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Press-on Nails – Everything You Wanted to Know

// 85 Comments

One day I was going through my local Target and passed through the nail polish aisle. I remember I had an event coming up and I had yet to make a nail salon appointment for a manicure. The next thing I see is a box of what looks like faux nails in a variety of colors. These were the press-on nails that are making a huge come back. The clouds parted and the angels were singing. Maybe this time I didn’t have to get my butt to a nail salon after all!

And while I still enjoy a good salon manicure, I now own dozens of boxes full of press-on nails and I am definitely hooked.

So What Are Press-on Nails? 

Press-on nails, also known as glue-on nails, are just artificial nails. They are made of an acrylic resin. There are many acrylic resins available and the specific ingredients can change between different brands and models. I did review my favorite brands of glue-on nails here, so check it out, too!

My personal opinion is that press-on nails are the next best thing since sliced bread! Gone are the times of tacky fake nails you would only buy for your teenage daughter. These are a great alternative when you just don’t have time for a nail salon appointment.

Where Can You Buy Glue-on Nails?

There are many press-on nail manufacturers on the market. Some of the most common brands you will find at your local Target, Walmart, and CVS are Kiss Nails and imPRESS. Static Nails are a slightly more expensive option and are sold online.

My personal favorites are by Kiss Nails and a newer player Ardell Professional Nail Addict nails (seriously, LOVE!) I find that they last much longer and do not show wear and tear nearly as much as imPRESS nails do. ImPRESS nails, however, might be an easier option to start with if you’re just learning and looking for something mess-free. These come with adhesive strips already on the nails, so no additional glue application is required.

Press-on nails come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and designs making it easy to mix it up a bit. You can even get clear press-on nails and apply your favorite color and design yourself.

What Are the Benefits of Press-on Nails?

  • First of all, press-on nails are extremely affordable! Prices average at about $8 per set, though you can certainly dish out closer to $20 for a set of Static Nails.
  • It takes me less than 10 minutes to prep my nails and apply the falsies which makes getting ready for an even a snap (I have even applied them in the car on the way to an event twice!) Having said that, you might take longer the first couple of times, but not by much.
  • They leave my nails healthier than before (make sure to use my tips below!!!)
  • They are super-duper easy to remove without causing any nail damage.
  • My favorite thing about press-on nails though is the wide variety of designs and colors to choose from.

How Long Do Press-on Nails Last?

Press-on nails can last up to two weeks, although for me one week or so is the average. In my experience, the key to make press-on nails last longer is proper preparation and care.  I will discuss the specific steps I recommend further below.

Do Press-on Nails Damage Your Real Nails? 

No, press-on nails will not damage your real nails, especially if you follow the proper application and removal processes outlined below.

Here is a good link to check out if you want to know more about the ingredients in nail glue and other nail products, including how they are regulated.

The most damage that happens to your nails really comes from water, soap, and acetone. In order to keep your natural nails healthy, use a cuticle and nail oil every time you use acetone. There are a few other things you can do to help your nails grow stronger and healthier.

However, if you still fear the ingredients in the nail glue, I recommend you use a really nice base coat on your nails before applying the glue or the adhesive strips. Follow the rest of the steps as outlined below. But the main message is that press-on nails should not ruin your natural nails.

Pro Tip #1

Make sure you apply at least one layer of polish on your nails prior to applying glue. This serves as a protective barrier between your nails and the glue.

How to Apply Press-on Nails? 

Press-on nails come in kits which include either nail glue, double-sided glue gel strips, or your fake nails might already have an adhesive strip applied to them. 

Each set comes with instructions explaining how to put on fake nails. It is actually quite easy.

Even if your kit comes with an adhesive, I recommend buying additional nail glue to have on hand. Below are the steps to give yourself a press-on manicure using one of these kits:

  • Step 1: Pick the right nail for each one of your fingers. I typically figure out a pattern I like and lay the nails out on a flat surface in front of me. When you are selecting the nails, don’t forget to pay attention to your fingernail beds.
  • Step 2: File the nails down for length and shape if needed. Because there is a wide variety of shapes and lengths available, once you know what brand and type work for you, you likely won’t need to do this too much.
  • Step 3: Remove any left-over nail polish or residue off your nails (see removal methods below) and push back your cuticles. Wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Step 4: This step is VERY IMPORTANT and KEY to keeping your nails healthy! Some kits will tell you to buff your nails, however, I would advise against this because it damages your natural nail over time. Instead, apply a coat or two of clear polish and let your nails dry. This will help protect the nail from any chemicals in the glue because it serves as another layer between your nails and the glue. You can lightly buff the surface of the polished nail, but I find it unnecessary.
  • Step 5: Wash your hands again, or use an alcohol wipe to clean the surface of your nails. This step removes any residue and oils left on your nails. Dry thoroughly.
  • Step 6: You are ready to apply your nails. When applying the press-on nails to your natural nails, make sure to start from your pinkies and work your way in. Always leave your thumbs for last.  And just like that, you’re ready for the red carpet!

How to Make Press-on Nails Last Longer?

You can make your press-on nails last longer by following these 4 simple tips:

  • Tip 1: Whether using clear polish under the glue or not, always make sure to use rubbing alcohol to clean off any remaining residue and natural oils before applying. 
  • Tip 2: Use a strong adhesive nail glue by applying it both to the back of the press-on nail and your natural nail. 
  • Tip 3: Put pressure on every nail for 30 seconds as you are applying. This lets the adhesive spread across the full surface thus ensuring a stronger bond. This will, in turn, make press-on nails stick better.
  • Tip 4: Do not wash your hands or come in contact with water for at least 2 hours after application to help your press-on nails stay on longer. I find that doing this overnight is the easiest (no risk of accidentally washing your hands). 
  • Tip 5: Use a top hardener coat to make your nails look polished and help them stick better. This also has the added benefit of hardening the actual nail surface which makes it more durable.

How to Remove Press-on Nails? 

You can take off press-on nails without damage without much difficulty if you just follow a few easy steps. The one thing you should never do is try to physically pull them off.

Below I will outline the 3 easiest and best ways to get faux nails off and remove glue residue while keeping your digits healthy.

Pro Tip #2

These are great methods for removing gel manicures and dip powder manicures as well.

1. Double-Boiler Method:

Fill a larger bowl with a couple of inches of hot water. Then place another smaller bowl filled with acetone inside it. Once the acetone is warm, place your fingers into the bowl for about 5-10 minutes. Because acetone is so drying, I recommend slathering your fingers in olive oil beforehand. I use a timer and just space out in front of a TV.

2. Cuticle Oil Method:

Use a queue tip to apply cuticle oil to your fingers all around the nail. A cotton ball soaked in cuticle oil works just as well. Let it work on your nails for a few minutes and you should see the falsies come off pretty easily. 

3. Nail Clips Method:

You can buy these here. Nail clips are way easier to use to remove faux nails and even gel nails than the old foils. Your own body heat will speed up the process. You can use either acetone or oil using this method as well. 

How to Make Press-on Nails Look Real or Like Acrylics? 

The best ways to make sure your press-on nails look natural is to make sure you pick the right shape for your fingernails, match them well to each finger, and shape them when necessary.

Pro Tip #3

Once you have applied your falsies, I recommend that you use a top coat to give them that polished look. But do not try this on matte nails. 

How to Reuse Press-on Nails? 

Another great thing about press-on nails is that you can reuse them. I would recommend using the cuticle oil or non-acetone nail polish remover when you take them off if you plan to reuse, however, as acetone will eat away at the acrylic.

It’s also important to note that kits normally come with 20+ different nails. That means that even if you used half of the box, you can keep the rest of the nails to mix and match with other sets in the future. 

Favorite Products and Accessories:

Here is a list of my favorite press-on nails and accessories discussed in the post:

  • Ardell Nails – NEW in stores and quickly becoming my favorite!
  • imPRESS Nails
  • Kiss Nails
  • Incoco Nail Art Polish Strips
  • Nailene Nail Glue
  • OPI Nail Hardener / Strengthener
  • OPI Natural Base Coat
  • ONYX Professional Acetone Nail Polish Remover
  • My favorite Cuticle Oil from Bliss Kiss  or this one from Bee Naturals
  • Nails Clips for Gel Removal
  • Professional Nail Care Kit with Travel Case in Rose Gold

Don’t forget to Pin this post to reference later! And remember, sharing is caring! 🙂

xo, Marina

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: alternative to gel manicure, false nails, imPRESS, KISS nails, press on nails, quick manicure, Static Nails

Comments

  1. Nan Clarke says

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    Hi–I have just starting using press-ons, and I really love them, BUT, my nail beds have what looks like little scratches after I remove the nails. I have tried using a base coat, but it’s still happening. I love these nails, and I don’t want to damage my natural nails. I read so many comments from others that say these press-ons don’t damage the natural nail, but I haven’t had that same experience.

    Any suggestions?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Nan –

      Thank you for reading and for your comment! I am glad you mentioned this. I should say that no matter what you do, all glue will damage your nails slightly and what you describe happens to me as well. What I found works for me and might work for you is to take a break for a few days or a week and just treat your nails with cuticle oil daily to restore moisture. The white lines are basically a sign of a dry nail which makes sense since the glue is drying.

      Good luck and I hope that this helps.
      Marina

      Reply
  2. Dannielle Dunbar says

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    Sometimes my press on nails don’t stick. I don’t use too much glue, I file them to the right size, and I buff my nail. What else could I be doing wrong ??

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Danielle –

      You might be using something oily like a lotion or oil itself? The other most common thing is to expose the nails to water before that 2 hour period. I can’t tell you how critical that truly is. Just keeping them dry for the first two hours. I hope this helps! Thanks!

      Marina

      Reply
  3. kareema lawal says

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    Hi

    is it possible to reuse handmade press on nails without the gel polish peeling off when you soak your fingers the first time?

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Kareema –

      Thank you for your question. If I understand correctly, you are wondering if it is possible to apply a press-on nail directly onto a gel? I think you can, but I am not sure why you would want to do that? If someone has a better answer, please feel free to contribute!

      Marina

      Reply
  4. Candy says

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    Hi Marina, I haven’t been able to read all the comments but I’ve tried !
    I have recently discovered stick on nails. I have weak, friable, splitting nails which I have to keep super short and they still split.
    These stick on nails are really good for me. I don’t need them to be flash or fancy. Just for simple practical strength. I do trim them shorter.
    I have been so glad to find your blog and all the support you offer.
    Now I can ask some silly questions like is there much difference between cuticle oil and olive oil ?

    I look forward to reading further.
    I did look at those crystal nails. They really are a hoot !

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Candy –

      Thanks so much for reading! I love that you find it helpful. That makes my day! As far as your question, from a functionality perspective, there isn’t much difference in my opinion. Of course, olive oil does tend to smell a bit, so I personally would opt for another oil. But if you don’t mind the smell, go for it! Hope that helps!

      Marina

      Reply
  5. LittleMaNails says

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    Good afternoon ladies,

    Absolutely loving this informative article! For all of the women experiencing difficulties finding press on nails that fit properly, check out our custom press on nails sets @littlemanails on Instagram!

    Reply
  6. Ami says

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    Thanks for all the tips! I am starting with impress nails with the adhesive strips. The glue extends far past my natural nail, how can I remove this excess glue so it doesn’t collect dirt?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Hey Ami.

      The only way I would think you can do this is to cut the adhesive shorter. It sounds like you may have picked the wrong size strips. And also it is important to place them correctly starting at the nail bed. I hope this helps.

      Marina

      Reply
  7. Kelly R Ehlinger says

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    Is there a way to reuse your fake nails. I recently bought a set of the Static nails. After removing them there is still glue on the back of the nail. Is there a way of removing this, so I can use the nails again? I checked on there site for information, but I can’t find anything there. Hope I can wear them again, they are beautiful nails. Thanks for your informative post.

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Kelly –

      Thank you for reading the blog!! Love having you here. This is such a common question! Yes, in theory, you should be able to reuse those nails. Some recommend gently buffing the surface to remove the extra glue. In practice, it would be pretty difficult without an electric buffing tool. That’s just my opinion and personal experience. Also, most nail glues along with regular wear and tear will start breaking down the surface of the fake nail.

      Having said that, if you had just put it on and it’s still pretty new, I would use a regular nail file to take as much as possible off without damaging the nail and just reapply.

      Reply
      • Karuna Rockwell says

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        Sorry, I’m replying because I cannot find where to comment. I’ve been searching google about applying nail strips to press on nails. I don’t see any info on anyone doing that. I assume it would work? Do you have any idea?

        Reply
        • Marina says

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          Karuna –

          Yes, it should absolutely work when applying nail wraps/gel strips to press-on nails. Thank you for reading. I’m so sorry you didn’t find a place to comment. I’m not sure why the comment box did not show up. I will investigate. Thank you for reporting!

          Reply
      • Naomi says

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        Hi Marina!

        Quick question, I’m planning on taking my acrylics off but was wondering if I should immediately put on press on nails?

        Will that hinder my natural nails from healing?

        Thanks!

        Reply
        • Marina says

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          Hi Naomi!

          Thanks for leaving a comment. I think that depends on how you apply the press-ons and also the quality and sensitivity of your own nails. Try it and let me know how it works out.

          Marina

          Reply
  8. Joni says

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    Hi, because I have curved nails on my index fingers, I noticed a gap underneath the natural and press on lnail. What is up with that and can it be fixed?? I don’t want gunk being stuck in there…

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Joni –

      Thank you for reading the blog and commenting. Means a lot! With your specific issue, it sounds like your best bet is to find a faux nail that better suits that particular shape. You could use something like silk wrap or fiberglass nail material to fill the gap as well. So that’s another option. I just posted more info on both of those.
      The Most Comprehensive Guide to Silk Wrap Nails!
      What are Fiberglass Nails and How to Apply Them?

      Reply
  9. Annette says

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    Thank you for the advice. I think I’ve been making a big mistake. I’m not applying topcoat before putting the press on nails on. I’m also just pulling them off. As a result my nails are now white on parts of my nails. If I start using topcoat first and soaking them off will this go away? I do change my nails once a week. Any advice?

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Hey Annette! Welcome! Yes, I believe if you try a topcoat or two first and use the soak-off method, you will avoid most of the white residue. Unless you have something else going on. It’s always good to check with a doctor if you have any concerns. I hope this helps. Please let us know!!

      Reply
  10. Bella says

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    Love this post
    http://www.tipstasticnails.co.uk make press on nails customised to suit you. Great quality too!

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Thank you Bella!!

      I have to approve every comment, so yours just didn’t show yet. I really appreciate readers dropping links they find helpful, as long as it isn’t spammy. Thanks so much again!

      Reply
  11. Gari says

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    I’ve had a horrible month with a death in the family. I have not been a nail bitter in 30 years. BUT…..now I have bitten them down so much that only about 1/2 of my nail bed is even left. I’m wondering if I apply nail glue to the tiny nail area and the skin and let it dry. Using that area as the ‘nail bed’? I am not sure how long a nail will even stay on that tiny area that is my natural nail. I’m too embarrassed to even go to my salon. 😫

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Gari –

      Thank you for reading my blog. I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. This has been a hard time for everyone, but death truly adds another layer. I am familiar with nail-biting as I have suffered this problem myself. I would HIGHLY recommend that instead of using press-on nails, maybe you can look into silk or fiberglass wraps until they grow a bit. Silk wraps are generally much thinner and should be healthier for your nails. Here’s a link for a product I just bought to try out myself. They are commonly used to repair nails and you can even use nail polish on top and add any design you like.
      Silk Wrap Self-Adhesive Tabs
      Silky Linen Wrap (Not Self-Adhesive)
      IBD Brush-on Gel Resin
      IBD Nail Prep-Spray (to speed up adhesion) – Not necessary but may be helpful.

      Reply
  12. Connie says

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    Great post and some great extra tips from other readers. Hopefully, someone has ideas to help me with my problem with press/glue on nails. I have very curved nails and all of the products I’ve tried are too flat and leave a gap at the tip of my nails. Back in the day (I’m an 80s generation girl!! LOL!) these nails came in different curves or arches as well as lengths. HELP!

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Connie –

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Have you tried clutch nails? These are sold at Targets around me or at clutchnails.com. They seem to have a more pronounced curve imo. Another option that just occurred to me is to check out Etsy. Often times you might be able to find someone who will custom make nails for you. A quick search and I found this option:
      Etsy Extra Curved Nails

      Perhaps someone here has another good tip to share?

      Reply
      • Wendy says

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        I have the opposite problem. My nail beds are more flat that most press on nails, so it’s like there’s a tunnel going up the center if the sides are touching. I have been using the nail strips/decals which are flexible and can fit any nail shape.

        Reply
        • Marina says

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          Wendy –

          Thank you for reading and leaving a comment. That’s a common problem to have. I’m glad you found that strips work for you. There are so many different designs as well. They really are fun and do last quite a long time!

          Marina

          Reply
  13. Praiz says

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    Wow
    This is amazing and so easy to achieve though I’m an amateur in this. Would love to learn more and become a professional because I’m a nail freak

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Yes, it really isn’t very complicated. Thank you so much for reading and for supporting this blog. I truly appreciate it. xoxo!!

      Reply
  14. AnitaTaco says

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    Ooooh girl! If you do not know about these, have I got a game changer for you! Nail Diva brand Nail Guards. They look similar to the glue tabs, but they’re something like super thin films for under acrylic, gel or dip, including only gel polish! They last up to 3 weeks and whenever you want to remove just get under a corner and itll lift right off, no damage to your nail!

    They also have a special base coat for glue on nails called Red Therapy. I’ll leave the link in case you allow them but you’ll easily find them from googling either product.
    https://dashingdiva.com/products/red-therapy-for-magic-press?variant=33115241971849&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=CjwKCAjw-5v7BRAmEiwAJ3DpuG7T2VThxaX1NPpdcSwIaQ0kuzdwxburObf_ExfiUcIcZxN4xDHz2RoCasQQAvD_BwE

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      I have not! I will have to give this a try!!! Thanks so much! Another thing to add to my next post. Thanks so much for the suggestion and for reading!!

      Reply
    • Karen Davenport says

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      Would Unt peel off base cause press ons to pop off too easily?

      Reply
      • Marina says

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        Karen –

        Good morning! I hope I understand your question correctly. The base polish should not make the nail pop off too easily imo. I personally apply a couple of layers. Let it dry completely. Then apply the nail glue and press-on nails. Keep pressure on for about 30 seconds on each nail. Avoid water, oils, and lotion for at least 2 hours. This way your nails should stay on for at least a week, depending on how much you abuse your hands 🙂

        Reply
  15. Gabriela says

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    Hi! Thank you for all the great information. I am super amateur with all of this and just did my press on nails last night. I loved them but still not comfortable with the length. Is it normal that the finger tips hurt a little? Maybe my nail is too weak?
    Is it better to get them off or shall I wait for my hands to get used to them?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      I think if you give this a little time, the discomfort should subside. I suspect that you accidentally used too much glue and the glue may have gotten onto the skin under the nail. This might be the part that is uncomfortable. Obviously, if it’s still uncomfortable, I do recommend you go ahead ad remove them. But if you do, please do not rip them off. Use one of the methods recommended in the post to ensure you do not injure your nail.

      Reply
    • Candy ann says

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      Great!

      Reply
  16. Wendy says

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    Thank you so much for all your information. I love press on nails and have just started to make my own. I am so new to all this and need better products. I am putting on my first homemade set today and your tips sure helps. I am definitely going to put 2 coats of top coat on my nails to protect them. Keep up the good work. I will be following you on Facebook. Have a great day!

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Oh my gosh Wendy! Thank you so very much! I absolutely love hearing all the feedback. I need to be more active on my FB page. Right now it’s definitely lacking 🙂 My IG and Pinterest get a bit more action. I promise to put more effort into it. I think making your own is so exciting and fun! Please share what you come up with and tag me. I would totally love to see the final product.

      Marina

      Reply
  17. Sara Jaret says

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    Hi, I love your post!

    I have a question though. I have seen many people use 2 coats of clear nail polish and then using superglue to stick those nails? Is using superglue okay like that or should we only stick to nail glue?

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Sara –

      Thank you for reading the blog! This is such a good question. I have actually looked at this myself a few times. Technically, super glue is basically 100% ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (ECA), though there are some proprietary formulations that play with that percentage a bit. If you look at the nail glue ingredients, you will see the same ingredient listed first. So yes, in theory, you can totally do that and it would be a pretty close equivalent. I fully recommend at least one layer of nail polish, and two layers of clear nail polish are best to protect your nail. This recommendation is for both the plain super glue or for a dedicated nail glue. The ECA has the potential to eat through the nail and thus damage it over time. The clear coat serves as a buffer and protects your nail.

      Personally, I find the nail glue a bit easier to apply. But let us know if the super glue works for you!

      Reply
  18. taj says

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    Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Thank you for reading and I hope you found all this information helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions.

      Reply
  19. Dana says

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    Hi,
    Thanks for sharing your tips. I’ve also have used clear nail polish prior to gluing on my nails and found that it is effective.

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Thanks for reading and leaving your feedback Dana! I truly appreciate it!

      Reply
  20. Nat says

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    Hi

    Is there a gloss top coat that works on matte falsies?

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Nat –

      Thank you for reading and your comment. I honestly have not been able to find one myself. I can only think that perhaps the UV gel coat may be something to try. But I have never used one on faux nails. If you do or if someone knows, please let us know!!

      Reply
  21. AshleyRenee says

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    I get acrylic french tips on my nails and toes, it’s like my trademark. I never go with a color since french just goes with everything and so I never have to worry about anything clashing , it just makes life simple. Since I am in open toed shoes all summer I also get french acrylic tips added to my toenails and it’s just sooooo cute. Thank you for the article but I don’t see myself doing all of this at home with press-ons. First of all, my nail gal would go ballistic as she is used to seeing me in there every week, and I would never hear the end of it ! Lol. Furthermore I appreciate the pampering and I think all of us wives and mothers deserve some Me-Time every week just to unwind. Also I don’t think it’s possible to replicate that pristine salon look when attempting it yourself. It was an interesting article nonetheless! Thank you so much…

    Reply
    • Marina says

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      Ashley –

      Thanks so much for visiting, reading, and leaving your comment! French tips are the best. I totes agree. A classic is a classic for a reason. I totally get the social aspect of going to a salon, as well. Not to mention that “ME” time!! I honestly just go to get away from the hustle and bustle of my household, listen to a podcast, and get pampered haha!

      I will say though, that acrylic nail tips are a bit of a different animal than press-on nails. You certainly won’t get the same effect the nails tips will give you. Buuuuut….for those times when you want to try something different, maybe with some bling, or just a funky design and you don’t have a whole lot of time, press-on nails are truly a god sent. At least for me.

      Also, for me personally, I have thin hair and nails. Frequent gel and dip powder manicures ruin my nails. Faux glue-on nails helped me truly grow healthy, strong, and long (for me) natural nails. I have not been able to find anything else that helps.

      Reply
      • Tia says

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        I’ve been trying to figure out if your real nail (finger or toe) can still grow under a glue on nail. I’m new to glue on

        Reply
        • Marina says

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          YES!!! Actually, that’s the primary reason I use these nails and the only way I have been able to grow my own nails to the point where my friends and family can’t the difference 😉 Gels and dip powder are great, but they always ruin my nails. However, if you have brittle and soft nails as I do, you really need to use a base coat of nail polish on your nails before you apply glue to them. The glue can eat away at the nail. So the base coat acts as a buffer that helps protect your natural nail and lets it grow under the press-on nail.

          Reply
    • Marianne says

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      So I have to say… It’s 100% possible to get a quality French tip using press-ons. In my case I’m currently rocking a short French tip mani with a tiny silver sliver at the curve (just because a mom’s gotta have her sparkle) along with a press on pedicure with a French tip as well. I never thought I would do the press on pedi but in truth I LOVE it. I get why you go to your nail gal… But for me, after a few hit or misses in salons near me… I couldn’t make logical sense out of wasting any more money on something that might only last a couple of weeks. Then when money wasn’t as important to me as time was, I didn’t want to take 2 or 3 hours for ME time when my son needed ME too… Enter the kiss impress nail sets. These things weren’t your old school, pop off as soon as you tap them on the wrong countertop, only available in 3 colors that your grandma would wear (or worse, unpainted completely)… These were full manicure sets that even on my tiny nails would fit without any filing… That cost less than a meal at McDonald’s… And that took me 10 min to apply which let me have that ME time I needed, while still being at home for my kiddo, and not requiring me to drag my screaming child in/out of a nail salon. These things have been a godsend for a cheap, simple, boymom like me. Marina, thanks for this post and many of your other posts that bring some well earned attention to these little gems!

      Reply
      • Marina says

        at

        Marianne –

        That’s awesome! thanks for the feedback and the detailed information. I truly appreciate you reading and commenting!

        Marina

        Reply
  22. alex Grace says

    at

    Hi I use kiss nails because I want to and they last long but sometimes the glue squeezes out the sides and then when I wipe in away the glue dries on the nail and around the cuticle making it look with and crusted.

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Hey! Thanks for checking out the blog and my post! I really appreciate your comments. My best advice is to just use less glue. Having said that, it happens to me occasionally as well. You may want to use a queue tip to wipe off any excess. It is important, however, to do that as soon as you can, before the glue gets a chance to dry on the surface. Please let me know if this helps. Good luck!

      Reply
  23. lyenise sherrer says

    at

    Hi I love this post. I have a question… Do you have any press on nail recommendations for large nail beds. I tried impress but they don’t fit my nails

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Lyenise –

      I’m so sorry that Impress didn’t work out for you. Have you tried all their lines? The first other option that comes to mind for me is Clutch Nails. They sell them at Target around me, so I think you should be able to find them near you. They retail a bit higher at around $10. But I feel like they have a slightly larger nail bed. These nails are also higher quality in my opinion and I can actually reuse them more often than not. That’s not always the case with Impress nails.

      Please come back and let me know if those work out or if you find something else. I know that Amazon sells a lot of nails, but I can’t speak to their quality or fit. I am sure that others looking for a wider nail bed would really appreciate your feedback as well! Thanks so much and good luck!

      Marina

      Reply
    • Magaly says

      at

      @nailsbycadely on Instagram they make custom sizes!!

      Reply
      • Marina says

        at

        Thanks, Magaly! I love that we can help each other out. Hopefully, Lyenise can see this comment and finds it helpful 🙂 Thanks for posting!

        Reply
  24. Amy says

    at

    Lots of great tips here! I applied press on nails last night for the first time and I got glue everywhere. My fingers were sticking together, sticking to the tops of the nails, and I still have dried clumps glue on top of the nails this morning. I tried using acetone to remove it, and also tried to buff it away. Not only did that not work, but I didn’t realize that the french tip was actually painted on, so I removed some of that. It’s a real mess. Any tips on how to apply without getting messy with the glue? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Amy –

      Thank you for reading and leaving feedback. I truly appreciate it. I’m so sorry you had a bad experience with the glue. Believe me, I’ve been there!!! It’s NOT FUN gluing yourself to yourself! There are definitely a few things you can do to help prevent this. I plan to write another post summarizing other things I’ve learned since the original post. In the meantime, I highly recommend getting a different nail glue that is sold separately from the kits. The bottle that comes with the kits is terrible as it won’t stand on its own and thus makes it very difficult to apply without accidentally getting the glue on yourself. Another reason this might happen is if you apply too much glue to your nail. Try a bit less and see if that might be enough. If some of the glue still escapes on the sides, have a toothpick or something similar on hand to wipe off the excess glue before it dries or gets all over the nail. I hope these tips help. Ultimately, don’t despair and just try again. Practice really does help. And if you really don’t want to mess with it, you can buy the kits that have an adhesive tab on the back already applied. Good luck!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        at

        Thank you very much!

        Reply
      • Kim says

        at

        Kiss brush on nail glue will help with that. You just paint the glue on like nail polish.

        Reply
        • Marina says

          at

          Thank you, Kim! You’re absolutely right. I am not sure why I didn’t think of that. But the brush on glue really does help.

          Reply
  25. Sam says

    at

    Hey! I don’t have the nail glue from my kit and I was wondering if just top coat would be able to hold them on? And also how I would go about taking them off because I don’t know if have some of those stuff at home! Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Sam –

      Thanks so much for commenting. Unfortunately, the topcoat alone will not be enough to hold the press-on nails in place. Any pharmacy or convenience store should carry it. For removing the nails, I have a section within this post to remove. The best way is by soaking in acetone. If you don’t have acetone, you could try warm water with a bit of olive oil or any other oil. Soak for about 20 minutes and they should be coming off.

      Reply
  26. Mona says

    at

    Thank you so much for writing this blog. I have been searching for info on press on nails for a while and this one is the most informative. I do have one more question… Have you ever had a problem with your real nail lifting from the nail bed? I see this sometimes and I wonder if its because of how I take them off, or if it might be I try to do too much physical work with my hands, or I am wearing them for too long. What do you think?

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Thank you for saying all that! Hearing this reminds me why I put so much into this blog. What you are describing sounds like onycholysis, which from what I read can happen if you have a sensitivity or an allergy to one of the ingredients in the products used: glue, the acrylic nail, or even the nail polish remover. It may also be a symptom of nail fungus or psoriasis. However, I am not a doctor or medically trained in any way. I think you should see a dermatologist or your physician about this. Good luck and hope you can find your answer and a solution!

      Reply
  27. Alize Moore says

    at

    Hi how long does it take for the press on nails to grow your real nails

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Hey Alize!

      Thank you for reading the blog! Really hope you find it useful. I think that nail growth is a very individual thing. Some people’s nails grow faster than others. That’s genetic generally. It takes me 2 weeks…roughly. But when growing nails, the most important thing is to maintain the integrity and the strength of the nail. So…

      I want to update the post a little as there are certain things I learned after using these nails exclusively for so long now. If you are aiming to grow your nails, I strongly advise adding two layers of a regular topcoat before glue (let the nail polish dry first). Topcoats that claim to harden nails generally are very drying to the nails, so I would avoid those. But ultimately any topcoat is better than applying directly to the nail.

      Applying polish will likely cause your faux nails to detach sooner than if you attached it to the nail directly. However, to protect the nail and grow it out, I think this is the best way to go. I also would not buff the top of the nail. Buffing is generally not good for the nail as it thins it and creates micro-tears. Those tears may lead to infection and green nail syndrome. If a nail detaches, be sure to reapply two new layers of a top coat before gluing it on again.

      Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

      Reply
  28. Syd says

    at

    Hi i put fake nails on but I accidentally pushed them to far into my cuticles, should i be worried.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      No worries! This HAS happened to me before! If it still hurts an hour after or if the pain is really bad, I recommend just removing it using one of the methods described in the post and re-applying. Good luck and let me know how it goes.

      Reply
  29. Stacey says

    at

    Hello,

    I glued on nails today and i see that I have water infiltration. Can this cause fungus? Should I remove them.

    Thank you

    Reply
  30. Stacey says

    at

    Hello,

    I glued on fake nails today and noticed water infiltration. Could it be dangerous to cause fungus? Should I remove?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Stacey –

      Thanks so much for visiting!! I’m not sure what you mean by water infiltration. However, if you mean water got under the surface of the nail, the largest issue is that the faux nail will not hold well. I would recommend removing this faux nail by soaking in hot water first (or one of the other methods) and reapplying a new one to a completely dry surface. Make sure to follow the prep steps on the packaging or in this post. Additionally, avoid getting your hands wet for an hour or two after application. This will let the nail adhere properly and ensure water does not get under the surface again. Good luck!

      Reply
  31. Lee says

    at

    Thank you for such an informative blog! I was looking everywhere because I wanted to try a base coat before gluing nails on. I hoped it would work and then would be easier to get off without damage. I have one more thought. Would it help it to adhere if I slightly roughed up base coat?

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Lee –

      I’m so glad you found this informative! I keep wanting to update this post that yes, indeed the base coat is the best trick I’ve found so far to prevent any damage to the nails. It also helps the glue come off soooo much easier! I personally have not seen a need to rough up the base coat before application. My nails tend to stick for about a week if I don’t rush the process. But I would be very curious to hear what you think if you do try it. I can see the logic to roughing it up a bit for sure.

      Marina

      Reply
  32. Tori Raddison says

    at

    It’s awesome that press-on nails are easy to remove without doing any damage to your nails because I change my nails frequently. I love to do my nails because it’s a lot of fun for me. I wanted to try acrylic nails this time instead of just painting them, so this was a really helpful article. Thank you for writing it!

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Awww…You are so welcome!! I must say it can damage your nails if you force them off. Similar to gels. However, painting a layer of regular clear polish first and then applying the glue really helps as well. And I really recommend the soak method when removing.

      Reply
  33. Jan says

    at

    I used to do the Dip nails but after doing them for a few months I like to give my nails a break. My nails will split and look horrible until they grow out a bit sometimes taking months to get healthy . That is why I press on nails. I did, however, just peel them off and found that my nails are now unhealthy again and look like they did when I did the powder dip too much. I wonder if it’s because I just peeled them off?

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Jan –

      So I actually noticed this problem sometimes. Definitely way worse when I get impatient and peel a nail off. We’ve all been there.

      What I found helps a lot:
      1. Use two layers of a clear nail polish underneath the glue first.
      2. Use the glue from Static Nails. I was testing it out and it’s actually much better at not leaving a residue and does appear to dissolve itself as you wear them. This also helps me reuse the nails more as they don’t have much glue residue left.

      I think if you do two of these things, you will see a huge improvement. FYI, I don’t get anything from Static Nails. I actually just really like their glue. And it’s included with every set. I’m still trying to find a similar glue that’s available at a local store. But for now, I use theirs.

      It certainly isn’t a bad idea to switch things up and just go bare for a week once in a while. Let me know if this helps!

      Marina

      Reply
  34. Mesopro says

    at

    Thanks for this quality post. Thumbs UP!

    Reply
    • Marina says

      at

      Oh, you are so so sweet! I really feel like it’s not an option most women are aware of, so I really wanted to write about it.

      Reply

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