The 6 Best Press-On Nails of 2024

May 2024 · 11 minute read

Sometimes, you’ve got to be a little high maintenance to be low maintenance in your daily routine. Enter: press-on nails. While these nail enhancements may seem a little fussy to apply, they can last much longer than a basic manicure. The dizzying array of designs gives you endless options to customize your look (even if you’re not especially talented at nail art). And as a bonus, you can even reuse press-on nails for a manicure that lasts and lasts.

However, you might be a little wary of press-on nails if it’s a new style for you — especially since the removal process can damage your nails if you’re not careful. We tested over a dozen sets to see which truly “nailed” it — rating each set of nails on a scale of 1 to 5 in a few categories: Ease of use, overall look, glue strength, and the integrity of their natural nails post-removal. These were the best press-on nails we tried.

Best Overall

Paint Lab Press-On Nails

Paint Lab Press-On Nails

Paint Lab

Our Ratings

What We Love: These press-ons fit comfortably on any nail bed and come in countless designs.

What We Don't Love: The nails are thick and sturdy, which can make filing and shaping time-consuming.

For comfortable, long-lasting nails, we found PaintLab’s offerings to be the best press-on nails we tested. PaintLab’s press-ons come in a variety of designs — like swirls, cherries, smileys, and more — so it’s easy to find a set that matches your aesthetic. And the application process couldn’t be easier. “The press-ons fused to my natural nails really well,” our tester shares. The best part is that once they’re on, they don’t even look like fake nails. Our tester says their nails looked professionally painted.

The nails themselves are sturdy, which is a good thing when it comes to staying power. However, if you’ll be shaping and filing them, you may need to dedicate a few minutes to each nail since they’re so solid.

Number of Nails: 24 | Adhesive Included: Glue | Extras: Dual-sided nail buffer, cuticle stick

Best Value

Dashing Diva Magic Press Press-On Nails

Dashing Diva MagicPress Solid Colors Press-On Nails

Dashing Diva

Our Ratings

What We Love: These nails make it easy to fake a gel manicure in a pinch.

What We Don't Love: The set doesn't come with glue, so staying power varies based on each nail's adhesive backing.

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to look put together but your chipped manicure made you feel otherwise? The Magic Press Solid Color sets from Dashing Diva are perfect for achieving simple salon-quality gel manicures in seconds. A must-have for someone with a penchant for barely-there, nude nails, these customizable press-ons make for an easy, high-gloss mani without the use of any UV light. There's no need for glue, either: You can pop these on your natural nails and head out the door with no muss or fuss. Not only are they easy to apply, but they look convincingly real. "The nails look amazing on my fingers," our tester admits. "I'd prefer applying these over going to a salon and getting my nails done."

Despite the lack of glue, the tester explains that the adhesive felt strong in the lab setting. However, if you tend to be rougher on your hands or spend a lot of time in the sink, you might want to consider another option. After several hand washes, it's safe to assume that the adhesive will eventually give, and you may lose a nail or two.

Number of Nails: 30 nails in 12 sizes | Adhesive Included: Double-sided nail tabs | Extras: Prep pad, nail file, cuticle stick

Best Designs

Chillhouse Chill Tips

Chillhouse Chill Tips

Chillhouse

What We Love: These press-on nails have unique designs that rival professional nail artists' creations.

What We Don't Love: Testers found the glue to be a little too sticky and difficult to remove.

As far as designs are concerned, press-on nails have really evolved. Back when I was dipping my fingers into the world of fake nails, I could only really find plain pinks and reds. While there's nothing wrong with a simple, one-tone manicure, a set with nail art that looks like it was done at a salon is unmatched — especially now that quirky graphics, psychedelic swirls, and colorful tips are all the rage. Constantly heading to the salon for a new design can get pricey, though, so I'm thankful that Chillhouse offers tons of designs for a fraction of the cost.

If there was one thing we could change about the Chillhouse Chill Tips, it would be the glue. It works well in adhering the faux nails to natural nails, but when it comes in contact with the skin, it gets super sticky. "The nails were easy to apply, but the glue was tacky when it got on my fingers," our tester shares. "When I removed the press-on nails, I found that there was some residue left on my natural nails, too."

Number of Nails: 24 nails | Adhesive Included: Glue | Extras: Dual-sided buffer, cuticle stick

Best Long-Lasting

Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicure

Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicure

Ulta

Our Ratings

What We Love: You get your money's worth with these press-on nails that can be reapplied, re-shaped, and even re-painted.

What We Don't Love: We wish the kit came with a manicure stick to help with the application.

Available in a variety of lengths, designs, and colors, selecting a set from Static Nails is comparable to choosing a shade of polish from the wall at the nail salon — it can feel impossible to pick just one. Once you do, though, the possibilities are endless. Each set can be reused, re-shaped, and even re-painted. Best of all: These nails have some serious staying power. "I wore the nails when doing laundry and washing dishes, and to my shock, they stayed on," the tester says.

The tester also shares that the nails look very natural. Julie Kandalec, a professional nail artist whose work has graced the fingertips of celebs like Sydney Sweeney, Mariah Carey, and Jessica Chastain, explains that to ensure your press-on manicure looks as convincing as possible, the nail's edge should match up with your cuticle line. "Not filing this area is a tell-tale sign that the nails you're wearing are fake," she says.

One thing to note: the kit comes with everything you'll need for application except a wooden manicure stick. It's not a big deal, but you may need to use your fingers to push back your cuticles before putting on any glue.

Nails of Nails: 24 nails in 12 sizes | Adhesive Included: Glue | Extras: Dual-sided buffer

Best Kit

Olive & June Press-On System

Olive & June Press-On System

Olive & June

Our Ratings

What We Love: This kit includes everything you'll need for a full-fledged salon-quality manicure.

What We Don't Love: The nails look a little fake.

While all you need for a gorgeous-looking faux manicure is nails, glue, and a little patience, the Olive & June Press-On System convinced one of our testers that extras (like a nail clipper, dual-grit nail file, pro-grade nail buffer, and cuticle serum) make all the difference. Simply pick your favorite press-ons, which are made with 94 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and let Olive & June supply the rest.

The kit comes with a full set of nails, but when you're inevitably ready to switch things up, you can buy a new design for just $10 without repurchasing the entire kit. Don't discard nails you've already worn, though, because they can be reused, too. Once you're ready to take the nails off, all you have to do is follow the simple instructions on the removal kit. (Tip: After gently removing the press-ons, be sure to use the nail strengthener to reverse any damage that may have occurred.)

Since the nails are made from recycled plastic, they don't exactly look like real nails, but that didn't seem to bother the tester. "The tips are sturdy. Plus, the designs are pretty and have a nice glossy finish," they say. "Do they look real? Absolutely not, but who cares? They're fun!"

Number of Nails: 42 nails in 21 sizes | Adhesive Included: Glue | Extras: Carry-all pouch, file, buffer, prep pad, cuticle pusher, clipper, cuticle serum, nail strengthener, removal system

Best for Damaged Nails

ManiMe

Mani Me

ManiMe

What We Love: These gel nail stickers are custom-made to fit your nails.

What We Don't Love: They don't last as long as other options.

Press-on might not be the best choice for you if you have damaged fingernails. According to Kandalec, sometimes your nails just need a break to "allow new, virgin nails to grow." If you think your nails need some time to chill, skip the glue and press-ons and opt for nail stickers instead. The ManiMe nail stickers differ from others because they're custom-made to fit your nails: The site guides you to take five photographs of your hands, and from there they create stickers that are made uniquely for you.

Once you receive them, the application process is super simple — all you have to do is press the stickers onto your fingernails and file them to your desired length. And, thanks to the fact that there's no glue involved, it's easy to correct mistakes. "After I realized I put one of the stickers upside down, it was easy to just peel it off and try again," the tester explains. "The longer the stickers sat on my nails, the more bonded they became, but my fingernails didn't look damaged post-removal."

The brand says that the gel nail stickers will last up to 10 days, and for the most part, they did. "The nails stayed put after multiple rounds of washing with warm water and even a shower," the tester shares. "No water seeped underneath, which really surprised me." If you're someone who uses your hands a lot or tends to rough up a normal manicure, you should keep in mind that these are just stickers and they may become damaged after a few days.

Number of Nails: 15 nail stickers | Adhesive Included: Stickers | Extras: Prep pad, nail file

What to Keep in Mind

Your Questions, Answered

What are press-on nails?

Press-on nails are artificial nails that are made of acrylic resin, gel, or most commonly, ABS plastic. They are sold blank and ready to paint, or already painted with nail polish, gems, studs, or many other mediums. Press-on nails cover the entire nail bed, unlike the tips in the salon that adhere only to the tip of your nail and are covered with acrylic or gel by a salon pro. Some press-on nails, like those from Static Nails, can even be re-shaped, re-applied, and re-painted.

How do you apply press-on nails?

"Before applying your press-ons, make sure you trim or file your polish-free natural nails short so the free edge doesn't show," Kandalec explains. "Then, lightly buff your nails to improve adhesion and swipe them with 91 to 99 percent isopropyl alcohol." After you've chosen all 10 nails and shaped them to fit perfectly, cover each fingernail with glue (one at a time). For best results, try aligning the press-on along the cuticle line and applying each one at a downward angle, pressing firmly for 20-30 seconds. "If any glue seeps from the sides, remove it right away with a cuticle stick dipped in acetone," she adds.

How can you care for your nails after removing press-ons?

Always make sure to remove your press-on nails correctly. Improper removal (like ripping them off) can lead to brittle, damaged nails. Kandalec says that after you soak your nails off, be gentle with them for a few hours. "Apply a hydrating cuticle oil and hand cream to replenish the skin after removal since acetone can be drying," she says.

Why Shop With Us

Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer for InStyle, where she covers all things beauty and fashion. With expert insight from a professional nail artist, she compiled insights from our in-house testers, poured over product specifications and rounded up our top picks for this story. She has experience researching, testing and writing about beauty products and has tried tons of different press-on nails, including several of the above brands.

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