The 8 Best Press

Aug 17, 2023

Static Nails press-on nails set is a cut above

Madison Yauger is commerce writer at PEOPLE.

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Getting your nails done is a luxury — but you don't have to go to the salon for high-quality tips that would make a Kardasian look twice. Press-on nails bring the spa home to you with a range of lengths, colors, and styles that are easy to apply, wear, and remove.

In a world oversaturated with beauty products, it can be overwhelming to narrow the scope. That's why we tried 16 of the most popular press-on nail sets — examining the ease of application, overall look, strength of adhesive, and length of wear — and whittled the list down to nine of the top performers.

"It's really about shape and style and what you're looking for in art," says celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein on choosing your own set. With her work donning the perfectly manicured hands of major clients like Beyoncé, JLo, and Gigi Hadid, Gerstein knows how the right set of nails can make or break a look. But when you're on the go, a quick option is always preferable. "When you don't have the time to sit for extravagant nail art (or the money) press-ons are a great option," Gerstein says.

After a day of pampering in our lab, these were considered the best press-on nails, straight from the PEOPLE Tested team.

Pros:

Cons:

The Static Nails press-on set proved to be a favorite for its simple application, whimsical design, and durability (even after testing ended!). Our team liked the natural and chic look of the nails, as well as the shape and size of each nail.

These nails earned a near perfect score for application and overall look, meaning we thought the quality replicated what you'd find at a salon with the ease of home application. This set was also highly durable. After testing was completed, our team wore these nails for over a week, doing household tasks like laundry and washing the dishes, and only one nail popped off during that time.

We opted not to soak the nails, but rather just peel them off — which took about 15 minutes. Our only complaint about the nails was the glue which sometimes sticks on the top of the nail which application slightly messy (though simple to accomplish).

Overall, we believe the Static Nails press-on nails sets are an ideal option for at-home manicures, because they offer a variety of sleek designs, shapes, and sizes, are long-lasting, and are easy to apply and remove.

Price at time of publish: $18

Damage-free: Yes | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes (up to 18 days or 6x for shorter wear) | Customizable: Yes, multiple sizes, shapes, and colors | Finish: Varies

Pros:

Cons:

Earning a perfect score in every test we ran, the Dashing Diva nails are lightweight on your fingers but durable enough to last. These nails were easy to prep, and had a strong adhesive that kept them in place.

These nails didn't falter after repeated hand-washing and lightly bending the edge of the nail to test the adhesive. The nude color and glossy finish was also a hit with our team. We loved the look, and felt they were comparable to salon-quality nails.

The only slight inconvenience is that these nails aren't reusable, so once they fall off, they can't simply be reapplied. However, the set comes with 30 nails in 12 sizes, a prep pad, nail file, and wooden manicure stick to help with application. Given the price and ease of replacement, we think these nails are a solid choice for those on a budget who want salon-quality nails at a reasonable cost.

Price at time of publish: $9

Damage-free: Yes| Waterproof: Yes| Reusable: No | Customizable: Yes,multiple sizes, shapes, and colors | Finish: Shiny

Pros:

Cons:

For a little extra umph on your nails, look to the Olive and June Press-On System. Going above a single set of nails, this kit provides high quality press-on nails, a host of nail grooming tools and serums, a removal kit, and a pouch to keep it all organized. We loved the design and sheen of these nails, as well as the sturdy material, which is made from 94 percent post-consumer recycled materials.

With top scores in most of our tests, this set of nails survived the sink test, and remained in place after our team washed their hands three times. We chose to soak our nails when we were ready to remove them and the process took about 25 to 30 minutes.

The only hiccup was the glue involved in the application process — which created a bit of a mess. We only struggled applying one out of 10 nails and the others adhered easily. We think this set is a great choice for people who want to create high quality manicures at home. And for those who want the quality of O&J nails without the extra tools, you can buy a single pack of nails at retailers like Target for less.

Price at time of publish: $54

Damage-free: Yes| Waterproof: Yes| Reusable: Yes | Customizable: Yes, multiple sizes, shapes, and colors | Finish: Varies

Pros:

Cons:

One of the trickiest parts of press-on nails is ensuring you don't damage your nails in the process, and these nails from ManiMe ensure an easy application and removal.

Despite being stick-ons (no glue needed) these nails hold up surprisingly well against water and everyday use. They stayed on after multiple rounds of washing with hot water and even after the shower, we observed. To remove them, you should soak them in hot soapy water for about 10 minutes before peeling them off. Acetone works to remove any residue as well.

The only flaw we could find is when you buy the sample sizes, they are harder to apply for a perfect fit. While our testing team used the sample sizes, the custom option fits much more seamlessly. All you have to do is send in a photo of your nails and the press-ons are 3D-printed to match. You can also modify the fit with nail clippers and seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Price at time of publish: $12–$25

Damage-free: Yes| Waterproof: Yes| Reusable: No | Customizable: Yes, multiple sizes, shapes, and colors | Finish: Varies, some matte, some glossy

Pros:

Cons:

With more than 30 different press-on nail designs in an assortment of bold and brilliant colors, PaintLab has a nail set for each taste preference. We found these nails to be simple to apply and a nice look perfect for date nights and days spent with friends.

In addition to application and looks, this nail set also received a perfect score in our strength of adhesive test. After thorough hand washing, these talons did not come off. Despite the top notch fusion, you can remove these nails by soaking them in warm soapy water, and using the included wooden nail stick to peel them off from the side (removing any glue residue as well).

While these nails are highly durable and you can enjoy them for a few weeks, alas, they are not reusable. So, once you peel them off (or they fall off!) that's the end of the road. However, given the low price, and wide availability, you can get another pair in no time at all! Overall, this is a dazzling press-on nail brand with design options for every mood, preference, and whim.

Price at time of publish: $14.99

Damage-free: Yes| Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: No | Customizable: Yes, multiple sizes, shapes, and colors | Finish: Varies, some matte, some glossy

Pros:

Cons:

We loved how easy these nails were to apply. You match up the sizes, apply glue to the press-on and your nail, and press down to secure the nail in place. PEOPLE Commerce Editor Erika Reals says she normally leans away from acrylic/fake nails from a functional standpoint, but when she used Chillhouse nails for a few trips last summer, she was taken by surprise. "Everything you need comes in the package: 24 press-ons, dual [nail] filer/buffer, cuticle stick, and nail glue," says Reals.

During testing, we were impressed with how well these nails did when we washed our hands — not one nail came off during the sink test. It's common to get some nail glue on your skin when applying these nails, but it comes off easily. Reals also appreciated the "on-trend designs" and how you can easily clip them to your desired length. These nails are also super durable. "Mine always last about two weeks from when applied, but after the first week, it's easier to remove (just by peeling them) if you do want to take them off," she says. Plus, if you want to reuse them a few times, you just clean them off and reapply the glue.

Price at time of publish: $24

Damage-Free: Yes | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes | Customizable: Yes, 24 nails in different sizes to find the right fit | Finish: Some matte, some glossy

Pros:

Cons:

If you like to bring your nail options on the go, the sets from small business Quickies are perfect for travel (and super user-friendly). "I tried a few of these sets and I really appreciated the individually-packaged nails," says PEOPLE Commerce Writer Madison Yauger. "Each packet comes with 24 nails in a variety of sizes, a mini glue applicator, and a tiny nail file." She met a slight challenge with the sizing because she has really narrow nails, but she was able to find options that fit reasonably well to complete the manicure.

They are super easy to apply (Yauger rarely if ever applies fake nails, but got these on in less than 5 minutes), and they held up at home testing against the same measures tested in the lab — surviving a rigorous hand washing, and not being too difficult to remove. That said, these are definitely long-lasting if you want them to be.

"I had to soak my nails in warm soapy water for about seven minutes and then use a cuticle tool to gently push against the edges until each nail popped off," says Yauger. "There was some glue residue after, so I continued soaking my nails for a few more minutes and then buffed them out. You could see a little of the glue leftover, but it all came off within a day." There's also a good inventory of designs, lengths, and sizes for a more customized experience.

Price at time of publish: $22.20

Damage-Free: Mostly | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: No | Customizable: Yes, different lengths, sizes, and designs | Finish: Glossy

Pros:

Cons:

"I've always been a DIY nail girl, and while I usually paint and glue them myself, my latest obsession has been the press-ons from Glamnetic," says PEOPLE Commerce Writer Alyssa Brascia. Known for false lashes, Glamnetic has released several styles of press-on nails, which we found to be user-friendly and durable.

Brascia says she appreciates how these nails "ensure that you'll always get the look and length that you want at a fraction of the price." We noticed that the glue created a small mess during application, and while the nails held up beautifully, they are somewhat tricky to remove — you really have to soak the nails prior. "Perfect nails at a keyboard-friendly length and a gorgeous $15 price tag? It doesn't get better than this," says Brascia.

Price at time of publish: $14.99

Damage-Free: Mostly | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: No | Customizable: Yes, multiple sizes and lengths | Finish: Glossy

If you're someone who's always got their hands in something — be it washing clothes and dishes, or playing in the dirt in your garden — the durability and the longevity of your press-on nails should play a factor. Durability generally has to do with the strength of the adhesive (either glue or a sticker backing) and the material of the nail itself. For instance, a sticker nail typically won't last as long as a thicker nail applied with glue.

One of the best perks of press-on nails is that they generally cause less damage to your nails than acrylics, gel, or powder manicures. That's because most of these nails can peel off by soaking them for about 15 minutes in warm soapy water and using a small wooden tool to lift the edge. However, take caution when showering for the same reason — the hot water can loosen the adhesive.

When considering what kind of press-on nails will be the best fit, shape should not be forgotten. If you're going for stylish talons, you might prefer stiletto or ballerina shaped nails, whereas a shorter rounded or square nail might be best for those doing more work with their hands. Gerstein says press-on nails "also make great blank canvases for DIY nail art" so if you're feeling crafty, you might want a longer nail to create more space.

Gerstein shared a few techniques that help with applying and removing press-on nails. "Like any manicure, pushing back cuticles and making sure the nail is free of oil, lint, and dust is important," she says. "Always swipe with alcohol and let nails dry before applying tabs/glue. Tabs are for temporary wear, [and] glue, if applied correctly, can get up to 2.5 weeks of wear." As far as removal goes, Gerstein suggests clipping the press-on down to the size of your natural nail and soaking in acetone for 10 minutes.

Our team enjoyed a day of grooming and manicures trying out 13 sets of press-on nails in our testing lab. For each set of nails, we considered the ease of application, overall look, and strength of adhesive (as well as length of wear in a few cases).

Starting with clean buffed nails, we applied a full set of nails using the instructions on the packaging. We considered the time and effort it took to apply each nail, the level of glue required, and how the nails looked on our fingers once in place. Do they look professional-grade or like a child's arts and crafts project?

After initial assessments (and once the glue dried), the nails were put to the test with each of us washing our hands three times with hot soapy water. After drying off, we gently pushed the tip of the nail backwards and forwards to see if it would pop off. Some of us continued providing insights on how our nails lasted throughout the week and what the removal process was like, checking for any signs of damage along the way. Once testing was complete, we rated each nail set on a scale of 1 to 5 based on the aforementioned criteria, with the top six performers making the original list.

In updating this article, the PEOPLE team added three additional press-on nail sets which we had experience using in a real-world setting. While we tested these outside the lab, we evaluated them using the same criteria as the original lab tests.

Depending on the quality of the nails and adhesive, most press-on nails last from one to two weeks. The time will vary depending on how much you use (and abuse!) your nails.

Press-on nails are a great alternative to more damaging options like gels and acrylics. The removal process is much easier on your nails, and since they only stay on for a couple of weeks, they are less likely to cause any issues.

Many press-on nails can be removed by simply soaking your hands for 15 to 30 minutes in warm, soapy water. Any remaining residue from the adhesive can be removed with an acetone nail polish remover.

Make sure your nails are clean, dry, and free of nail polish. Push back your cuticles and wipe each nail with cotton soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any oily residue. Make sure your nails are dry and buff each one so the press-ons have a smooth surface to adhere to.

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