If you hate spending tons of money on a professional manicure each month, but still want your nails to look super cute, press on nails may be right for you.
“What are press on nails” you may be asking.
Press on nails have been on the rise for offering stylish DIY manicures that are super budget-friendly.
Once thought to be tacky and unnatural fake nails decades ago, press on nails are now a great way to have a DIY salon-quality manicure at home, without breaking the bank.
Keep reading to learn more about what are press on nails, the best press on nails from Amazon to try, and so much more!
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What Are Press On Nails
Press on nails are artificial nails that are already painted with nail polish/ a nail design.
Therefore, all you need to do is apply the press on nails either with glue or with an adhesive tab.
Unlike nail extensions you may get at a salon that only cover the tips of your nails, press on nails cover the entirety of your nail.
Press on nails come in all different shapes, styles, and lengths from short press on nails, to long, coffin shaped nails, almond shape nails... the list goes on and on.
You can truly find virtually any type of design and style of press on nails online, making it super easy for you to try out different nail styles without spending tons of money.
Best Press On Nails Amazon
Amazon has some of the best press on nails. Check out these top press on nail favorites!
1. Glamnetic Press On Nails
If you're looking for a cute, everyday nail look, check out these nude pink press on nails by Glamnetic.
Want a classic french manicure?! These french nails from KISS are the perfect go-to french manicure press on nails.
Looking for a fun nail design? Glamnetic truly has all sorts of cute nail designs, like this groovy green press on nail set.
Benefits Of Press On Nails
Cheaper Than Getting Your Nails Done
Without a doubt, press on nails are a lot more affordable than going to the salon to get your nails done.
While press on nails typically last only a couple of weeks (whereas getting your nails done can last between 4-6 weeks), press on nails are reusable!
Many Different Styles, Lengths, Colors, & Shapes
There are so many different press on nails to try for whatever style you’re going for. Whether you want almond shaped nails, french nails, short press on nails, or long, you can find virtually any type of press on nail.
Easy DIY Application Process at Home
You don’t even have to leave your house to apply your press on nails… and press on nails are easy to apply and take about 30 minutes to apply.
Most Press On Nails Are Reusable
Plus, you can typically reuse your press on nails and many press on nail sets come with multiple sets, perfect for more than one application.
Relatively Easy To Remove
When it’s time to remove your press on nails, they are also relatively easy to remove compared to if you have nail extensions.
How Do Press On Nails Work
Press on nails work by either requiring you to glue them on or use an adhesive tab to then apply to your nail.
Press on nails cover the entirety of your nail, not just your nail tips like when you apply nail extensions.
The great thing about press on nails too is they’re quick and fairly straightforward to apply.
How To Apply Press On Nails
Here’s a brief step-by-step guide on how to apply press on nails at home all by yourself.
Clip your natural nails prior to application: This will help your press on nails last longer on your natural nails.
Clean your natural nails: Prior to application, be sure to clean your natural nails and remove any excess polish to ensure the press on nails go on smoothly.
Select your nail sizes prior to applying: Lay out all your nail sizes you are going to use on each nail prior to application!
Each press on nail set comes with different nail sizes to match different nail sizes (i.e. your pinky nail is inevitably going to require a smaller nail than your thumb nail).
Apply each press on nail: One by one, apply each of your press on nails. Depending on your press on nail set, you’ll either have an adhesive tab that you apply to your nail or use glue to attach your press on nail to your natural nail.
When in doubt, be sure to read your press on nail kit instructions!
How Do You Make Press On Nails Look Natural
The best way to make your press on nails look natural is by making sure they fit your natural nails.
In other words, ensuring the press on nails are sized correctly according to each nail.
You want the perfect balance of the press on nail covering the entirety of you nail without going over your nail onto your surrounding skin of your finger.
What Are Press On Nails Made Of
Most press on nails are made of plastic.
Press on nail kits will then typically advertise the nails as being “gel” or “acrylic”. This refers to the top of the plastic nail.
Then, press on nails typically come with either glue or adhesive tabs you place on the back of each nail to then apply onto your natural nails.
How Long Do Press On Nails Last
It depends, but expect your press on nails to last about 1-2 weeks.
Of course, the more high-quality the press on nail kit combined with how well you apply and take care of your nails will impact how long your press on nails will last.
But, fear not! If one or more of your press on nails fall off, you can always reapply.
And, if you lose or chip a nail, most press on nail sets come with more than one set of nails so you can reapply a new press on nail from your set.
How Do You Make Press On Nails Last Longer
With press on nails, one of the drawbacks is that they don’t last nearly as long as a professionally done manicure.
However, depending on how well you take care of your nails, you can really extend the life of your press on nails.
Here’s some tips to try to make your press on nails last longer!
- Avoid using your nails in a way that could potentially damage or take off your press on nails such as picking or prying something open.
2. Avoid getting your hands wet a couple of hours after you apply your press on nails. This will help the glue or adhesive tab dry fully and thus last longer.
3. When applying your press on nail with glue, avoid using thick layers. Rather apply a thin layer thoroughly throughout.
Are Press On Nails Reusable
Yes, virtually all press on nails are reusable. This is given you don’t chip or break a nail!
And, again the great thing is that most press on nail sets come with more than one set so if by chance you do lose or break a nail, you can always get an extra press on nail leftover from your nail kit.
How To Remove Press On Nails
Depending on how you applied your press on nails will determine how to remove press on nails.
If you used adhesive tabs to apply your press on nails, you’ll simply peel off your nails and also remove any excess adhesive residue leftover on your natural nails.
If you used glue to apply your press on nails, try the below methods to remove your press on nails, without causing damage to your natural nails.
- Soak In Soap + Warm Water
Take a bowl of warm and soapy water and let your nails soak in the water for about 10 minutes. Over time your press on nails will eventually lift from your natural nails.
2. Use Nail Clips
Another ways on how to remove press on nails with glue on is to use nail clips.
Take a cotton ball soaked with acetone, place on your nail, then fasten on your nail clip.
Wait about 5-10 minutes as the acetone works beneath the nail clip to lift off the press on nail.
Final Thoughts On Press On Nails
Now you know more about what are press on nails and the best press on nails from Amazon to try out for yourself!
Press on nails are an affordable way to achieve cute nails on a budget!
Plus, they’re super easy to apply, remove, and reuse too.
FAQs
What’s the difference between press on nails and fake nails?
Press on nails and fake nails (aka acrylic nails) are two different nail application types/ techniques. Press on nails are plastic nails that already have a color/design to them that you then glue on to your natural nail.
Meanwhile, fake nails/ acrylics are not plastic nails but rather a mixture that is molded onto your nails to achieve a certain shape, length, and overall look.
What are the disadvantages of press on nails?
The main downside of press on nails is that they do not last very long compared to if you go to the nail salon to get nail extensions.
Most press on nails last about 1-2 weeks; however, you can still reuse and reapply your press on nail if it falls off.
Meanwhile, if you go to a nail salon to get nail extensions, you can expect your nails to last at least 1 month.
Do press on nails damage your nails?
Not really. Press on nails, as long as you remove them correctly and don’t just try and rip them off, won’t cause too much damage to your natural nails.
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