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Is it just us, or is a manicure from the nail salon feeling really, really expensive these days?
If you’re trying to stick to a budget, your bi-weekly trips to the nail salon may be one of the first things to go. But that doesn’t mean you have to ditch your manicure entirely!
Stop spending $60 on gel polish or even twice that on acrylic nails and nail extensions. Our shopping experts have found press-on nails for $30 and under, and they’re actually really cute. We’ve also included some tips and tricks from personal experience to ensure that your press-ons last as long as possible — up to two weeks if you do it right — and with helpful tips on how to remove them safely without causing damage.
Unlike spending time in an expensive salon, at-home press-on nails take just minutes to apply and look just as good as, say, gel extension nails. They’re even designed to last longer than traditional nail polish.
You can be your own nail tech with press-ons. As the moniker “press-on” implies, you apply the artificial nail by pressing it onto your natural nail, adhering it to the nail bed with nail glue or adhesive tabs.
You get to choose the nail shape and size, the color, and the nail designs, including fun nail art. We’ve even found press-on nails that mimic the look of your natural nail, plus options for both short and long nails.
How to make press-on nails last
The first time applying press-on nails can be a bit daunting, but it’s much easier than it seems. These are some tips that have worked for me!
Prior to application, you’ll want to prep your nails. Be sure to file your nails and clean up your cuticles. Then use a nail buffer or e-file to gently smooth out your nail beds. Next, take a cotton ball with some acetone to dehydrate your nails. This makes the nail glue work more effectively. Lastly, lay out the ten press-ons that best fit your natural nails ahead of application.
Now it’s time to apply your press-ons.
The biggest tip is not to overdo it on the glue. Gently squeeze it out a small amount of glue onto the center of your nail, apply the press-on, and hold down for a few seconds. Use too much and the glue will spill over the sides of the product when it’s pressed against your nails.
Another pro tip? When applying press-on nails, start from your pinkies and work your way towards your thumbs. Trust us, it’s way easier this way since you’ll have access to your natural nail-covered thumbs. Finish off with some cuticle oil.
If one of your press-ons happens to fall off, simply repeat the same process.
How to safely remove press-on nails
When you’re ready to remove your press-on nails, do not, I repeat, do not rip them off. Instead, you can opt for either of the following removal methods:
The first is letting your nails soak in a bowl of warm water and dish soap until you feel the press-ons start to loosen.
Then, you’ll be able to use a wooden nail stick to carefully separate them from your naturals nails, starting at the edges. If the press-ons don’t easily lift off of your nails, soak them for a few more minutes and add a few drops of cuticle oil to loosen them further.
The second option is to use an instant nail remover which many press-on nail brands offer. You can also combine both methods, if you’d like.
Shop press-on nails that cost less than a salon manicure
Be your own nail technician! Salon services are costly, and regular nail polish chips in, like, two days.
Shop must-see $30-and-under press-on nails below.
