Growing up, I couldn’t wait to get my nails done. I have vivid memories of smelling the sweet aroma of acrylic as my mother and I would approach the nail salon. I would sit in awe, as I would eat my sour cream and onion chips, watching the nail technician shape, mold, and beautify my mothers nails. Press-on nails were the furthest from my mind, because back then, press on nails only consisted of blocky dull French Manicures with bad glue backings.
In my early twenties I began to get my nails done on a consistent basis. I was the girl that had a standing appointment with my nail artist every two weeks. Truth is, I was sick of paying $50-$100 to get my nails done. God forbid if one broke, chipped or I was over the design before my two week appointment. And I began noticing the health of my nails decline.
My mother started wearing press-ons that she got from CVS Pharmacy a few years ago. When I saw how stylish they were and heard that she only spent $8 on them, I was hooked. From there, I went on a deep dive into the press-on world. Anytime I went to Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Target or any place that sold press-on nails, I was in that aisle. I didn’t stop there–I began ordering more extensive kits online, nail after nail, and I never looked back to the nail salon again.
Below are reasons why you should try press-on nails for your next set, along with a few tips and tricks on how to make them last longer while keeping your nails more healthy.
- The Variety of Press-On nails is endless.
The amount of options we have for press-on nails these days is inspiring. They have long and short nails in any shape you can imagine. There’s plain nails, matte nails, glitter nails and more. Any acrylic style you see on the market, I promise there is a press-on version somewhere in the world for you.
- They are safer for the nail bed.
The nail drill is not safe for your nail. It destroys your nail bed over time leaving you with paper thin dry nails. Acetone, which is used to remove acrylic nails, is damaging to your nails.
- You are in control.
The best part about press-on nails is you are in control of when, where, how your nails are done. You can switch it up every week or put the thought out of your mind and rock the same pair until the nails pop off. Press-ons give you freedom.
Tips and Tricks on Application
Prepping is the most important thing when it comes to applying press on nails.
- Place oil around your cuticles and push them back. After thoroughly wash the oil away with soap and water for a clean nail bed.
- Find the nails that match your nail bed and set all 10 aside.
- Buff your clean nails lightly. Buff the back of each press on the nail to ensure all of the oil is off of your nail and the shiny plastic is off the nail. This will help the glue adhere better.
Applying the nail is a breeze after the steps below are followed.
- Apply a light drop of glue to both the center of your nail bed and spread it around to the edges of your nail.
- Press the nail down starting at the cuticle and hold pressure for 20 seconds.
- When applying the nails, try to do one hand at a time so you don’t confuse nails and you have better control.
How long your press on nails will last is up to you. I have had some that have lasted up to three weeks. It’s important to remove your nails when they begin to lift because water, food, anything could get under your nail and cause mold or infection.
The best way to remove your nails safely is to soak them in a bowl of warm water with soap and oil. Inch the nails off gently by finding a sweet spot where the nail is lifting. When the nail is fully off, buff your nail slightly to remove any extra glue.
A few of my favorites are below:
Bring the Nail Salon home with Kiss Nails. Kiss is the most popular press-on nails. They can be found at any drug store and come in simple and complex designs. They off a variety of shapes and sizes.
Static Nails are the reusable press-on nails of our dreams. Static nails are very natural looking, the styles usually medium to short and they pride themselves on customers ability to use them more than once. On their website they offer nail treatments and removers and they are also cruelty-free and vegan!
Artquee is the glamorous and high fashion press-on nails that take your look to the next level. Whenever I wear these nails I get so many compliments. They offer press-on nails in matte, glossy, coffin, oval and more.
If you haven’t considered press-on nails I hope after reading this you are ready to hit your local pharmacy and see what all the buzz is about.
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