Nail Artists Swear By These Press-On Nails (2024)

It's 2023, and nail art trends are hotter than ever. I practically get more compliments on my fresh manicures than I do my cute, new outfits nowadays. And, as much fun as it can be to stop by your local nail salon every few weeks, that can get seriously pricey and do some major damage to your digits. Enter: press-on nails. They're mega affordable (usually under $10!), never chip, last up to a month long, and usually only take about 10 or 15 quick and easy minutes to put on.

But press-on (also known as "glue-on") nails aren't just for my fellow low-maintenance beauty lovers. Celebrity nail artists and manicurists love them, too. "A good set of press-on nails look like real nails, make you feel amazing, and allow you to change up your look whenever you want, however you want," says manicure trend expert Olivia Van Iderstine. Celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri agrees—she did Gigi Hadid and Nicola Coughlin for the 2022 Met Gala.

The benefits don't stop at how trendy and affordable press-on nails can be. Dermatologist Dr. Dana Stern, MD, specializes in nail health and praises the benefits, too. "The advantage with press-on nails is that the adhesive is only coming into contact with the nail and not the surrounding skin," she says.

Now that you know press-on nails are editor, dermatologist, and celeb manicurist-approved, see below for 11 of the best expert-loved kits and trends you can get now.

1.Kiss imPress French Manicure

Iderstine loves a good, classic French manicure. The clean look will never go out of style, and this kit is great for press-on newbies because you don't need glue. Simply press them on like they're stickers for your nails.

The kit comes with everything you'll need, from a nail-cleaning prep wipe and cuticle pusher to a mini nail file you can use on your real nails or to shape the press-ons. What's even better is that this comes with some glittery nail options you can use to mix up your look, if you'd like to.

Length: Short

Kit Includes: 30 adhesive nails, cuticle stick, file, and nail wipe

2. Glamnetic Rainbow French Tips

Color-blocking isn't just stylish in clothing right now. Iderstine says that a color-blocked French manicure is totally on-trend, too. Glamnetic's press-ons already come ready with a UV finish, so you won't have to worry about them getting scratched, and the negative space at the bottom means you can totally let them grow out for a bit without anyone knowing the difference.

I've had these on for three weeks and receive so many compliments on them from my fellow editors in the WH office. Not into this particular nail art? Glamnetic has 34 distinct, bold options to choose from.

Length: Medium

Kit Includes: 24 nails, glue, cuticle stick, file, and nail wipe

3. Kiss Full Cover Nails

Kawajiri stresses that the most important thing to look for in a press-on nail is a good fit. "The sizing should match your nail beds closely in order for the tips to look realistic, and to prevent them from falling off." This mega affordable kit includes 100 nails in 10 different sizes, and the customization doesn't stop there. Paint them whatever color you'd like, or stick with the all-white color. You can even shave them down further to match your exact nail shape.

Length: Short to Medium

Kit Includes: 100 nails and glue

4. CoolNail Ombre Nails

Ombre isn't just for your hair anymore. Kawajiri loves the trend, and while you could do it in this nude shade, you can also go bold with these extra long black and white ones. Both come in the trendy coffin shape, but you can shave them down to an oval, square, or whatever else your preference may be. Just note that nail glue doesn't come in this kit, so you'll want to buy some separately, here.

Length: Medium

Kit Includes: 24 nails

5. MD Mad Doll Neon Nail Kit

Press-ons allow you to experiment with patterns and designs you might've taken a lot of time and money to get done at a salon, and there's no better way to experiment than with this multi-colored nail kit. Sure, you could go in with the same color on each finger, but Iderstine is really digging the mix-and-match tonal mani. "Choose a shape and length you love, then combine a few different colors for a bold, colorful look!" This all-inclusive kit comes with eight matte nail colors, glue, adhesive stickers if you want to skip the glue, and wipes.

Length: Medium

Kit Includes: 192 nails, glue, adhesive tabs, cuticle stick, file, and nail wipes

6. Yosomk Abstract Face Nails

This artistic, French museum-worthy manicure is a great way to get playful with your design while staying minimalist with color. The short design and negative space will make it last for a long time, too. Kawajiri is super interested in abstract designs like this one right now. Yosomk's kit comes with both adhesive tabs and nail glue, so you can choose which is best for you.

Length: Short

Kit Includes: 24 nails, adhesive tabs, glue, cuticle stick, and file

7. Glamnetic Wild Card Nails

Another upside of press-on nails? You can opt for something really bold and simply take the nails right off if/when you aren't feeling them anymore. These Glamnetic ones have a different design on each nail, but the color palette is consistent.

Length: Medium

Kit Includes: 24 nails, glue, cuticle stick, file, and nail wipe

8. Static Peach French Manicure Set

If you love the French mani look but want something a bit more unique, Iderstine loves a pop of neon. Static Peach's kit comes with a buffer, nail file, non-damaging glue, and 12 different size options. These nails can last up to 18 days when applied just right, too.

Length: Long

Kit Includes: 24 nails, glue, buffer, and nail file

9. Kiss imPress Gel Nail Kit

I can't paint my nails one solid color without looking like it was done by a toddler, so I love these short no-glue-needed adhesive nails for when I want something quick, easy, and long-lasting. "A short, solid-colored nail is always fresh, effortless, fun, and chic," says Iderstine.

Length: Short

Kit Includes: 30 adhesive nails, cuticle stick, file, and nail wipe

10. Olive And June Press-Ons

It's hard to ignore the fact that press-on nails can, of course, be contributing to a larger amount of waste in the world. If that's something you are conscious of, you'll feel more comfortable with Iderstine's personal favorite brand, Olive and June. All of their trendy press-ons are made with 94 percent post-consumer materials. You can even book a virtual nail appointment to have an expert guide you through putting these on.

Length: Medium

Kit Includes: 42 nails, glue, buffer, and nail wipe

11. Chillhouse Reusable Nails

Loved by myself, Women's Health editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, and beauty editor Danielle Jackson, Chillhouse brought their cult-favorite in-person salon manicures to everyone's homes with their boxed press-ons. Not only does the brand do the trendiest designs out there, they're super durable, so you can easily reuse them.

Length: Medium

Kit Includes: 24 nails, glue, buffer, cuticle stick, and file

How Our Team Chose The Best Press-On Nails

For the past three years, Women’s Health editors, including our senior commerce editor Neha Tandon, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated press-on nails. Our team consulted nail experts, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the 11 best press-on nails for a wide range of needs and preferences.