Press-on Nails: The Safe and Stylish Alternative to Salon Manicures

Over the past year, the nail-verse has seen a surge in popularity for press-on nails. The convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional salon manicures, not only do they offer an opportunity for creativity and self-expression, but they also come with a host of benefits. Ease of use, versatility, and array of designs being just a couple of examples. It’s no wonder, then, that press-on nails have had a kind of renaissance in the beauty industry.

One of the most significant advantages of press-on nails is the time saved. While salon appointments can eat up hours of your day, applying press-ons can be done at your convenience, in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or a parent, press-on nails allow you to achieve a flawless manicure without having to set aside a chunk of your schedule.

They’re also more cost-effective than a trip to the salon. Between appointments, designs, and infills, the costs can add up quickly for salon nails. Press-on nails, on the other hand, offer a budget-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on style.

Reducing trips to the salon is not just good for the bank, but also for your health. Frequent salon manicures can lead to weakened, brittle, or damaged natural nails due to the use of acrylics, gels, or the filing required for application and removal. Press-on nails, on the other hand, require no harsh chemicals or excessive buffing, which helps maintain the health and strength of your natural nails.

Most importantly, press-on nails avoid the risks exposing the nails and skin to UV rays. Dr Nina Bal, an Advanced Facial Aesthetics Practitioner and Skincare Expert, explains:

For most professional, in-salon nail treatments, the polish/acrylic needs to be dried and cured under a specially designed UV lamp which ensures that the nails stay put for weeks. While nail treatments are a monthly occurrence for many of us, we never actually stop and think about the effects that this process has on the skin on your hands. It's only recently that people have started to consider that regular, close exposure is very unhealthy and damaging with some people even investing in special nail-appointment fingerless gloves that block out the UV rays.

It's also worth noting that the skin on your hands is much thinner than other body parts which means that it loses its elasticity faster and ages much quicker. So if you add UV exposure on top of this, your hands are going to age at an extreme rate. In my opinion, using at-home methods such as gel strips and press-ons is definitely much more beneficial for your skin health.

This is to say nothing of the fact that press-on nails are incredibly user-friendly. Most kits come with adhesive tabs or nail glue for easy attachment, and removal is as simple as soaking your nails in warm water. No need for soaking in acetone or painful scraping, which can be necessary after a salon visit. Plus, you can easily match your nails to your outfits or mood without committing to a particular design for weeks.

If all of this is starting to sound rather appealing to you, then we’ve got you covered with this list of the best press on nails around so you can enjoy fabulous, fashionable fingertips without the need for salon appointments.

For a barely-there look…

Elegant Touch | Blush Suede

These Elegant Touch press-ons in the colour "Blush Suede" are great for anyone looking for a bit of length without compromising a natural nail look. The nails come in the on-trend short stiletto shape with a glossy finish. They’re incredibly simple to use, and guarantee durable and professional-looking manicure in only a few seconds.

Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.

For a unique design…

Lottie Stay Press'd | Abstract Swirl

These Lottie press-on nails come with a unqiue design, attractive gel finish and an on-trend squareletto form. They’re great to try out a new look without committing to the design for weeks. They are simple to apply with either adhesive pads or vegan nail glue and can last up to seven days before needing removal.

Available at Lottie.

For a twist on a classic…

Nails.inc | Tonal Tips

These tonal artificial nails from Nails.inc are made for polish perfectionists looking for a new take on an age old classic: the french mani. The tipped, coffin-shaped designs are based on trending, photo-worthy tonal nail art and are easily stuck on in seconds with the included nail glue.

Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.

For the cherry on top…

Never Go Alone Renew Hand Cream

When you’re all done with your new nails, you can use Never Go Alone’s Renew Hand Cream that is formulated to strengthen the skin barrier, decrease irritation and dryness, and safeguard against environmental stressors.

This hydrating, non-greasy solution combines skin-replenishing peptides, calming oils, and marine algae along with reparative antioxidants to cure damaged skin, restore the cuticles, and leave the skin barrier nourished and fragrant.

Available at Sephora.

For nails that could kill…

Bare But Better | Nude Drama

KISS takes the no-makeup look a step further: The nude nail trend is here. “Nude Drama” is just one of the four nude shade choices that flatter a range of skin tones. These press-ons look professionally done, but it take only minutes to DIY!

Available at Boots.

For that on-trend look…

PS… Swirl Pointed Gloss

The PS… Swirl Pointed Gloss press-ons are a sure fire way to get that on-trend 60s nail look. They come in a flattering almond shape with stunning blue accents and are easy to apply and remove with adhesive or glue.

Available at Primark.

For a pop of colour…

Lottie x KimKim Stay Press'd | Colour Block Party

This is the lovechild of Lottie and KimKim Nails - a leading nail technician with celebrity clients like Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and Charli D'Amilo. Try out the hottest new nail collab in town with adhesive pads or vegan nail glue, giving you up to seven days of wear.

Available at Lottie.