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No time for a salon appointment—and not exactly blessed with steady hands? No problem. The best press-on nails deliver salon-quality designs (and length, if you’re chasing a chic longer look) in mere seconds. Worried about longevity? Rest assured, with proper application, they can stay flawless for over a week. Today’s press-ons require zero painting precision, no plug-in drying tools, and offer a smudge-free, chip-resistant alternative to traditional air-drying polish and gel manis. Just look at major nail moments from fashion month: from croc-print French tips at Kim Shui to semi-sheer nude stilettos at Tokyo James, press-ons made every look possible. Or rewind to the TikTok-fueled obsession with Euphoria’s intricate nail art created by celebrity nail artist Natalie Minerva—yes, those were press-ons, too.
Vogue’s Favorite Press-On Nails
- Best Trend-Forward: Glamnetic Short Almond Press-On Nails Set, $15
- Best Durability: Mani Muse Perfectly Pressed Gel Mani, $18
- Best Salon-Quality: Chillhouse Catch The Crown Long Almond Chill Tips, $16
- Best Removable Tabs: Olive & June Mulberry Tab Press-Ons, $8
In This Story
- Should I opt for glue-on or adhesive tab press-on nails?
- How To Apply Press-On Nails
- How To Make Your Press-On Nails Last
- How To Remove Press-On Nails
- Meet The Experts
While press-ons are more of a quick fix than a weeks-long solution, as long as you’re gentle when removing them, you can switch out your designs far more frequently (and for a fraction of the cost) than gong to the salon. Celebrity nail artist Natalie Minerva says it all depends on what products you use to apply your press-ons. “If you are gluing them down, you’ll likely need to take breaks between sets or make sure to wear them out for a full 7-10 days so you aren’t constantly peeling off nail layers. The other option is sticky tabs which cause little to no damage but are far more temporary,” Minerva tells Vogue.
Below, shop the best press-on nails (with tab and glue-on options) for a low-commitment, high-quality mani in minutes.
Best Trend-Forward: Glamnetic Short Almond Press-On Nails Set
- Why we love it: Glamnetic has all the current nail trends you’ll find at any expert salon—from cat-eye velvet finishes to metallic French tips. With inclusive sizing options, you’ll find the perfect fit to match the size of your natural nail bed. Our current favorite? An incredibly realistic short almond nail set that may just have your friends fooled. We can already hear it now—“Wait! These are press-on?!”
- Staying Power: Approximately 10 days
- Number of nails: 30
- Included tools: Cuticle stick, double-sided nail file, alcohol pad, nail glue
- Reusable: Yes
- Length: Short
Best Salon-Quality: Chillhouse Catch The Crown Long Almond Chill Tips
- Why we love it: For non-New Yorkers who might not be aware, Chillhouse is a trendy nail salon in the heart of SoHo, Manhattan. Their press-on collections allow you to achieve all the same nail looks, for a fraction of the price of a real mani—and from the comfort of your home. With short, long, and medium nail lengths, and any shape your heart desires—after gluing your nails in place, you’ll be sporting a screenshot worthy design.
- Staying Power: 7-10 days
- Number of nails: 24
- Included tools: Dual-sided buffer and file, cuticle stick, nail glue
- Reusable: Yes
- Length: Various (short, medium, and long)
Best Removable Tabs: Olive & June Mulberry Tab Press-Ons
- Why we love it: Spooked by the potential mess of using nail glue? Beloved at-home mani brand Olive & June offers tab press-on options—think of them as a much stronger double-sided tape that secures your faux nail in place. Best of all, these faux nails are made with up to 94% recycled materials with a glossy top coat for an extra realistic finish.
- Staying Power: Up to 7 days
- Number of nails: 32
- Included tools: Non-damaging nail tabs
- Reusable: Yes
- Length: Short, medium
Best Acrylic-Like: Kiss imPRESS Salon Acrylic French Nude
- Why we love it: French nails are like the little black dress of manicures—a forever classic. Kiss offers a convincing press-on option with medium-length, coffin-shaped faux French tips. Plus, rather than the standard transparent nail glue, Kiss opts for pink-tinted glue for a more natural look that blends seamlessly with your natural nail bed.
- Staying Power: Up to 14 days
- Number of nails: 28
- Included tools: Dual-sided buffer and file, cuticle stick, pink-tinted nail glue
- Reusable: Yes
- Length: Medium
Best Durability: Mani Muse Perfectly Pressed Gel Mani
- Why we love it: Mani Muse aims to offer salon-worthy manis for a fraction of the price of a professionally painted set. with durable, reusable press-ons. Their specialty? Super shiny single-color nails that look like a fresh coat of gel polish (no curing necessary). Plus, who doesn’t love a classic red manicure?
- Staying Power: Up to 14 days
- Number of nails: 30
- Included tools: Dual sided buffer and file, nail glue
- Reusable: Yes
- Length: Short
Best Long-Wearing: Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicure in Nude Sway
- Why we love it: Boasting up to 18 days of wear, you can ride out your Static Nails mani for the maximum time or remove them whenever the whim strikes you—but don’t toss them after a single use. You can re-wear Static nails up to six times, in addition to painting or reshaping them if you fancy some extra customization.
- Staying Power: Up to 18 days
- Number of nails: 24
- Included tools: Dual sided file and buffer, nail glue
- Reusable: Yes
- Length: Short
Best on Amazon: BTArtbox Gel Press-On Nails
- Why we love it: With nearly five thousand reviews on Amazon, it’s safe to say BTArtbox’s press-on kits are a fan favorite. Rather than designs being printed by ink, all options are made by gel following the same standard process of any pro manicure (think: base coat, color gel polish, design, top coat). Speaking of being made with gel, the feel of these faux nails is more flexible, rather than a hard plastic.
- Staying Power: One to two weeks
- Number of nails: 32
- Included tools: Storage box, nail glue, adhesive tabs, double-sided nail file, cuticle stick, and alcohol pad
- Reusable: Yes
- Length: Various (short, medium, and long)
Best Short Nails: OPI x Press/On Instant Gel-Like Salon Manicure
- Why we love it: OPI’s collaboration with Press/On offers the same look of a freshly-painted gel manicure, with no UV lamp drying necessary. Made in a natural, short length, there are plenty of colors and nail shapes to choose from—take your pick of round, squoval, or square.
- Staying Power: Up to 14 days
- Number of nails: 30
- Included tools: Dual sided file and buffer, cuticle stick, nail glue, alcohol prep pad
- Reusable: Yes
- Length: Short
Should I opt for glue-on or adhesive tab press-on nails?
Before you make this decision, it’s key to consider how long you want to wear them for. “Tabs are the double-sided stickers that are designed to last for a day or short term. Good tabs have flexibility and are slightly thicker to fill the empty space between the press-ons and natural nails while not lifting,” celebrity manicurist Emi Kudo tells Vogue. “Glue on has more durability and suit to longer lasting, but harder to remove than tabs so there are pros and cons.”
"Glue on nails require an instant glue to apply and adhere to the nails, and are a bit more reliable in terms of wear," adds celebrity nail artist Natalie Minerva. “Adhesive tab press ons are typically a one day wear but great if you like to switch up your nails often!”
How To Apply Press-On Nails
Kudo breaks down step by step how to apply your press-on nails to ensure the best results:
- Prep: “File and shape the natural nails to a shorter length than press-ons. Then, push your cuticles back gently. Next, buff the surface of the natural nails. Lastly, always cleanse your natural nails by wiping with rubbing alcohol,” says Kudo.
- Size Match: Ideally, the faux nail should fit on your natural nail, comfortably fitting to the cuticle bed with no spaces on either side of your finger. It can be tricky, but Kudo has a solution. “Remember, a bigger press-on nail is better than one that’s too small, which will prevent popping off. If you choose bigger, shape the side and cuticle line with a nail file to fit the natural nails,” she says.
- Press in Place: Depending on which application option you go for, Kudo explains how to use tabs or glue to lock your press-ons in place.
- Tab: “Measure the size of the tab that fits to the natural nails, then remove one side of the tab, then apply and press on to the prepped nails. Next, remove the other side of the tab, then apply pre-selected press-ons over the tab, then press and hold for five seconds,” says Kudo.
- Glue: Generally, it’s best to apply glue to both the fake nail and your natural nail—but don’t overdo it. “Apply the glue to the back of the press-on in a small circle—aim for an amount slightly smaller than the width of the press-on itself. Then, apply a small circle of glue onto your natural nail,” says Kudo. “Press the faux nail onto your natural nail. If glue comes out from the side, wipe it off immediately. Hold the press-on for five to 10 seconds to ensure it’s secured.”
How To Make Your Press-On Nails Last
To ensure your nails don’t prematurely pop-off while you’re buttoning a jacket or typing away at your laptop, the experts share their tips for prolonging the wear time of your press-ons:
- Pushed Back Cuticles: Pushing back the cuticles before applying press-ons ensures the faux nail won’t apply on top of your skin. Kudo explains that skipping this step will limit your press-on’s staying power by not allowing the nail to be properly secured.
- Patience During Prep: After cleaning the surface of your nail with rubbing alcohol, allow your nails to fully dry before moving on to glue or tabs. By skipping this step, natural oils, or moist nail beds can interfere with the adhesion of glue or tabs.
- Be Gentle: Kudo advises skipping using your nails to open cans, boxes, or any other activity that will apply pressure to the press-on. Instead, opt for the path of least resistance—like this TikTok user, who uses a spoon to open her soda.
- Reduce Time In Water: “Avoid having your hands in water for prolonged periods of time. Because it’s not the same adhesion as gel or acrylic, it can cause the wear and tear to be faster. Wear gloves when doing the dishes if possible,” adds Minerva.
How To Remove Press-On Nails
“Wearing press-ons won’t damage natural nails. Damage only occurs when press-ons aren’t properly removed,” assures Kudo.
For removing nail glue, Kudo suggest opting for a glue remover—her favorite option is Kiss’s Glue Off though Makartt also makes a popular Amazon option. “Glue Off blends acetone and alcohol for a combined solution which removes press-ons instantly from natural nails. It can squeeze into small spaces between nails and press-ons for targeted application near the cuticle side. It’s one of the most less stressful ways to remove press-ons,” she explains. Meanwhile, tabs require a different method entirely. “Spray rubbing alcohol between press-on and natural nails while using an orange wood stick to lift them from cuticles line or sidewalls. Repeat this process slowly and carefully,” says Kudo.
Alternatively, Minerva likes to soak off press-ons. “I prefer to soak mine off with acetone like you would gels or acrylics because I want as minimal damage to my natural nails as possible. However, this does require you to completely destroy your press-on,” she says, adding that if you’re concerned about reusing your press-on, there’s another option. “If you don’t want to damage your press-ons, try soaking in very warm water with oil for 10-15 minutes and peeling off. Usually, the warm water and oil combo helps to lift the glue and causes less damage to the nails.”
Meet The Experts
- Natalie Minerva is a celebrity manicurist with 11 years of experience and is the lead nail artist for HBO’s Euphoria. Her celebrity clientele includes Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Halsey, Barbie Ferreira, Addison Rae and more.
- Emi Kudo is a Japanese born celebrity manicurist based between LA and New York. Kudo's clients include Lady Gaga, Emma Stone, Bella Hadid, Penelope Cruz, Riley Keough, Emily Ratajowski, Janet Jackson, Margaret Qualley, Kendrick Lamar, Jennifer Lawrence and more.
