The 7 Best Press-On Nails That Will Make You Want to Talk With Your Hands
The claws are out.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
No one talks about how expensive it is to upkeep beauty services. Shelling out hundreds of dollars each month for pricey nail extensions or investing in a UV nail lamp to do your gel mani at home can become quite exhausting, especially if your lifestyle leans on the busier side. You can rock your nails bare, but where's the fun in that, anyway? Press-on nails are the next best thing.
If the term "press-ons" immediately conjures images of sleepovers and drugstore French tips, rest assured that press-ons of today have evolved to rival the look of a salon-level nail set. From French manicures to bedazzled coffin-style tips, today’s offerings come in a range of elevated shapes and designs you’ll be eager to plop on and take selfies with. Heck, some are so sleek, they may even fool people into thinking they’re your actual claws—so as long as you prep your nails properly, that is.
“Definitely groom and clean your cuticles to ensure a seamless look,” advises Ann McFerran, CEO and co-founder of Glamnetic. “Also, making sure to pick press-on nails that are slightly smaller than your real nails will help with sizing.” Duly noted.
To bring you one step closer to a quick and flawless finish, we sifted through customer reviews to find the seven best press-on nails ahead. Additionally, we spoke with McFerran to get all her tips on how best to use them.
Pros
- Great assortment of colors to choose from
Cons
- Will likely need to file to fit your toenail size
Fake nails on your toes can feel (and definitely sound) weird at first. However, Kiss's imPress nail collection makes the press-on experience quite comfortable. Skip the nail drying time and opt for these nails, which come in a slew of bold colors that look like you're fresh out of a salon for a fraction of the price. The nails are chip-proof and durable enough should you need to file them down to your perfect size.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “My aversion to toenail press-ons ended when imPress Short Pedicure nails landed on my desk. I popped one on as a joke but was quickly humbled—toenail press-ons are actually a game-changer. While it takes some getting used to, I love how convenient the nails are and how quickly I can go from having shabby toenails to a polished set with just a buffer, glue, and a little pressure.”— Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor
Pros
- Long-lasting glue
Cons
- Learning curve to reduce air bubbles
Mimic the look and feel of a fresh acrylic set without the hassle or lofty price tag. With 28 nails to choose from—in varying sizes to cater to a range of nail beds—this set from Kiss is super durable and long-lasting, so you won't need to worry about any popping off for at least two weeks. Even better, the nail length is similar to your natural nails, perfect for those who can't manage stiletto tips but want a more polished look. They melt off with acetone for a seamless removal process.
- Included nails: 28 nails
- Included tools: Nail glue, cuticle stick, buffer
- Reusable: No
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “I make sure to stock up on the Kiss Salon Acrylic Natural nails for those in-between periods where I'm not ready for a new gel extension set, but I don't want to leave my nails bare. After sizing and applying each nail, I glue them down and then begin the polishing process. I love that I can swipe on my favorite gel nail polish, cure it with a UV lamp, and go about my day (a nail tech even performed a manicure on top of these nails) without disruption. They stay on for quite some time, so long as they're properly applied.”— NP
Marsai Martin may be best known for her tv role as Diane Johnson on Black-ish, but she’s making her mark in the beautysphere as a nail girl. Her press-on sets range from minimalist shades to fun designs like this oval cut, checkered look dubbed Cookout Invite. Depending on the set, it comes with either nail glue or sticker adhesives for a reusable set.
Included nails: 24 nails
Included tools: Nail glue, cuticle stick, buffer, alcohol wipe pad
Reusable: Yes, if you use the adhesive stickers
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “Who knew I needed press-on nails from Marsai Martin? These are a pleasant surprise. I avoid press-ons because I’m obsessive about my natural nail bed, so I love the adhesive sticker option. The only downside is that you don’t know if you’ll get glue or stickers with your set. If you want adhesives for a short-term commitment, you’ll have to purchase them separately for $12.00, which brings the press-ons to salon prices.”— Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can be hard to remove
These customer and ELLE-editor loved nails are easy to apply, stay on for around two weeks (three if you’re being careful!), and are easy to remove with zero damage to your nail bed. They come as a set of 24 tips in over 12 sizes to help you find a good fit. Not to mention, they’re available in dozens of colors and patterns to choose from, whether you prefer a classic pink or funky cow print.
- Included nails: 24
- Included tools: Nail glue, cuticle stick, double-sided nail tool
- Reusable: Yes
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “From someone who was skeptical at first, I can honestly say I am shocked with these nails. I take daily showers, I use my hands for all types of things (I’m a teacher) and have accidentally hit my fingers on several objects and not one has fallen off in the week and a half I’ve had these on! Very pleased and will order again!”
Pros
- Easily customizable
Cons
- May be too thin for wider nail beds
Don’t sleep on the press-on nail options on Amazon. If you gravitate towards a statement-making look, these top-rated stiletto nails are just the ticket. Backed by over 1,400 five-star reviews, they come in a range of bold finishes, including this cool holographic option. Plus, if you want to shorten them, customers mention you can easily file down the length to your liking.
- Included nails: 20
- Included tools: File, adhesive tabs
- Reusable: Yes
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I am obsessed with these. Super professional, sturdy, trimmable. Got so many compliments on them. Will purchase again.”
Pros
- Cute designs
Cons
- Can be hard to remove
For a Gen Z design, these professional-looking press-ons are best suited to the ultimate cool girl who matches her nails to her Pinterest board. With this set, you get 24 nails and the brand’s “non-damaging” nail glue, plus a dual-sided buffer, file, and cuticle stick to create a smooth canvas before application. According to shoppers, these are durable and simple to trim, if needed.
- Included nails: 24
- Included tools: Dual-sided buffer and file, cuticle stick, glue
- Reusable: Yes
Chillhouse rating: 5/5 stars
A Chillhouse reviewer says: “I’m obsessed with Chillhouse. I’ve ordered countless press-ons and they are all so cute! I found they stay on for almost two weeks if you buff your nails before. They are a little long for me, but so easy to trim and file. Highly recommend.”
Pros
- No glue needed
Cons
- Design may not suit everyone
If your nails are fragile and you’re scared of using nail glue, these come with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that helps the press-ons stay on without causing damage. The brand says these provide up to seven days of waterproof wear, but some customers note they’ve lasted on nails even longer. When you want to remove them, simply use the included wooden stick to lift the falsie away from your nail bed, then apply a drop of cuticle oil or polish remover to fully loosen the adhesive bond.
- Included nails: 30 gel nails in 12 sizes
- Included tools: Prep pad, nail file, wooden manicure stick
- Reusable: No
Dashing Diva rating: 4/5 stars
A Dashing Diva reviewer says: “I love these nails! First of all, they hold up so well! I go horseback riding, brush the horse, and pick its hoofs all while wearing these. These nails normally stay on for me about one and a half to two weeks without me adding any glue. They are really easy to file down, too!”
What is the best way to apply press-ons?
“The best way to apply press-on nails starts with prepping your nails,” says McFerran. “Push down on your cuticles and clean your natural nails with the alcohol pad in the kit. Then find press-on nails that fit your nail. Apply glue on both your nail and press and nails and apply.”
What’s the best way to remove press-ons?
“The best way to remove your press-ons would be to soak your hands in warm water with oil and dish soap for 10 minutes,” says McFerran. “Then grab either your cuticle stick or use the edge of a press-on nail to gently pop off your the press-ons on your nails. Never force the nails to pop off because that can result in damage. If a press-on nail is being stubborn, soak for five more minutes before trying again.”
How can people avoid damaging their natural nails when applying press-ons?
“Making sure to follow the removal steps can help people avoid damage to your real nails,” says McFerran. “Also following up with cuticle oil and lotion to keep your hands hydrate will also help.”
Meet the Expert
Ann McFerran is the CEO & co-founder of Glamnetic.
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