We’ve been obsessed with manicuring our nails for hundreds of years. For literal centuries we’ve been using different methods to shape, color, and coif the tips of our fingers. From countless hours at the salon to countless hours at home, spending time getting great looking nails is not foreign to us. We’re also not opposed to spending money on our manicures, either. In fact, a recent study showed that women alone who regularly get professional salon manicures spend on average a total of $1,345 per year making sure their nails look fabulous. If you’re ready to consider a more cost-effective option for your pointers, there’s hope. Press on nails are making a come-back in a big way. If you aren’t familiar with them, have no fear. We’ve got your complete guide to what press on nails actually are.
What Are Press On Nails?
The options for artificial nails are vast. From acrylic to gel, silk to fiberglass, it seems there’s no end to the kind of material we can use to build a “better than natural” nail. Unfortunately, some of these materials can be damaging to your original, natural nail. For instance, acrylic nails can damage your natural nails by leaving them brittle and thin, and sometimes opening the door to bacteria growth and infection if they aren’t properly maintained. This means more time at the salon, and ultimately, more money.
Press on nails are an artificial nail that you apply at home. They are made from high quality materials similar to acrylic in look and style, but this material isn’t damaging to your natural nail. Press on nails are applied with an adhesive; usually a glue or adhesive strip. The adhesive and the nail (if purchased from a quality distributor) will be comprised of cruelty free, vegan materials that are safe for your nails and the environment.
What shapes are available?
Press on nails are available in every imaginable shape and size. From coffin, oval, square to stiletto, there’s a shape for every personality and mood. Additionally, press on nails can typically be cut and filed just like a natural nail, so if you select a shape that doesn’t work for you, you can change it yourself. Using a press on nail instead of getting salon nails also allows you to change the shape of your nail along with your mood or outfit with very little time, effort, and cost. You can literally remove a set and reapply another in a matter of minutes.
What finishes are available?
Press on nails are available in so many finishes it is impossible to get bored! Glossy finishes that have a freshly painted “wet” look, matte, muted finishes, and trendy chrome finishes are only the beginning. Select a glitter finish for a festive and fun look, or a classic French manicure finish that accompanies any outfit or style perfectly.
What lengths are available?
Press on nails are available in any length imaginable. Shorter length press on nails or, “sports length,” are popular and supportive of a very active lifestyle. They’re a great idea for everyday wear. Medium length nails provide a slightly longer, above the tip of the finger length that is generally the most popular of nail lengths. Long press on nails provide over-the-top, eye catching length that refuses to go unnoticed. It’s important to note, once again, that length can be adjusted to the user simply by cutting and filing the press on nails like you would your own nails.
Press on nails are a great way to save time and money by getting the same desirable salon nails at home. They are safe not only for your nails, but also for the environment, so you can feel good about using them. Available in a plethora of lengths, shapes, and colors, you’ll never get bored with your nails or feel the need to pay for a salon manicure when using press on nails.
