Press On Nails: Everything You Need to Know, According to a Nail Expert

Are you over spending hours at the salon for a fresh set of nails? Maybe it’s worth the trip for special occasions or when the mood for a professional mani strikes, but on an everyday basis, press on nails are a savior. 

Over the past few years, I’ve been wearing press on nails regularly and they’ve changed my life for the better. Not only are they affordable and easy to apply, but they also come in a variety of colors, designs, and shapes. This makes it so convenient to switch up your nail look at any time. 

I first heard about press on nails from my friend Marina who told me that her manicure was done by herself using KISS’ imPRESS collection. I couldn’t believe it!

But I had a lot of questions about its wearability. After trying lots and lots of styles from a variety of brands, I’ve learned the best tips and tricks to share.

Here, I also spoke with Gina Edwards, celebrity manicurist, and KISS Products brand ambassador, about all things press on nails. Read on for a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know — from application to removal, and more.

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First things first, what are press on nails?

Press on nails are artificial nails that “press” onto your natural nails. 

There are two kinds: peel-and-press and glue-on. 

Both can easily be applied in minutes at home to get salon-like results. They come in a variety of styles and colors, like chrome and aura nails, which are trending this season according to Edwards.

What are the benefits of using press on nails?

Edwards mentions that they’re perfect for recovery after you’ve taken your gels or acrylics off. “Press ons allow weak nails to be protected,” she says, adding, “They are also convenient for achieving a beautiful manicure quickly and easily.”

And of course, press on nails saves time from commuting to the salon, they don’t chip or lose shine, are affordable, and make it easy to switch up your look to match any outfit.

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How long does press on nails last?

“imPRESS manicures last up to seven days,” says Edwards. Other press on nail brands I’ve tried also last within this timeframe, give and take a couple days depending on your lifestyle.

How do you make them last longer?

One key tip from Edwards: Before applying, “Always work on a dry, cleansed nail and use alcohol to remove any excess oil. imPRESS packages include an alcohol prep pad, and this step should not be missed!” 

Personally, one of the most common issues I have is one or more of the nails falling off. When this happens (no matter if it’s a peel-and-press style or not) I re-apply the nail(s) using a tiny bit of nail glue. 

Reminder: carry the original pack of press ons in your purse! 30 nails usually come in a pack, so if one pops off, you can just re-apply it with either nail glue or stick on a new nail if it’s the peel-and-press style.

Are press on nails healthier for your nails? 

“Press on nails offer a better alternative for those who don’t want a long-term commitment like gel or acrylic nails,” says Edwards.

I find that press ons are healthier for my nails since I don’t have to remove them with nail polish remover, which some formulas can be damaging to nails. 

When I remove them, sometimes there will be a bit of adhesive or glue residue, but it comes off easily and I haven’t had any issues with it. 

How to Apply

1. Prep by clipping your nails:
   In my opinion, short natural nails as a base makes press ons look more polished. If you have long natural nails, it tends to show when you flip your hand.
   
   
2. Clean your nails:
   As Edwards mentioned, cleaning your nails is an important step that affects how long your press on nails last. Wash your hands with soap and water then use an alcohol prep pad to remove any oils before applying.
   
   
3. Choose your nail sizes:
   Most press on nails come with little numbers on each nail that show the sizes. The higher the number, the smaller the nail (for example, my pinky finger is an 11). Lining up all your press on nails beforehand makes the process easier.
   
   
4. Time to apply:
   Apply each press on nail one finger at a time (either press it on directly if it’s the peel-and-press style or apply with nail glue if it’s the glue-on style). Hold each nail down for about 20 seconds. 

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Can press on nails be reused?

It depends on the quality of the nail after you use it. Sometimes, a press on nail will fall off but is still in good condition so I’m able to glue it back on. If it’s not in the best shape, I’ll usually just use another press on nail from the package.

Do they stay on in the shower?

Most of the time, yes. Just keep your hands dry for about an hour after you apply them to make sure the adhesive sets properly. But overall, they’re designed to be used for everyday activities. If one or more nails fall off, remember you can always reapply it easily. 

How to remove

“Press on nails can be removed with warm water and a little olive oil,” says Edwards, who mentions that steam is also great for removal. She also recommends to “use a manicure stick around the nail to help the nail lift from the nail bed.” 

Sometimes after wearing press on nails for a week, I find that they come off pretty easily by just peeling it. But taking a little extra time to do the above steps is healthier for your nails. 

What press on nails are the best?

My favorite is the colorFX by imPRESS manicure collection because it’s noticeably longer-lasting than other styles that I’ve tried. I’ve used several packs of these and every single time, I haven’t had a nail fall off thanks to their patented super hold adhesive. I love that it’s the peel-and-press style, quick to apply, and comes in plenty of shades to choose from.

“colorFX by imPRESS gives a multi-faceted depth perception of color that takes on various tones in different lighting; these chrome and magnetic shades are very trendy,” says Edwards.

Also, I mostly wear short or medium nails since long nails make it hard to type on my computer keyboard and the length on these are perfect. 

I also love the imPRESS Bare but Better manicure collection since it comes in several nail shapes (like almond, oval, and round) and neutral colors that match with any outfit. 

Overall, the best way to find which press on nails fit you is to experiment 😊 Try different styles, lengths, and brands to see which you love most. Trust me, it’s worth it!

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