When I used to hear “press-on nails”, I imagined drug store nails that are french tips with nude colors that don’t match my skin tone and just look a bit tacky. The designs never appealed to me so I never tried them.
Fast forward to the pandemic, I stumbled across an IG reel of someone explaining how to make custom press-on nails. That was when I learned that there is an entire community of nail artists who make custom nails that are extremely intricate, beautiful and nothing like what I’ve seen in drug stores.
I thought to myself “wow! if I make press-on nails, I can finally paint something decent for my dominant hand.” It’s been a good 2 years now and here are some reasons why I wear and love press-on nails.
Before jumping straight into it, I just want to say liking press-on nails and liking real manicures are not mutually exclusive. This discussion is not about which is better. It is about the benefits of press-on nails and how it might fit into your lifestyle.
1. Time
One of the biggest benefits is that you do not need to sit at a nail salon for hours, especially when you are asking for complicated character or 3D nail art. The nails are delivered right to you, you do a bit of nail prep and then pop them on. It takes me only 5-10 mins max to put on press-on nails and I can do it in the car. Also, sometimes things happen last minute and maybe you don’t have time to visit a nail salon. Having a set of press-on nails can come in handy! It is the reason I had nails on when I was proposed to!
2. Reusable
Yes. Press-on nails are absolutely reusable as long as you follow the proper care instructions and don’t lose them. Press-on nails are removed with soap, warm water, and oil. Once clean, they can be stored away for next time. If you are cautious and take good care of your nails, they will last you a LONG time and can be much more worth it compared to a manicure that grows out/gets removed. What if you lose one or two nails? No problem, you can order replacements instead of buying a brand new set! I have customers who still wear nails I made from 1.5 years ago.
3. Versatile
With press-on nails, you always have the option of removing them when you want. You can use nail tabs for short-term wear to special occasions or weekend getaways. You can use nail glue to wear them for a longer-term of around 2 weeks. It gives you flexibility to change your nails whenever you want to suit your lifestyle.
For example, people who work in the healthcare industry love press-on nails because they can’t have their nails done on work days. Press-on nails lets them have cute nails on their days off or in the evenings. They are also great for people who play sports where long nails are just not ideal.
I get bored of nails real quick so press-ons lets me change things up often. Some people love seeing their manicures grow out and last them 4 weeks or 5 weeks…but I hate that. I am not a fan of seeing the nail growth between your cuticles and the nail design so 2 weeks (or less) is a good time for me to switch out. Lastly, I love the option of removing my nails because I prefer to craft and play sports without long nails on.
4. Nail Health
I find that for press-on nails whether you apply them with glue or adhesive tabs, they are still less damaging than gel polish. Of course, a huge part of this is on you and whether you take the proper steps of removal. Nail techs always stress that gel nails do not damage your nails as long as you remove them properly. But, gel nail removal usually includes e-filing down the nail polish and soaking in acetone which is harsher compared to soaking in soap and water for press-on nail removal. Also, you need to make sure whoever removes your gel nails does it right, whereas it’s harder to go wrong with press-on nail removal. My personal experience is that my nails are healthier when I use press-on nails. But again, the onus is on you.
5. Special Occasions
I touched on this earlier, but I wanted to share that I still have the nails I wore when my husband proposed to me. I also have my Chinese tea ceremony and wedding ceremony nails. All of my bridesmaids also have matching nails from my wedding. I think it is such a special accessory to be able to keep forever.
I’d love to hear your experience wearing press-on nails as well. Feel free to share with me below!
