The Best Press-On Nails That Have Saved Byrdie Editors Hundreds on Nail Appointments (2024)

TL;DR

Our favorite press-on nail set we tried is Static Nails Pop-On Manicure Set. They come in a variety of sleek designs, are easy to apply, and last for weeks. For a budget, temporary fix we recommend Dashing Diva Magic Press Nails, which come with a sticky tab for quick and easy application.

Trips to the nail salon are costly and time-consuming—no matter what kind of manicure you choose. But painting your nails at home can be challenging if you don't have steady hands. The solution? Press-on nails. Unlike press-on nails of the past, today's offerings feature cool designs and modern shapes and are easy to apply. "Having the ability to take them off and switch them every day for your outfit is a great way to stay on-trend," says celebrity stylist Chloe Delgadillo, who specializes in hand styling.

Whether you're looking to dress up your fingers for a special occasion, don't have time to head to the salon, or need to improve at painting your own nails, press-ons are for you. Of course, not all sets are created equal. So, we tested 13 of the most popular press-on nail sets in The Lab to find the prettiest, most user-friendly options that won't destroy your nail beds or fall off during date night.

What We Like

  • Easy to apply

  • Looks like real nails

  • Durable and reusable

What to Consider

  • Almost too sticky

Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Glue, file/buffer | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

According to our tester, Vita, the Pop-On Manicure from Static Nails is generally easy to apply, though the glue was almost too sticky, sometimes adhering to the top of the nail prematurely. With 24 nails and 12 different sizes included, she was able to find the perfect size for each finger. The set also comes with a dual-sided file/buffer tool and glue that promises not to damage your nail beds.

Each nail was set in place after applying the adhesive and pressing down firmly for 30 seconds. Thanks to the chic almond shape, the final look appears natural and sophisticated. (You can also get sets with rounded and square tips.) Even better: These waterproof press-on nails held up surprisingly well through washing dishes and folding laundry. Vita shared that only one nail had fallen off 10 days later—if this happens to you, you can just glue it back on.

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Emily Cieslak, associate commerce editor: "I've worn Static Nails on vacation, and they've survived everything from pool parties to rushing through the airport."

What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Glueless design

  • Durable

What to Consider

  • Not reusable

Included Nails: 30 | Included Tools: Prep pad, file, cuticle stick | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: No

On a budget? Dashing Diva is a solid choice. The brand's MagicPress nails earned perfect scores on all our tests. Tester Jessica said they were super easy to apply, and after cleaning your nail beds with the included prep pad, all you do is peel off the clear film from each nail to reveal the adhesive, then press down firmly.

The glueless design means they aren't reusable. But considering the affordable price and fuss-free process, we still highly recommend them. A set comes with 30 nails in different sizes to fit any hand—plus, the brand ensures they’ll last up to seven days.

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Jessica, product tester: “The adhesive is strong, and it doesn't feel like these will fall off my nail beds,” she says. “The nails look really amazing, and I'd prefer these than going to a salon to get them done professionally.”

What We Like

  • Unique nail art

  • Easy to apply

  • Seamless finish

What to Consider

  • Not waterproof

Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Glue, buffer/file, cuticle stick | Waterproof: No | Reusable: Yes

If you're a fan of nail art, you'll appreciate the designs from PaintLab. These press-on nails feature everything from cute animal prints and retro color blocks to fruits, flames, and cowboy boots.

Tester Joshua said that they were very easy to apply, though once most of the nails were on, the length made attaching the rest a bit challenging. Still, they fuse well to the nail beds and look professional and seamless. While these press-ons aren't billed as waterproof, they held strong during a basic hand wash.

Emily Cieslak: "Paint Lab always has the coolest designs. I wore the cherry bomb and got so many compliments—people couldn't believe they were press-ons!"

What We Like

  • Reusable

  • Lasts up to three weeks

  • Durable and waterproof

What to Consider

  • Tricky to remove

Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Glue, buffer/file, cuticle stick | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

Looking for a set you can use again and again? Chillhouse press-ons are your best bet. Though tester, Maia, noted it was hard to avoid getting glue everywhere, she found these press-on nails fairly easy to apply. "I was actually quite surprised by how good they did look. The only thing I didn't love was that you could see the glue a little through the nail,” she says.

Chill Tips are durable—almost too durable—and can withstand up to three weeks of wear. No press-ons loosened upon getting wet, and Maia found them somewhat tricky to remove, requiring some patience.

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What We Like

  • Long coffin design

  • Professional-looking results

  • Thick and durable

What to Consider

  • Leaves nail beds brittle

Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Prep pad, glue, buffer, file, cuticle stick, stickers, and a reusable box | Waterproof: No | Reusable: Yes

Très She Instant Acrylics can be glued down or simply stuck on using the included adhesive stickers. Though the stickers will save you time in a pinch, tester Rachel found the gluing process was easy and stress-free, drying quickly with minimal mess. (The instructions say you can use both together to maximize longevity.)

The individual nails are relatively long, but they're easily filed down with the included file. Rachel loved the translucent jelly aesthetic—it mimics the effect of a professional manicure. She also liked the thick, durable design, though this makes the press-ons hard to remove and can leave the nails looking and feeling a bit brittle.

Rachel Lee, former associate commerce editor: "These nails did not budge. They felt very resistant and the nails are overall sturdy quality."

What We Like

  • Comprehensive system

  • Made of recycled materials

  • Durable and long-lasting

What to Consider

  • Glue is messy

Included Nails: 42 | Included Tools: Nail clipper, file, buffer, cuticle pusher, cuticle serum, nail strengthener, removal kit, carry pouch | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

Olive & June's Press-On System was also a hit in The Lab. This kit comes with 42 nails, a clipper, a file, a buffer, a cuticle pusher, a cuticle serum and strengthener, and a removal kit, all within a carrying pouch. Our tester, Ruby, noted that the glue is pretty messy, making it nearly impossible not to get it on your skin during application. Still, the nails attach without much fuss, and if one falls off, you can just reapply the glue and try again.

The overall design of these press-on nails is impressive, and we appreciate that they're made of 94% recycled materials. While they don't exactly look natural, that's not always the point with nails. They are fun and last as long as you want.

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What to Look for When Buying Press-On Nails

  • Shape: Press-on nails come in various shapes, including square, almond, coffin, natural-looking round tips, and claw-style points. The choice is ultimately a matter of personal preference, and if the shape or length isn't exactly what you like, you can always file it down.
  • Adhesive Type: Press-on nails can be applied one of two ways: with nail glue or a peel-and-stick adhesive. While there are some exceptions, glue tends to be a little more durable, plus you can reattach the nails again and again. On the other hand, peel-and-stick nails are less messy, though they're often not reusable and may not last as long.
  • Design: From flames, florals, and French tips to swirls, sprinkles, and checks, there's a design for everyone, every mood, and every outfit. Not only that, but the decals are often better-quality than what a manicurist can do by hand. As Delgadillo notes, press-on nails allow you to experiment with different colors and styles, switching them out as often as every day. Choosing a set with chic nail art or a trendy design can be fun.

How We Tested Press-On Nails

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To find the best press-on nails, we selected 13 of the most popular brands and put them to the test in our lab. Our testers applied the nails following the product's instructions. After wearing the nails for a couple of weeks, the testers removed them. During the process, they took note of the following:

  • Ease of application: How easy was it to find nails that fit and how easy were they to apply? Was the glue messy?
  • Durability: How long did the nails last through normal wear and tear?
  • Look: Did the nails look natural and salon-grade?
  • Removal: How easy was it to remove the nails? Did they damage the natural nails?

FAQ

  • How do you apply press-on nails?

    It's always best to read the instructions that come with the specific nails you're using, but here is some general advice: Start with clean, polish-free nail beds, then remove any oily residues with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Once you have the proper sizes picked out for each finger, coat one nail bed at a time with glue. Then align the fake nail and press it down firmly, holding for about 20 seconds. (For peel-and-stick nails, just peel off the backing, then press it on.) Repeat on each remaining nail.

  • How long do press-on nails last?

    Depending on the adhesive, press-on nails last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Waterproof glue-down nails tend to hold up slightly longer than peel-and-stick nails. And if any of the nails fall off, you can just reattach them with another coat of glue.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in beauty and lifestyle. A big proponent of DIY manicures, she has tried products from Olive & June, Chillhouse, Paint Lab, and Kiss. She has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers nail polish, grooming tools, makeup, and skincare.

Cullen Ormond is a freelance Byrdie writer and a longtime editor whose work can be found on Apartment Therapy. She helped to ensure the press-on nail prices and specifications were up to date for easy shopping. As someone who doesn’t have time to hit the salon every other week, these press-on nails looked mighty enticing.

For this story, Team Byrdie worked with a celebrity stylist to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when shopping for press-on nails:

  • Chloe Delgadillo is a celebrity stylist who specializes in hand styling. She has a partnership with Claire's called Styling Hands, which offers tips and advice for nail art and trendy hand embellishments.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough press-on nails from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The Best Press-On Nails That Have Saved Byrdie Editors Hundreds on Nail Appointments (2024)

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