How to Get Your Best Mani With Press On Nails

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How to apply press on nails for a flawless manicure and the tips and tricks you need to make them last

I never thought I would say this, but I heart fake nails. No, really — I am officially a press-on convert. Treating myself to a fresh mani has always been the ultimate self-care treat for me, but between taking care of a very energetic five-year-old and my work schedule, I just don't have time for nail salon appointments anymore or the patience for DIY manicures. Thankfully, press-on nails have been a game-changer for me.

For a long time, I was very against using press-on nails. I blame growing up in the 90s when press-ons were flimsy, boring, and always popping off. That, and one very ill-fated Halloween accident when I ripped off a witchy press-on trick-or-treating. But press ons have come a LONG way since then.

These days, I can hardly tell false nails from acrylics, dip, or a gel manicure. Press-on manicures are convenient, versatile, and so easy to apply. They're my personal hack to getting long nails in a snap, and you can choose different nail lengths, shapes, and designs without the long-term commitment. Plus, they're budget-friendly, and you can choose from fun designs that match your mood or outfit, from a classic manicure to fun seasonal patterns — the options are endless!

What Are Press On Nails?

Press-on nails are pre-designed artificial nails that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. They offer a quick and easy way to achieve a flawless manicure without the commitment of acrylics or gel nails. Plus, they're perfect for those times when you need an instant glam fix for a special occasion or just want to switch up your look on a whim.

How to Choose Press On Nails

After a lot (and I mean a LOT) of experimenting with different brands, I'm loyal to Glamnetics nails, Olive & June nails, and Chillhouse Chill Tips nails, because they give me the longest-lasting, most natural look (complete with fancy nail art) without the nail salon price tag or time commitment.

They're an especially good idea for last-minute events because they are so easy to apply. I actually popped on a set in my hotel room just before a conference the other week, and no one was the wiser.

Can you spot the difference? Chances are, no one will be able to guess you're donning press-ons. On the left is a Glamnetic press-on manicure, and on the right is a salon dip manicure.

How to Size Press On Nails

The good news is that today's nail kits include a variety of shapes and sizes, so regardless of whether you have wide nails, short nailbeds, or your nails are somewhere in between, you can find the perfect fit. If you've never sized your nails, start with the ones in the front / display of the box because those are the most common sizes. You should use nails that are on the smaller side vs. bigger. The nails should look slightly too small laying on top of your natural nail but should fit snugly and fully cover your nail when you press down. 

Once you find the size for one hand, you can simply look for the corresponding nail for the other hand. Most nail brands have numbers on the underside of the nails for sizing, so you can easily find the matching number for both hands. My biggest tip is to keep a note on your phone with your nail sizes for each brand so you'll always have the right size at your fingertips (pun intended) — here's an example of mine.

How to Apply Press On Nails

Despite what you may think, the application process is pretty simple. Here's how to apply press on nails like a pro and get a flawless mani in five minutes flat:

1. Gather Your Mani Materials: When you're ready to apply your press-ons, gather your tools so they're at your side and you can avoid any last-minute scrambling during your manicure. Most press-on nail kits these days include nail glue, an alcohol wipe, a cuticle stick, and a nail file. Additionally, I like to have my nail polish remover, a few Q-tips, and some paper towels handy for any necessary clean-up. To avoid getting glue everywhere, work over a paper towel or an old hand towel to keep things tidy. I also like to lay out my nails in order: pinkies on the outside and thumbs on the inside.
2. Prep Your Natural Nails: First things first — start by gently pushing back your cuticles (your press-on nail kit will likely come with a mini wood orange stick to do this) and lightly buff the surface of your own nails to remove any shine. I actually like to use a nail file to make a bit of a rough surface so the nail has more to stick to. Then, take an alcohol prep pad (also included in most press-on kits) to wipe off any residual dust from buffing or oil residue. If your kit doesn't include an alcohol pad, you can simply use a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. This will help the press-on nails adhere better and last longer.
3. Select Your Press On Nails: Choose the press-on nails that best fit your natural nail shape and size. If needed, you can trim or file the press on nails after applying for a perfect fit. Most nail kits come with a mini nail file, too. I like to pop this in my purse with the nail glue in case one pops off when I'm out and about.
4. Apply Adhesive: Apply a small amount of nail glue or adhesive to the back of the press-on nail, focusing on the center and edges. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can cause the nails to lift or pop off prematurely. To get a more secure stick, paint a thin layer of adhesive directly to your natural nail plate and a thin layer on the back of the press-on nail, and wait for 5 seconds for the glue to get tacky before you apply it.
5. Press On: Hold the nail on its sides with your opposite hand and place the widest part of the nail at the base of your nailbed at an angle, making sure to get it as close to the cuticle as possible. Gently apply even pressure to the press-on nail, securing it to the entire surface of your nail. Hold in place for 20-30 seconds to ensure a secure bond. If any glue splooges out on the side, take a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover and wipe it off.
6. Repeat: Repeat the process for each nail, making sure to align the press-on nails with your natural nail bed for a seamless look.
7. Final Touches: As the last step, once all the press-on nails are applied, give them a final press to ensure they're secure. If you have any nail glue on the tops of the nails, simply use a bit of nail polish remover on a Q-tip to gently remove it. Say hello to your new perfect nails and take a quick "nailfie" to celebrate!

How to Remove Press On Nails

In my opinion, having a solid removal process has been the key to maintaining the health of my natural nails. When your nails grow out, or you're just ready to say goodbye to your current set and switch up your look, follow these simple steps to remove your nails safely:

*Side note: Nail glue weakens with time. If you MUST remove your nails before 2-3 weeks, wait AT LEAST a day after putting them on so as not to destroy your nail bed. If you find yourself wanting to remove your nail set after a couple of days, glue tabs may be a better fit for you.

1. Soak: Fill a small bowl with acetone and soak your fingertips for 5-10 minutes. This will help loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove the press-on nails. Alternatively, you can soak your nails for 10-15 minutes in warm water.
2. Gently Peel: After soaking, gently peel off the press on nails starting from the sides or at the base of your nail beds. Avoid pulling or forcing them off, as this can damage your natural nails.
3. Clean Up: Use a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover to clean off any remaining adhesive or residue from your natural nails.
4. Moisturize: Finish by applying a nourishing cuticle oil (I love this one from OPI or this easy-to-use stick from Bliss Kiss) or hand cream (try this Hard as Hoof Nail Cream) to hydrate your nails and skin cuticles, especially if you used acetone (that stuff is seriously drying!).

Helpful Tips & Tricks

While press-on nails are fairly easy to apply, there are some tips and tricks that will help you get the best result:

• Don't Skip the Prep: Nail prep is a critical step in ensuring your nails last as long as possible. Always wipe your natural nails down with an alcohol pad, acetone, or nail polish remover to clean off any residual oils on the surface before applying fake nails (oil is nail glue's nemesis).
• Avoid Water for One Hour Before and After: Don't wash your hands or shower for one hour before you apply your nails, and avoid getting your hands wet for one hour after your application. Your natural nails will expand when they get wet and will contract when they dry, which can mess with the application.
• Apply From the Outside In: Start with the pinkies and finish with the thumbs so it's easier to pick up your other nails along the way.
• Customize Your Design: Get creative with your press-on nails by adding nail art, gems, or stickers for a personalized touch.
• Invest in Quality: Opt for high-quality press-on nails to ensure a natural look and long-lasting wear (I love Glamnetics, Olive & June, and Chillhouse brands). Cheaper alternatives may not adhere as well or look as polished.
• Don't Apply Too Much Glue: One of the biggest rookie mistakes is applying too much glue to the nail. Avoid side spillage and simply drop a small dot of glue in the center of each nail and use the cuticle pusher to spread it evenly across the back of the nail before adding a small amount of glue to your natural nail. Allow five seconds for the glue to get tacky, and then apply your press-on cuticle first to line them up for the most natural look. To make this even easier, pick up a bottle of brush-on nail glue to reduce the mess and make your nails last even longer.
• Size Matters: Take time when selecting press-on nails and make sure to choose a size that closely matches your natural nail shape and width for the best fit and comfort. Going slightly smaller is better than a nail that's too big because the smaller size will be more flattering; but don't go too small, or the nail will be prone to lifting and will pop off easier.
• Trim and File: Once your nails are dry, clip them and file them to your liking. The best way to do this is to shape / file from each side and meet in the center of the naiI. Round shapes are typically better for shorter nails, while almond or square shapes look better on longer nails. I often file the very tips (especially almond shapes are sometimes too flat on top) and the sides so that they match my natural nail shape. This is the trick to making them look like a pro manicure.
• Be Prepared for Nailmergencies: Keep nail glue and the mini file in your bag / purse for when you're on the go. The downside of press-ons is they can occasionally pop off, but that's easily remedied if you have your trusty nail glue on hand.
• Keep the Extra Sizes: Almost every time I wear press-on nails, at least one nail has popped off before the others. In that case, if the rest of my manicure still looks good, I’ll reapply the missing one by taking nail polish remover or acetone to remove any residual glue from the press-on and from my natural nail, then reapplying it. However, if the press-on is bent or cracked, I’ll go back through my unused sizes to find a similarly sized nail and file it to fit my nail. Voila! My mani is back in action.
• Use Nail Tabs: If you want a more temporary look or are itching to try a new nail trend without the commitment, nails with adhesive tabs are a great alternative to nail glue. They provide a strong hold without the need for acetone to be removed.

FAQs About Press On Nails

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