds up. Luckily, you didn’t have to settle for bare nails, thanks to the best press-on nails! Press-on nails are the best solution for a salon-quality manicure without the hassle and the cost. Plus, they’re gentle on the nails to restore nail health. Keep reading to learn how to select the best press-on nail from experts, plus the best options you can shop.
Best Press-On Nails at a Glance
Best Overall: GlamneticMa Damn Press-On Nails, $15
Best Design Press-On Nails: Celebritips Press-On Nails, $22
Best No Glue Press-On Nails: Kiss mPRESS Color Short Press-On Manicure Nails, $8
Best Editor-Approved: HeyHae Semi Cured Gel Nail Strips, $10
Best Long-Lasting Press-On Nails: , $8
Best Shape Variety: OPI xPRESS/ON Press-On Nails, $13
Most Popular: Chillhouse Not So Basic Emily, $16
Most Affordable: PaintLab Reusable Gel Press-On Nails Kit, $10
Best Press-On Nails for Wider Nail Beds: HailTheNail Extra Wide Press-On Nails, $14+
What should you look for in the best press-on nails?
When shopping for press-on nails, there are a few things to look for to ensure the nails provide a natural, professional finish.
Quality & Durability: When it comes to press-on nails, “your strength comes from the sturdiness of the tip and the fit,” explains Heather Reynosa,Director of OPI Global Education Design. “Choose a strong tip that completely covers your own nails as tightly as possible without creating pressure that can cause nail plate damage.”
Fit & Size: Another factor to consider when looking for press-on nails is the fit. The nail should be snug but never too tight. It should also sit on your nail beds against the cuticle, not under, which can prompt discomfort. And if you’re sure of size, you can always choose short to medium lengths.
Design & Style: Consider design and style, too. If you’re heading to a special occasion, shop for nails with classic French tips or minimal designs. And for everyday wear, explore your creativity with seasonal colors and patterns. Brands like Chillhouse and HeyHae are best for fun designs, while OPI and Glamnectic have a vast selection of classic nails.
Application & Ease of Use: Regardless of what brand you go with, every press-on nail set should be simple to apply. Most sets include adhesive nail glue or strips that secure them, a nail file, and a cuticle stick, which helps with a seamless application.
Do press-on nails ruin your nails?
According to Reynosa, there is this undying myth about nail enhancements of any kind ruining your own nails.“Here is the truth: Damage isalways mechanical,” she says. “This means that everything about the preparation and removal of the nails is where the problems stem from.Glue, acrylic, gel — nail coatings in general — are not corrosive and do not themselves cause damage when they are applied to the nail plate as directed.”
Cardinal rules to prevent damage? Don’t over-file the natural nail. “Keep the products only on the nail plate, never the skin,” Reynosa adds. “When removing, never pry or peel since this removes layers of the nail plate and can only be fixed by growing it out.”
How do you apply them?
“First and foremost, prep your nails!” Reynosa emphasizes. “They should be slightly buffed and cleansed with alcohol.” After they are completely dry, you can move forward with the application. Reynosa says there are two ways to apply press-on nails.
Method 1:
Shorter wear/easier removal: “Apply glue on the underside of the tip, attached to the nail,” Reynosa explains.
Longer wear: Begin by adding the glue to both the underside of the tip and your nail plate.
Method 2:
“Holding the nail at a 45-degree angle, make sure to push the contact area of the nail up to the nail’s cuticle line and then press down and hold for 30 seconds,” Reynosa notes. “Check for any edges to file and smooth, and you are ready to go!”
Ahead, shop the best press-on nails that leave you with a salon-quality finish, sans the salon!
Best overall
GlamneticMa Damn Press-On Nails
$15
Buy Now at ulta
When I need a mani but don’t have time to sit in the salon, I reach for this press-on nail set from Glamnetic. Unlike others I have used, this set is a breeze to apply, and it actually looks like a pro applied to the nails. Each press-on has a subtle almond shape with a shorter length, which makes it easy to complete our everyday tasks, making them a huge win in my beauty routine. —Taylor Lane, Contributing Commerce Writer
Number of nails: 24 nails in 12 sizes
Included tools:Nail glue, cuticle stick, alcohol pad
Shape: Almond
Length:Short
Finish: Glossy
Waterproof: Yes
Wear time: Up to 2 weeks
Best Design Press-On Nails
Celebritips Press-On Nails
$22
Buy Now at anthropologie
The Celebritips Press-On Nails are crafted to resemble intricately handcrafted designs. Each nail elongates the fingers for a sleek look and also features slim edges for the most natural look. The set is made with durable salon acrylic material for a comfortable feel. They also include a natural edge to provide a salon-sculpted finish that lasts for weeks.
Number of nails: 32 reusable nails in 16 sizes
Included tools:Super hold nail glue, nail file and buffer, cuticle stick, alcohol pad
Shape: Almond
Length:Short
Finish: Glossy
Waterproof: Yes
Wear time: Up to 3 weeks
Best No Glue Press-On Nails
Kiss mPRESS Color Short Press-On Manicure Nails
$8
Buy Now at ulta
This colorful set of nails requires no harsh nail glue; you just press on and go! Each press-on has an oval shape and short length to resemble your natural nails. It also includes the brand’s PureFit Technology, which gives them a slim and sleek shape for all-day comfort. Plus, they’re painted with gel polish.
Number of nails: 30
Included tools:Prep pad, mini nail file, manicure stick
Shape: Oval
Length:Short
Finish: Glossy
Waterproof: Yes
Wear time: Up to 1 week
bEST eDITOR-approved
HeyHae Semi Cured Gel Nail Strips
$9.99
Buy Now On Amazon
HeyHae’s nails are my absolute favorite because they don’t use any messy glue. They come semi-cured and all you need to do is stick them on and then let them cure in natural sunlight for a few minutes. They are easier to apply and last longer than any press-ons I have tried before. I usually take them off after 8 to 10 days because my nails grow pretty fast, but I’ve left them on for over two weeks before and they still looked great! —Kenzie Mastroe, Senior Food & Lifestyle Editor
Number of nails: 28
Included tools: 1 prep pad, nail file, wooden stick
Shape: Round
Length:Short
Finish: Gradient
Waterproof: Yes
Wear time: Up to 2 weeks
Best Long-Lasting Press-On Nails
Olive & June Fake Nails
$8
Buy Now at target
Shoppers are “hooked” on this $8 set of press-on nails. Olive & June is known for its impressive at-home mani kits, which make achieving a salon-worthy actually enjoyable. And these nails are no exception. The nails come in 16 sizes and can easily be applied with the included non-toxic and non-damaging adhesive tabs.
Number of nails: 32 in 16 sizes
Included tools: Nails and adhesive tabs
Shape: Oval
Length: Medium
Finish: Matte
Waterproof: Yes
Wear time: Up to 1 week
Best Shape Variety
OPI xPRESS/ON Press-On Nails
$12.99
Buy Now On Amazon
$14
Buy Now at OPI
“xPRESS/ON has a wide variety of lengths and shapes, as well as a large offering of different colors, chromes, shimmers, and unique nail art,” Reynosa says. “It’s a thicker, stronger tip and provides great durability,” which makes them best for those who want to wear the nails for extended periods.
Number of nails: 32 in 16 sizes
Included tools: Nails and adhesive tabs
Shape: Oval
Length: Medium
Finish: Matte
Waterproof: Yes
Wear time: Up to 1 week
Most Popular
Chillhouse Not So Basic Emily
$16
Buy Now at chillhouse
If Emily in Paris is your favorite series, you will adore this press-on nail set from Chillhouse. Each nail is crafted with high-quality materials that make them suitable for weeks’ worth of wear (they’re also reusable). The press-ons feature a trés chic oval shape decorated with an emerald green sleek cat-eye effect and topped with delicate lilac squares. The nails are secured with a gentle, non-damaging glue.
Number of nails: 24 nails
Included tools: Dual-sided buffer and file, cuticle stick, gentle glue
Shape: Oval
Length: Medium
Finish: Glossy
Waterproof: Yes
Wear time: Up to 3 weeks
Most Affordable
PaintLab Reusable Gel Press-On Nails Kit
$10
Buy Now at walmart
The PaintLab Reusable Gel Press-On Nails Kit comes in an almond shape and is medium in length, so they are always comfortable on your real nails. The press-on nails offer a salon-quality finish thanks to their gel polish and detailed miniature strawberries.
Number of nails: 30 nails
Included tools: Dual-sided nail file and buffer, wooden cuticle stick, cleaning prep pad, non-toxic nail glue
Shape: Almond
Length: Medium
Finish: Matte
Waterproof: Yes
Wear time: Up to 2 weeks
Best Press-On Nails for Wider Nail Beds
HailTheNail Extra Wide Press-On Nails
$14+
Buy Now at etsy
If you need an option for wider nail beds, consider these handcrafted sets that have customizable options. The nails are painted with long-lasting gel polish. You can select the nail shape, which comes in a rounded or coffin style.
Number of nails: 10 nails (standard) or 20 nails 2 of every size (full set)
Included tools: Gift box, cuticle stick, alcohol wipe, nail glue, mini nail file
Shape: Coffin and round
Length: Long
Finish: Matte
Waterproof: Yes
Wear time: Up to 1 week
Before you go, check out our slideshow below:
