19 Stylish Press-On Nails for a Cheap Pro-Level Manicure in Seconds
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We love and appreciate the hard work of manicurists, but we don’t always have the budget for an indulgent pro manicure or the bandwidth to sit in a salon chair for hours at a time. An effortless way and cheap way to enjoy the look of gel manis or DIY acrylic nail sets is press-on nails.
Celebrity manicurist Arlene Hinckson says the best reason to use press-on nails is the non-commitment they provide. “You can take them off whenever you want without a big to-do. The variety of looks and convenience are all good, but for me, it's the fact that I can pop them off and on whenever I want. My clients that wear them appreciate the same,” she explains.
Unlike clunky fake French press-on nails from decades ago, modern ones are impressive. Available in trendy styles, different shapes, and more natural-looking fits, there are hundreds of press-on nail options for your giftee. Before we reveal our beauty editor-approved press-on nails, we asked a doctor how to properly use them to avoid damaging the nails.
Best Press-On Nails
Will Press-On Nails Damage the Nails?
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., press-on nails are perfect for those days you just can’t make it to the salon and you need a quick fix. She recommends using press-on nails occasionally and notes that they’re only damaging when someone is too rough when removing them. She explains, “Reserve it for periodic use and don’t overdo it. Anything that puts a strain on the nail can end up damaging it, especially if it’s repeated.”
When using press-on nails, you will want to take a few precautions. Shirazi, owner of La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, shared her go-to tips for safely applying press-on nails:
- Avoid repeated use as the removal process multiple times can be damaging depending on the type of glue.
- Oftentimes, they'll need to soak the press-on nail in pure acetone to remove the adhesive, which can irritate and dry nails and cuticles.
- Be sure to use a hydrating balm or hand cream to help replenish any lost moisture.
- Avoid rubbing or touching the eye area because nail polish and acrylic nail materials can irritate the delicate skin.
What to Consider
Hinckson, who has worked with everyone from Celine Dion and Christina Aguilera to Venus Williams, says the most important things to consider are the size of your nail plates, the shape of your cuticle, and free edge. “Those three details will guide you when choosing the right product. Knowing which ones you have will save a lot of time and frustration when shopping for and wearing press-ons,” she says.
Don't worry: We researched and included the most universally flattering press-on nail options. We also spotlighted press-on nails designed for a wider fit to ensure no one is left out.
How We Chose
If you or your loved one enjoys changing up their manicure colors or even designs, press-on nails will be your new BFF. We researched and found 19 impressive press-on nails we use and others we plan on adding to our shopping cart, stat. Our recommendations feature intricate designs from reputable brands we know and love, including KISS, OPI, and Glamnetic. We also combed through a seemingly infinite number of online reviews to ensure each of these press-on nails actually lives up to their promises.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.
Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
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