Do you know press-on nails?
What are press-on nails?
Like many trends, this manicure comes directly from the United States and has won over, via TikTok and social media, beauty addicts seeking flawless nails and instant nail art. Press-on nails are self-adhesive false nails, ready to apply at home, not to be confused with nail tips or gel false nails applied in salons. Here, everything is already thought out: choice of nail shape (almond, square, stiletto…) and length, shades, or nail art effects at the cutting edge of trends. All that’s left is to stick them on, which is child's play even for beginners. In just a few minutes, you get a salon-worthy result without specific tools or technical skills.
(@sally_hansen)
How does it work?
Good news: the application of press-on nails is as simple as it is quick! It’s an application technique that requires neither professional equipment nor special skills. Just follow a few key steps for a flawless manicure:
- Start with a careful preparation of your natural nails, an essential step to ensure long-lasting tenue.
- Clean each nail using a gentle degreaser, sometimes included in kits as cleansing wipes.
- Then gently push back the cuticles using an emollient and a suitable cuticle pusher to fully free the nail surface.
- Continue by slightly mattifying the surface of the nail with a gentle preparatory file to promote product adhesion.
- Finish with the application of a protective base: the key to a perfect and optimal manicure.
There are 2 application techniques for press-on nails:
- The pre-glued gel pads: also called adhesive patches, these are double-sided stickers very easy to use with several different sizes to stick directly on the nail. Offered separately or included in kits, they allow for quick application and present little direct risk to your natural nails, perfect for those who fear chemicals and want to avoid glue. With a tenue of 3 to 4 days, it's an excellent option for an evening or a long weekend.
- The glue to apply yourself: it allows for a longer-lasting hold, up to 2 weeks. Although it requires a bit more precision during application, it guarantees better daily resistance and a more natural finish.
And for removal? It's one of its main advantages: it is as quick as the application. Just soak your fingertips in a warm water bath for a few minutes to soften the adhesive. And if some residue remains, you can use a boxwood stick or a cuticle pusher soaked in gentle, acetone-free remover to perfect the removal, always gently. We love the commitment-free aspect, as free as air!
Strengths and weaknesses of press-on nails
✅ The advantages
- Impeccable manicure so easy: it is above all a quick solution, no need for base coat or top coat. Unlike traditional false nails that require drying time to ensure the tips are well glued, press-on nails are applied quickly: you adjust the position on the nail, press, and it's done. Application, like removal, is done in the blink of an eye. Ideal for an express, stress-free look before an event, a real time saver!
- Long nails at will, styled like a pro: whether you have short, bitten, soft, or brittle nails, with press-on nails, the result is always perfect. They allow you to play with all shapes and lengths, from the most natural to the most extravagant. Thanks to a multitude of colors, when it comes to style, anything goes: minimalist nail art, French manicure, glazed donut nails, cherry nails, glass nails… You change your look according to your desires or the seasons.
- A reusable product: just a good cleaning after removal and voilà! your press-on nails can be reapplied several times, provided you handle them with care. This aspect is its main advantage, an option that is not only economical but also more sustainable than other manicure techniques. By taking care of your press-ons, you extend their lifespan and reduce your consumption of single-use products, while keeping beautiful nails for any occasion.
(@sally_hansen)
❌ The downsides
- Artificial nails are pre-shaped: press-on nails are designed according to standardized shapes that do not always fit the natural curve of all nails. A poor fit can cause discomfort or even nail lifting. It is therefore essential to choose press-ons suited to the shape of your nails to ensure better tenue and as natural a look as possible.
- A plastic-like finish: some brands offer very shiny finishes that give a very "plastic" effect. This is also the downside of their not very clean composition. For a more authentic finish, choose quality press-on nails made with certified materials.
- Risks for nails: a poorly done application or an overly aggressive removal can weaken the natural nail. Avoid glues whose composition may irritate the nail or harsh peeling, like a bandage, especially if you have fragile nails or nails that tend to break easily. Indeed, this could cause a very unpleasant lifting of the nail plate.
Press-on nails vs Green™ nail polish: let’s compare them!
⏱️ The fastest to apply
🟣 Press-on nails: in 5 to 10 minutes, it’s done! A practical option for rushed mornings or last-minute events.
🟢 Green™ nail polish: allow about 30 minutes for a classic manicure done in several steps:
- nail preparation,
- the layer of Base coat Green™,
- the 2 layers of Green™ polish in the color of your choice,
- the layer of Top coat Sunshine to seal the color.
Each layer dries in the open air, without a UV lamp. You can speed up drying by applying a few Drying Drops at the end of the manicure. Find the Green System in detail here.
✨ The best finish
🟣 Press-on nails : the result is clean and even, even on short or damaged nails. However, be careful with the fitting of the tips: if poorly applied, they can create an artificial appearance and may damage fragile nails.
🟢 Classic Green™ polish : unlike press-on nails, here, no cheating. If your nails are damaged, the result will be less even. To achieve a neat finish and flawless look, it is therefore essential to properly care for your natural nails beforehand and prepare them carefully before applying a classic polish. Nevertheless, Green™ nail polish offers a much more natural finish, with the bonus of intense color and a shiny finish just the way we like it.
📆 The best tenue
🟣 Press-on nails : they can last 3 to 4 days with gel pads, up to 2 weeks with quality glue and a shape well suited to the nail.
🟢 Green™ nail polish : enjoy your beautiful nails for 7 days, the ideal option for a long-lasting manicure without compromising your nail health.
And if you’re looking for even longer tenue without using fake nails, the Green Flash™ semi-permanent polish extends the manicure up to 12 days while preserving the natural nail.
💚 The most nail-friendly
🟣 Press-on nails: if you have soft or already weakened nails, be careful of damage risks during removal. It is better to avoid harsh glues that may contain toxic products and instead opt for an intermediate solution like adhesive pads.
🟢 Classic Green™ polish: made from potato, corn, or cassava and free from controversial ingredients, Green™ nail polishes remain a smart choice for those who want to protect the health of their nails (and the planet!). A vegan & biosourced formula up to 83% that ensures a long-lasting manicure and healthy nails. No need for acetone for removal or sanding, just a cotton pad soaked with Dissolving Oil to remove your polish in less than a minute. In short, a gentle and clean manicure routine for your nails.
🎨 The widest choice of colors and styles
🟣 Press-on nails: they come in a multitude of colors, shapes, and nail art styles: round nails or stiletto claws, minimalist French or sophisticated nail arts with metallic effects, rhinestones, or finely drawn patterns, there is something for every taste.
🟢 Classic Green™ polish: from discreet nude to fiery red, including transparent, glittery, or pearly polishes, Green™ nail polishes offer a palette of over 90 polish colors. If you love colored polish, you have plenty of choices to create a beautiful manicure and express your style throughout the seasons.
🔁 The most reusable
🟣 Press-on nails: yes, provided they are well cleaned and stored. In that case, you can wear them multiple times.
🟢 Classic Green™ polish: 1 bottle = dozens of applications, ideal for at-home manicure routines, making it much more cost-effective in the long run than press-on nails or gel nail applications at salons.
💸 The most economical
🟣 Press-on nails: their prices are affordable but we still recommend choosing good quality products, safer but a bit more expensive. An interesting option for occasional manicures, but frequent use can become quite costly over time.
🟢 Classic Green™ polish: your bottle lasts a long time and is much more economical in the long run than press-on nails!
As you can see, the choice between traditional polish and press-on nails depends on your needs and desires. Press-on nails are an excellent alternative for an express, trendy, and effortless manicure, while classic polish remains a reliable ally for an elegant and clean manicure, ensuring perfect nails day after day. So, what will you choose for your next manicure?
