A French-Tip Fan Tried Tons of Press-On Nails—These 8 Rivaled Salon Styles (2024)

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TL;DR

The OPI xPRESS/ON Press-On Nails are my top pick for their lightweight, comfy fit that feels just like my real nails. They also come in a variety of designs that held up for days (and anything I put them through). A close second? Chillhouse Press-On Nails, with their bold, trendy styles and salon-worthy shine.

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Included Nails: 30 | Included Tools: Glue, file/buffer | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

The OPI xPRESS/ON Press-On Nails truly made an impression. Since OPI is already a trusted name in nail polish and products, I had high expectations for their press-on line, and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. The various sizes made finding the right fit for each nail easy, especially since the press-ons are numbered. The near-perfect fit hugged my natural nail shape snugly (but not uncomfortably).

What impressed me most was how lightweight these nails felt. They were so comfortable that I eventually forgot they were press-ons, even while typing and working out. I could go about my daily activities as if they were my natural nails. I tried the Malaga Wine style and loved the bold, beautiful color. The durability was on another level—no lifting or chipping for at least seven days. The only downside is that they don’t quite match the high-gloss shine of salon gel nails, but they come close. These press-ons checked all the right boxes: easy to apply, super comfortable, long-lasting, and that "I just came from the nail salon" look.

Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Glue, file/buffer | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

These nails were by far the lightest press-ons I've ever tried. I was surprised at how natural they felt on my nails. Not only did they look great, but they also made me forget I was wearing them. I'm a big fan of short nails, but finding creative designs is not always easy. However, Chillhouse really delivers with its wide range of unique styles for press-ons on the shorter side. They even draw inspiration from pop culture, featuring designs paying homage to Emily in Paris and SpongeBob. I'm already thinking about the next design I want to try!

One small downside is that the glue takes about three seconds to activate, slightly prolonging the application process. I also had one nail that lifted and had to be replaced toward the end of the testing period. Nonetheless, they were incredibly comfortable and never felt like press-ons. If you're searching for nails with shiny, intricate designs without that old-school, heavy press-on feeling, these Chillhouse Tips are a must-try.

Included Nails: 30 | Included Tools: File/buffer, manicure stick | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

The Kiss imPress Press-Ons have become popular for their convenience factor—they have a pre-glued design, meaning no messy glue applications. The entire process is quick and straightforward. I could apply them in just a few minutes, which was great for me because I could press them on and I was good to go!

These nails held up for a full week without any of them coming off. I did notice that the fit around the nail beds was larger than I preferred, causing the glue on the press-on to be noticeable, which was bothersome. The removal process was much faster and less hassle than some other nails I tested; I just had to pull gently on the sides, and the nails came off without damaging my natural nails. The best part is that they’re such a steal that you can try many different styles without your wallet feeling much.

Included Nails: 30 | Included Tools: Glue, file/buffer | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

The BTArtbox Press-On Nails stand out for their impressive durability while still feeling like natural nails, easily surpassing the others I’ve tried. My nails turned out so shiny, and I’m really happy with the resulting look. I tried the style ‘Vanilla Glazed,’ and the shine reminds me of the Hailey Bieber glazed donut trend—it's stunning. The nails come packaged with everything you need for a smooth application, although I found the process a bit lengthy and required some trial and error. However, the result was absolutely worth it.

Overall, the wear was comfortable, and I had no issues using my computer or texting. I even wore them while doing strength training exercises and had no problems, no shifting whatsoever. On the sixth day of wear, however, I noticed my pinky press-on nail starting to lift. It didn’t come off, but it was loose. The shine on these nails lasted for days, though; they looked so natural that people commented they didn’t even look like press-ons!

Included Nails: 10 | Included Tools: Sticky Tabs | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

The Ersa Press-On Nails are by far the prettiest press-ons I've ever used. From the moment I put them on, I was impressed by the almond shape, which elongated my fingers, and the gems truly made them pop. I received so many compliments; they have that stunning acrylic look without the expensive price. If you're looking for stunning, reusable press-ons that maintain their beauty over time, these nails are a fantastic option.

What really stands out about these nails is their reusability. The sticky tabs come off easily from my natural nails and the press-ons, which isn't always the case with other brands. I love how simple and mess-free it makes the application process. You just stick the tabs onto your nails, peel off the plastic, and press them on. They also held up beautifully—even after removal. That said, I did experience a bit of discomfort while wearing them. While they looked fabulous, I worried they might come off during daily activities like texting, typing, or even running my fingers through my hair. I think using glue could have provided a more comfortable fit. The color and design didn’t fade at all.

Included Nails: 30 | Included Tools: Glue, file/buffer | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

The Glamnetic Press-Ons deliver next-level staying power! While I typically prefer shorter nails, I didn’t need to be overly cautious with these longer ones—they didn’t budge. Throughout my week, I went from lifting weights to cooking and working, and I never once worried about them popping off. They felt incredibly sturdy, and there was only barely noticeable fading at the bottom of two nails. They’re an awesome option for vacations or during the busy holiday season when you might be doing a lot with your nails but still want them to look fab.

The removal process, however, wasn’t the easiest. It took quite a while. The instructions suggested soaking your nails in warm water for 10 minutes or until the glue loosens, but I had to soak them for 30 minutes before most of them came off, followed by an additional 20 minutes for a couple that were particularly stubborn.

Included Nails: 42 | Included Tools: Glue, file/buffer | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

The Olive and June Press-Ons immediately caught my eye with their adorable and neatly organized packaging. They felt lightweight but ended up being extremely durable. However, I wish the nail sizes were narrower; even with the smallest option, some of the nails still appeared big and slightly unnatural. They held up well throughout the week and had a lovely shine.

One thing I can’t stop talking about is the strong glue, which was surprisingly easy to remove without damaging my natural nails. I soaked my nails for about 30 minutes to fully remove the press-ons. While some came off quickly, others took a bit longer, but I didn’t experience any weakness, peeling, or damage to my natural nails. If you’re looking for press-ons that are lightweight and gentle on your nails, the Olive and June Press-Ons are the way to go.

Included Nails: 30 | Included Tools: File/buffer, manicure stick | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

Here’s another nail set that comes pre-glued, allowing for a super quick application. I was thankful they came numbered, making finding the right fit easy. I had them on in under 10 minutes, a huge win for my busy schedule. However, I did struggle a bit with my thumb sizes—one was too small, and the other was slightly too big. A wider range of thumb sizes would have made a big difference.

Their glossy finish looked amazing, but the durability was a little unpredictable. One nail came off on the second day, and by the fourth day, another started to lift. My hair also kept getting caught on the edges when I ran my fingers through it. They also had a more plastic look than the other nails I tried. Still, they delivered a fantastic shine and glow that lasted. I’d say these are perfect for a super quick nail application when you need them for a short period of time.

FAQ

• Are press-on nails damaging to your natural nails?

  As long as you take them off the right way, no. I used to worry about this, too, but press-ons are gentler than gels or acrylics. Ornellas says that preventing damage begins at the application stage, “if your preparation of the natural nail is safe, there should be no damage. You should lightly buff the natural nail to remove the shine and wipe with alcohol.”

  When it comes to removal, the trick is to avoid ripping them off (trust me, I've made that mistake before). Instead, soak them in warm, soapy water or use a nail remover. If you do that, your natural nails won't suffer. There are also many adhesive options now that are easier on your nails.
  

• What’s the difference between glue-on and adhesive tab press-on nails?

  Glue-on nails are the most common type of press-on, as they tend to last longer and can typically withstand more of our daily wear. On the other hand, adhesive tabs are convenient and easy to apply. While the application process is quicker, they don’t usually last as long as glue-on nails, making them best for short-term wear or special occasions. There is also a middle category—pre-glued nails—but these are typically best for shorter wear times as well. “Both types are easy to remove, with tabs coming off the easiest,” says Ornellas. “For tabs, just apply cuticle oil and gently rock the nail from side to side. For glued press-ons, soak in warm soapy water and wiggle gently. If glue residue remains, lightly buff it off. If needed, soak in acetone, though this may prevent reuse."