Trips to the nail salon are costly and time-consuming—no matter what kind of manicure you choose. But if you don't have steady hands, painting your nails at home can be challenging. 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 just aren't great 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 fall off during date night or destroy your nail beds.
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.
Best Budget
Dashing Diva Magic Press Press-On Nails
What We Like
Quick/easy application
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. “The adhesive is strong, and it doesn't feel like these will fall off my nail beds,” says Jessica.
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.
Best Reusable
Chillhouse Chill Tips Reusable Press-On Nails
What We Like
Durable and waterproof
Lasts up to three weeks
Seamless finish
What to Consider
Tricky to remove
Visible glue through nail
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,” says Maia.
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.
What We Like
Quick/easy application
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.
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 flattering, fun, and last as long as you want.
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.
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, PaintLab, 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 long-time 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 celebrity stylists 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.