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Hey, bestie! If you love having your nails done but don’t have time for a nail tech or salon, you have come to the right place. Also, can we talk about how full set prices have jumped from $25 to $85 in what feels like overnight? I have been doing my nails for years, but I did have my acrylic phase during high school and college. Covid brought me back to my roots. While we were on lockdown and there were no salons to go to, I decided to purchase a Gel Nail Kit and start doing my nails again. My nails are naturally fragile, so nail tips and press-ons were the way to go. Drugstore press-ons never worked out for me because my nail beds were too small and always looked cheap and fake. Nowadays, the press-on nail game has changed, and I can provide cute, affordable, customizable press-on nails for myself and hundreds of besties around the country. 

Whether you like to wear your nails long or short, simply polished, or accentuated with designs and gems, I have a press-on nail kit ready for you. Since it may have been a while since you last ventured into the world of press-ons, ahead, you'll rediscover what they are, how they work, and how to ensure they look their best for as long as possible. 

What Are Press-On Nails?

Press-on nails are false nails made from acrylic resin that can be applied in minutes but have a near-identical resemblance to a salon-quality acrylic manicure. Aside from their high-quality appearance (so long as you use quality press-ons, like mine), they come in various shapes, styles, and colors, not to mention a range of budgets. I specialize in affordable press-on nails for everyday wear, but I also offer custom designs for special occasions or a little extra sparkle in your day. My nails range from $15 to $50, depending on the style you want. 

How Do Press-On Nails Work?

My press-on nails come with an Essentials Kit that includes a cuticle pusher, a file, alcohol, adhesive tabs, and nail glue. The nails themselves will arrive in your exact sizes, so there are no nails left behind, and they are packaged in a special box adorned with a handmade sticker and tied up with a bow because it is my gift to you. I’m all about custom, original packaging that makes you feel extra special because you are, and you deserve the extra attention to detail.  

When you receive your press-ons, you apply them. (However, no worries if you’re feeling uneasy about the process! I provide you with an application and removal card that you can quickly bring with you on the go, and I also take you through a full run-down of how to apply press-on nails at the end of this article.) 

How Long Do Press-On Nails Last? 

The longevity of your press-ons ultimately depends on the quality of the press-ons you purchase. No worries here, though, because I know you got them from me, so we’re all good. A good application can last up to two weeks with proper care and preparation. More glue equals more extended wear, and adhesive tabs are there for those temporary times, like an event or creating specific content. The best part about press-ons is that you can wear them for however long or little you want/need. I have many besties in healthcare that love the minimal commitment and flexibility of press-ons. So, whether you wish for flashy nails just for the weekend or a longer-lasting mani, press-ons may become your new go-to look. 

Are press-on nails safe for your natural nails?

 Press-on nails are one of the safest options for extensions in the book! If you’ve worn acrylics before, you know the pain of hitting and breaking one of your nails. The worst is that it pops off and potentially cracks or breaks, but it will not cause substantial damage to your nails. 

With acrylics, damage to your nails comes from erosive substances like acetone. Also, to remove acrylic extensions, you must soak your nails for at least 15 minutes, and your nail beds aren’t be happy by the end. Finally, for the acrylic polymer to stick, technicians must buff your natural nail extremely thin, which, as you can imagine, isn’t great for your nails.

My press-on nails don’t require any excessive buffing or soaking. “To remove them, all you need to do is soak in warm soapy water for 15 minutes or take a hot shower until they loosen naturally—no chemicals required. For nail adhesive tabs, you can soak as well or take a small amount of nail polish remover around the edges of the press-on and slowly lift it off. 

How to apply your press on nails

1. Wash your hands to remove excess dirt and oil
2. Push back cuticles using the Cuticle pusher in your Essentials kit
3. gently buff your nails using the file in your essentials kit
4. Dehydrate natural nails using the alcohol pad included in your Essentials kit
5. Add glue to the fake nail (only a tiny drop needed), or for temporary wear, apply the nail tab, both had in the Essentials kit, to the artificial nail and press down for 10-15 seconds
6. Press on your nails to become officially Pressed!

Here are some of our best sellers if you can’t decide which set to try

If you like the idea of press-on nails but want to do them yourself, you can shop my favorite nail supplies and products on my Amazon Storefront. Check out my Nails Playlist on my Youtube Channel for more nail tips and inspiration.