Beauty

Are Press-On Nails Having A Comeback?

Luxury press-on nails aren't just for the TikTok girls. More and more celebrities and style icons are opting for custom, artistic press-ons as an alternative to acrylic or gel manicures. Here's why. 

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Photo via Instagram/@clawsbyizui

Gel, acrylic, dip, wrap, shellac, and poly gel have emerged as several of the most popular manicures of the past few years, but in 2024, an unexpected alternative is taking hold among celebrities and Gen-Z TikTokers alike. While many associate the press-on nail with the wild wave of early 2000s drugstore designs, the popularity of the fuss-free manicure has taken a complete 180 thanks to a talented, innovative new crop of nail artists. 

The appeal of press-on nails is undeniable—the ability to choose between nail shapes and lengths, new intricate, unique designs, and above all, keeping your natural nails healthier than ever. Although gel and acrylic manicures, arguably the most popular forms of fake nails, boast long-lasting properties, many users walk away from their salon experience with gorgeous new nails, but in 4-6 weeks, they slowly pop off or chip, leaving behind damaged, weak nail beds, forcing users to tough it out and rehabilitate their nails or shell out another hefty sum to their salon of choice. While the at-home application experience for press-on nails and the opportunity to sport ultra-detailed, unique designs are no doubt attractive for nail aficionados, above all, the best press-on nails offer peace of mind and a healthier alternative to other forms of manicures. 

"The biggest benefit of a press-on is that you are in charge of your nail health," said nail artist Gina Edwards in an interview with AllureWhether you opt to attach your press-on nails with adhesive stickers or tried-and-true nail glue, your natural nails and cuticle beds do not suffer the same damage that acrylics or gel manicures cause. 

The best press-on nails also offer a quick, easy application process that anyone can complete at home within a matter of mere minutes. While removing acrylic or gel manicures can be painful and time-consuming, the best press-on nails can be swapped out in just a couple of minutes, allowing the wearer to switch up their nail look on a whim. 

There's no denying that the most talented acrylic and gel-oriented nail artists have the ability to create mesmerizing designs at the request of their clientele, but this process typically takes hours and hundreds of dollars to complete. Alternatively, the best press-on nails offer buyers the ability to customize their sets to an incredibly specific degree. From trendy oceancore nails to flirty floral sets to press-ons themed around an album concept, luxury press-on nail artists are able to do it all. 

 
 
 
 

While the Internet may have you believe otherwise, luxury press-on nails aren't just gaining traction among Gen-Z. They've always been a quiet favorite of celebrity manicurists and stylists due to their fuss-free application and ability to create intricate designs without the client present. 

"Tips and press-ons have always been critical to editorial manicurists," explained nail artist Miss Pop in the same Allure interview. "They’ve given us the ability to do truly outrageous looks. You can paint them ahead of a red carpet, runway show, or shoot and apply them quickly."

In the age of increasingly more outlandish red carpet premiere appearances from all of our favorite celebrities, the best press-on nails, which tend to be sturdy and chip-proof, have become a quick, fool-proof way to round out a beauty look alongside a memorable fashion look. For an appearance on the Dune: Part Two premiere tour, beloved actress Florence Pugh sported a pair of meticulously designed press-on nails that completed her iconic Princess Irulan look. With shimmery bronze polish, glistening silvery 3D abstract details, and tiny gems, the press-on nails worn by the actress were a stunning addition to her overall look, and likely cut down her glam team's preparation time by a significant amount. 

 

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