Press-on nails are the beauty quick fix you need – these are the best ones to buy in 2025

Press-on nails are experiencing an undeniable resurgence, though the reasons are varied. For some, it’s the freedom to switch up designs at will; for others, it’s the vastly improved quality – gone are the flimsy, pop-off plastics of the ’90s. Many also point to the pandemic, when closed salons pushed beauty enthusiasts to discover the convenience of at-home, salon-worthy nails in minutes. Whatever the catalyst, one thing is certain: press-ons are back, and better than ever.

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Less time, less money: "With salon nails, complex designs mean more time and more money," says Saara Salama, founder of Nitro&Co, an emerging press-on nail brand from Finland. "You're locked into that single look for weeks, regardless of how your mood changes." For her, this is where press-ons are the holy grail. Not only are they reusable, but quick and easy applications and removals mean you have creative freedom to truly play with your style. Plus, for those of us with a packed schedule, finding time to sit in a salon for what can be hours can be challenging – press-ons can be applied in minutes in the comfort of your own home.

Health is wealth: "Press-ons are the safest at-home manicure system today," explains Celina Rydén, founder of Switch Nails. The chemicals, filing, drilling and UV exposure that come with modern gel nails can not only impact nail health – making them brittle or thin – but the body as well, as one risks inhaling dust and fumes found in a salon.

Sleek all week: "Unlike salon nails, which are semi-permanent and require infills or professional removal, press-ons can be removed at any time," says Pouline Prahl at Duff Beauty. Where a four-week grown-out acrylic can tarnish a look, press-ons can be swapped out, adjusted and reapplied within minutes, keeping your manicure looking flawless at all times.

"They're [press-on nails] especially suited to people with busy schedules, those who like switching up their style often, or anyone who prefers doing their nails at home," suggests Prahl. "They are the low-commitment way to experiment with different shapes, lengths, and designs."

Beyond convenience, press-ons are also perfect for those with an active lifestyle who still want to embrace style. "Press-ons give us the freedom to build a nail wardrobe, like a capsule collection of multiple looks that can be rotated," says Salama. "You wouldn't wear the same shoes to a meeting, a dinner party, and a kickboxing class, so why lock yourself into one nail style?" That same spirit is embedded in Nitro&Co.'s ethos. "We say we create 'statement nails for soft girls, baddies, bimbos, mob wives, rave mums, vanillas and villains' because we know that as women we're not just one thing. We're all of them depending on the day, the mood and the era we're in."

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Press-on nails also cater to those with certain restrictions. As Rydén notes, her brand is perfect "for anyone in the health industry where you're not allowed to wear nails at your job, for the stressed mum, for people with medical issues where artificial nails don't work, for those who want to change their style often, or for those who only want to wear nails for special occasions."

Press-ons are, in a nutshell, ideal for everyone.

There’s no single correct answer to how best to apply press-ons – it depends entirely on your lifestyle and how you want to use them.

For longer wear, nail glue is the go-to, typically keeping nails in place for one to two weeks. "It creates a stronger, more permanent bond," says Salama. "If you want that 'set it and forget it' convenience, glue is your best friend."

Sticky tabs, meanwhile, are recommended for one to three days of wear – perfect for a special event or night out. They adhere through pressure, much like double-sided tape, and remove easily without damage, making them ideal for frequent style changes. This method also helps extend the overall lifespan of press-ons.

According to all experts, when readying to pop on your press-ons, preparing your nails is the most crucial step.

Below, we have outlined the step-by-step guide for fail-safe falsies application:

Step 1: Remove any old polish and wipe each nail with an alcohol pad or acetone-based polish remover. "This is the make-or-break step of any application," says Salama. "This dehydrates the nail surface and removes oils that would prevent proper application."
Step 2: Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. "You usually have a lot more nail hiding underneath the skin," Rydén advises. "But it should never hurt, so make sure to be gentle."
Step 3: Take a file with a high grit and gently remove any shine from the nail, going from cuticle to tip. Use this time to also shape your natural nails. For press-ons, "make sure to keep them [your natural nails] as short as possible for a better fit," explains Rydén. "Leave a short white edge and make sure to round the corners."
Step 4: Measure your nails. Before you begin applying glue or tabs, lay the press-ons atop your natural nails to ensure they will fit correctly. An incorrect fit could make wearing them uncomfortable or even cause them not to attach properly.
Step 5: Apply your chosen adhesive to the nail, one at a time, place it on your nail, and press down firmly. Hold it in place for 30-40 seconds to allow the adhesive to bond.

Need to know After applying your press-ons, to guarantee the best results, avoid water or heavy use. This could damage the adhesive bond and mean you get less wear out of the nails.

Removal of press-on nails is relatively quick and simple. Below, following expert guidance, we have laid out step-by-step instructions on how to remove your press-ons.

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Step 1: Using warm water and dish soap, create a bath for your nails and allow them to soak for a few minutes
Step 2: Apply some oil to the edges. This softens the adhesive gently. Keep doing this until you can see the nail starting to lift from your own nails
Step 3: Follow where the nail has begun to lift, and using a cuticle pusher, gently lift. Never force the nail as this could damage not only your natural nail, but also the press-on, limiting its potential to be reused

"Press-on nails aren't damaging to natural nails when applied and removed properly," Prahl explains. "They don't require harsh chemicals or heavy filling like some salon treatments do." The trick is to be gentle with removal: being harsh could result in peeling or weakening of the natural nail.

Can you reshape press-ons? This depends on the nails you are using. Most press-ons can easily be filed and reshaped to your preference. However, thicker, durable gel nails, such as those from Nitro&Co, come ready to wear, so filing is not recommended. Most brands, such as Duff Beauty and Switch Nails, offer their press-ons in a variety of shapes, including almond, oval and ballerina, so typically there will be a shape to match your preferences. If you do choose to reshape your nails, however, Rydén recommends applying a top coat and cap the free edge to make sure the layers of the nail don't separate from each other

Can water affect press-ons? "Water will not affect the press-on nails, but it can affect the glue or glue tabs if it seeps in under the nails," explains Rydén. "If the fit is not sung to the natural nail, then it is not uncommon for water or moisture to get under it and cause it to lift a bit." That being said, daily things such as washing your hands or taking a shower generally should not affect the nail.

How do I know what size to order? Press-on nails should fit snugly from side to side of your natural nail, without overlapping the skin or the cuticle. To ensure sizing is correct, most brands send up to 15 nails per hand (30 total) to ensure you find one with the best fit. "The most common mistake when using press-ons is to choose a nail that is too big," says Rydén. "When you go too big, you get air pockets around the sides where the press-on nail is not attached to anything, and they will eventually pop off. So if you are choosing between two sizes, generally go for the smaller one. But if you feel any type of pain or pinching, then go up a size and file the sides of the press-on to make it fit."

How durable are press-on nails? The durability of press-on nails depends on the quality of nail you select. Typically, drug-store nails will be designed for one-time use, so they may not be as durable. However, the brands our experts represent all offer highly durable nails, made with gel to resist chipping and bending. Yet, do be careful how you use them. "Don't open your drink with them or use them as a shoe horn," says Rydén. "Be mindful when you dig in your purse or pockets where you have keys lying around, etc. With that said, with correct application and fit, they are a lot more durable than you would think."

Can you reuse press-on nails? Yes, but this depends, similarly to durability, on the quality of the nail you opt for. "Durable gel press-ons are designed as reusable fashion accessories," explains Salama. "Maximising their lifespan comes down to preparation, application method, and aftercare."

With so many press-on nail options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of styles, shapes, and finishes on the market. But don’t worry – we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve handpicked a curated selection of standout favourites that combine quality, style, and value, so you can find your perfect set without the stress.

While Duff Beauty is best known for its lashes, the sister-run brand also offers a stunning selection of press-on nails. Available in chic almond or square shapes, these nails are ideal for achieving the elevated ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. Think timeless French tips, soft aura designs, classic cherry reds, and the coveted glazed doughnut finish – reminiscent of Hailey Bieber’s iconic manicure. Perfect for anyone seeking a refined yet statement-making look, these press-ons bring salon-worthy elegance right to your fingertips.

With 159 unique styles to choose from, Switch Nails makes it easy to find the perfect press-ons to match your vibe. Available in four flattering shapes – almond, square, oval, and ballerina – this brand blends trend-forward designs with timeless elegance. Created by Celina Rydén, a former nail technician with over 19 years of experience, these nails deliver salon-quality results in seconds.

New girl on the scene, Nitro&Co., hails from Helsinki. If you are looking for nails with a little something more, this is the brand to reach for. From 3D flowers and multicoloured gemstones, to silver line art and match green ombres, Nitro&Co. have something for everyone. Designs that would take hours in the salon and cost more than a pretty penny are available in seconds for less than €40. And (at time of writing) the brand offers a four for three deal, so you can curate a wardrobe of nails to fit your every mood.

If you're looking for stylish nails on a budget, H&M Beauty has you covered with a wide selection of press-on nails starting at just €6. Many of their sets come pre-glued, making them perfect for quick application – no mess, no fuss. Ideal for one-off events, nights out, or spontaneous plans, these nails offer a fun and affordable way to elevate your look without committing to a full salon visit.