For those who love to change up there nails frequently with absolutely no hassle, look no further than press-on nails. Yes, press-on nails. Although, press-ons might seem like a flash from the past, they've since been given a modern update. Now coming in a range oflovely designs, trusty press-ons, have got our back for any occasion. Got a holiday coming up? Opt for a gorge summer set. Loking for something great for everyday? French manis always do the trick. And they are literally as described: press-on. Cheaper, quicker and efficient, best of all you can do it yourself at home.
How do press-on nails work?
Typically made from gel or acrylic, press-on nails and are applied over the natural nail using an adhesive. It's that simple. You can find them at your local beauty supply store for just under £10. Kits will typically include nails (obviously), a file and the glue. They also come in a range of colours andnail shapes to suit what you're going for!
Kiss Bare Nails
How long do they last?
The longevity of press-ons depend on a few different factors, such as the quality of the nails, and how well they were applied and after care. Press-on nails are meant for short durations and can last for around 5-7 days, sometimes even longer with proper care and maintenance. To make sure your press-on nails last as long as possible, here are some tips:
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Opt for high-quality press on nails.
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Make sure your natural nails dry and prepped before applying the nails.
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When applying make sure to press down firmly and hold for a few seconds to ensure they stick properly.
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Avoid exposing your nails to water for at least an hour after application to give the adhesive time to set.
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Be careful with your hands and avoid activities that could cause the press on nails to lift.
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If a press on-nail does start to lift, try applying a small amount of nail glue or adhesive tape to keep it in place.
We spoke to Chaun Legend, renowned celebrity nail technician and Artist in Residence at Lottie London on a few tips on how to make them last even longer. He said, 'when applying press on nails, to make them last longer I usually tell people to make sure the nails are clean. clean it with alcohol, push the cuticles back, add the adhesive, and just stick it on. You then need be gentle!'
And if you are a lover of long nails he said a good tip to navigating life with extra-long nails is to invest in a pair of tweezers. He added: 'Put a set in your car. Put one in your purse. Tweezers will help you when you're at the parking meters or at the gas station or if you drop something!'
Adhesive stickers or glue
When it comes to applying press on nails, both adhesive stickers and glue have their pros and cons. Adhesive stickers are convenient and mess-free, making them ideal for quick applications or beginners. However, they may not provide as secure of a hold as glue, especially for those with oily nail beds or for long-term wear. On the other hand, glue offers a stronger hold, ensuring that your press ons stay in place for longer periods (often stretching to a week). It also allows for more precise application and customisation. All in all, the choice between adhesive stickers and glue depends on personal preference, desired wear time, and individual nail type.
How can I remove my press on nails without damaging my nails?
'My pro tip for removing my press-on nails is to use oil and water to remove - it makes the process seamless. To remove, you just soak the nails in water with a little bit of oil — and be patient — they'll lift up', said Chaun Legend, Lottie London’s 2024 Artist in Residence.
Shop: The Best Press-on Nails
Best overall press-on
Sleek
www.lookfantastic.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'If you're into the classics and you love square shaped nail, consider this basket-worthy find. They have so many different sizes and I've managed to find a combo that fits my nail bed so well. I love cleaning up my cuticle when I put these on, it gives a real salon finish.'
Pros
- 24 nails
- Affordable
- Lasts longer than a week
- Shiny
Cons
- Could be thicker
Best trendy press-on nails
Trendy
www.asos.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'Lottie London know a thing or two about the nail game - just check out these press ons! They're really easy to put and look like you visited a salon to get them done. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Vegan glue lasted, especially someone for me that does a lot of chip-worthy tasks. And one thing I also loved about Lottie London press-ons is that they have tons of trendy designs, so you can definitely find something for you.'
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
- Lasts more than a week when properly applied
- Trendy styles
Cons
- Hard to find in stores
| 30 nails | |
| Vegan | |
| Adhesive tabs |
Best natural press-ons
Natural
www.sephora.co.uk
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'You can never go wrong with a natural nude set. This one is particularly great for everyday use, and the coffin shape is beautiful. It's almost like the no makeup , makeup look but for your nails. To apply simply put the glue on your desired press on, and hold the nail bed for about 10 seconds. Kiss are an OG in the nail game, so I love that you can easily pick these up in most beauty supply stores. The only downside to these is that I wish they were a bit thicker.'
Pros
- Glue included
- Sculpted nail
- Can find in store
Cons
- Side of the nail can poke out
| 28 Nails | |
| Nail file | |
| Wooden stick |
Best press-on gel nails
www.asos.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'Can't decide on a colour? Well with these falsies you can have have four. It makes a perfect set for the summer months! What I love about Paintlab is that they supply 24 adhesive nail tabs, a dual-sided nail file, buffer and a wooden cuticle stick. Everything you need.'
Pros
- Fully equipped set
- Non-toxic glue
- Fun designs to experiment with
Cons
- Some don't like how curved the nails are
| 24 nails |
Best chrome press-on nails
Chrome
www.asos.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'Chrome is in and we love this collaboration with celebrity nail artist KimKim. It is super on trend and not your average press-on design.'
KimKim said: 'Depending on how long you want to wear the nails, you can opt to use nail glue or adhesive pads. If you like to switch up your press ons every couple of days or just want to wear them for one night, adhesive tabs are perfect for easy and fast removal. For longer wear, double glue your nails by placing a thin layer of glue to your nail as well as a drop in the well of the press on tip avoiding the free edge. When you apply the press on to the nail, the glue will be drawn to each other creating a bond and this also helps to eliminate any air pockets as well.'
Pros
- Chrome-tip design
- Reusable
- Designed to fit all nail sizes
- Lasts for up to seven days
- Comes with a nail file and wooden stick
Cons
- Hard to find in store
| 30 press-on nails | |
| Nail file | |
| Wooden stick |
Best french tip press-on nails
Classy
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'I love how easy it is to apply these French tip press ons! The pre-designed tips make it simple to achieve that classic manicure look without any hassle. And once they're on, they last for ages - I can go about my busy schedule without worrying about them coming loose or losing their shine.'
Pros
- 10 or more days of wear
- Reusable
- Vegan not animal derived
- Sustainability on point! Tips and packaging are made with up to 94% post-consumer recycled materials
Cons
- On the pricier side
| 30 nails | |
| Nail glue | |
| Cuticle stick | |
| Dual nail file |
Best baby pink press-on nails
soinvogue.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'Once applied, these press on nails can last for about seven days! I'm always amazed how long press-ons stay put, even with all the typing and texting I do on a daily basis. They're super durable and don't chip or peel like traditional polish, so I can enjoy flawless nails for days on end. The colour is so pretty and soft.'
Pros
- PETA Approved – Cruelty-Free & Vegan Friendly
- 7 days of wear
- Glue included
Cons
- Hard find mostly online
| Glue included | |
| 24 nails |
Best affordable press-on nails
Affordable
www.superdrug.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'For the price of these nails you can't really go wrong. The only downside is they don't last that long but paired with another glue, you shouldn't have any problems.'
Pros
- Summer colours
- Trendy style
- Package is recyclable
Cons
- 12 sizes
- Only lasts a few days
Best white press-ons
www.boots.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'Boots beauty is not to be slept on. if you need a quick fix for a night out or an important date these fit the billI. My only qualm is that is the white chips and peels off easy. Other than that the tick every box.'
Pros
- 24 nails
- Glue included
Cons
- Chips
| Glue is supplied | |
| 24 nails |
Olive & June, Outlined French Glue Press-Ons
The best short press-ons
Squoval
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant: 'These natural press ons are a nice go-to for a low-maintenance manicure. They're so easy to apply - just press them onto your nails and you're good to go! And the best part? They are so minimal they basicvally go with everything.'
Pros
- 42 nails (most we've seen)
- Glue is non-damaging
- French girl mani
Cons
- The base of the nail might be too rounded for some
| 42 nails | |
| Glue included |
Decide on the style
When we said press-on nails had an update we meant it! To the point where custom sets are available too@PressedbyCharlotte makes nails specific to your nail shape, your desired length and your choice of design too.
Here are some of our favourite designs:
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Reverse manicure's are in and are absolutely achievable with press-on nails. You could even buy a plain set over the counter and DIY the design at home.
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Ombre time and time again proves it will never go out of style. With these colours you'll be staring at your hands all day!
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You can always find a press-on set suited to your taste. Our current shape favourite has to be almond.
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French manicures are minimal and classic and work all year around.
Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.