What are press on nails? This article will let you know more
Wearable nails are so popular this year that those sisters who used to be keen on stocking up on cosmetic contact lenses have turned to wearable nails. Not only that, this trend is getting more and more intense, as if it has formed an unstoppable trend.
I change the colors of my hand every week... ...
If you don’t know how to “press on nails” yet, after reading this article, you will be able to go from a novice to a master!
1.What is Press On Nails?
Press on nails is like wearing gorgeous feathers, adding a touch of fashionable color to your hands. They are pre-designed nail art, and every time you put them on and take them off, it is like dancing with your fingertips, elegant and free. Because they are carefully made according to the size of the wearer's nails, they are like a second layer of skin, comfortable and firm, as if they are a gift from nature, perfect fit, showing personality and taste.
You can also match them according to the occasion and clothing, and most importantly, they will not damage the nails.
2.The difference between press on nails and salon nails
Press on nails:
1. Change at will, without time limit.
2. Free to match, easy to have a variety of nail art.
3. Reusable, cost-effective.
4. Use jelly stickers to wear, no damage to the nail surface can last for 2-3 days.
5. Not as strong as traditional nail art.
Salon Nails：
1. It takes 2-3 hours to make a style in a nail salon.
2. It can last for 1-2 months, and the price is 100-1000. If the nails are too long and inconvenient, they need to be removed.
3. It is not advisable to change styles frequently within a month.
4. Hands may turn black when exposed to light.
3.Why Are Press-On Nails So Popular? A Deep Dive into the Trend
"Half of Its Success Comes from Traditional Nail Art’s Downfalls."
For anyone who’s tried salon manicures, the pain points are clear: traditional nail services are expensive and lack pricing transparency.
"The key is not to be afraid of the high price, but to be afraid of not knowing how expensive it is. You have no idea at all."
I believe everyone has a deep understanding of this:
"The ordinary choice is priced at $39; and if you pursue better quality, the $99 advanced choice is also worth looking forward to. In addition, we provide an additional 18% discount for our distinguished members to make your consumption more cost-effective."
This is just the price of the basic model. If you want to add dazzling diamonds, pearl luster, mysterious mica flakes, elegant bows or trendy metal chains... Each one will be accumulated like water, a few dollars and a few dollars, so that the total price will gradually rise.
After a salon, the cheaper ones will cost dozens, and the more expensive ones will easily cost hundreds.
（a sample of salon nails price list in canada)
But spending money is fine, what's even more unfair is that when it comes to manicure, sometimes you spend money but still end up with a bad result.
One netizen went to the manicurist with the renderings full of expectations, claiming that she wanted a "gentle, clear and high-end" manicure.
However, the renderings she showed the manicurist were as follows:
（from New York Post)
It cannot be said that they are exactly the same, but they are completely unrelated. There are countless such viral comparisons on social media.
Just as salon upselling traps (“Gems for $5 per nail!”) leave customers frustrated, press-ons shine through with transparent pricing and zero hidden costs.
Press-on nails offer crystal-clear pricing tiers: 5.99forbasics,16.99 for intricate designs, and $26.99 for luxury sets—10x cheaper than salon prices. Their affordability and salon-level quality resonate deeply with Gen Z. In this fast-paced era, saving time is like a spring breeze, which makes people happy. These factors together constitute the important reasons why young people are keen on buying wearable nails, making wearable nails a powerful assistant in their pursuit of fashion and convenience.
No more pushy sales tactics (“Sign up for our loyalty card?”). On your commute home, simply browse hundreds of designs on your phone—minimalist nudes, bold 3D art, or seasonal trends—all ready for instant checkout.
Compared with sitting in a nail salon for 3 hours, you can apply a nail tip at home without UV light, and it will not exceed 10 minutes at most.
If you think the $5.99 nail tips are not exquisite enough, you can order the $16.99 ones. The most expensive one is usually $26.99.--all at 1/10th the cost of salon manicures.
view press on nails to my website: www.glimmygo.com
4.Common glue for press on nails
There are two common types of glue on the market:
Jelly glue and nail glue, the brands and packaging are quite diverse.
You can initially understand that the former is like a sticker, and the latter is like "liquid 502".
Jelly glue
The raw material of jelly glue is mostly yellow glue, which is gentle to nails, has little damage, and has medium adhesion.
The only way to extend the stickiness is to use it as much as possible, and it can basically last for about a week.
The disadvantage is that it is not invisible enough, making the nail art look thicker, but the advantage is that it can be used repeatedly.
Glue
Speaking of nail glue, I compare it to "Liquid 502", which is not an exaggeration. Its strong adhesiveness is amazing. Compared with the common jelly glue, it is more sticky, not only durable and stable, but also invisible and traceless, as if putting on a layer of invisible armor for the nail. However, this strong adhesiveness also brings a problem, that is, once the glue is removed, the nail piece cannot be used again, just like an abandoned dancer, losing the opportunity to dance again.
In addition, the degree of damage to the nail by this nail glue is closely related to the improper degree of nail removal. Just like a delicate dancer, it needs careful care to maintain its elegance and agility. A little negligence may cause it to be injured. Therefore, when using this nail glue, we must be extra careful to ensure that every step is accurate to protect our nails from harm.
5. How to Quickly Master Press-On Nails and Ensure Durability
For beginners, the best time to apply press-on nails is before bedtime . This allows 7+ hours of water-free bonding, ensuring they stay firmly in place by morning. Follow these steps:
①Prep the nail surface: Gently buff the natural nail vertically using a nail file from the toolkit to increase adhesion area and smoothness.
②Use gel adhesive: Apply the gel pad (included in the kit) for quick, secure attachment. Avoid pressing the nail straight down. Instead:
Leave a 2mm gap at the cuticle.
Align the base first, then press forward to eliminate air bubbles.
③Avoid water exposure: Post-application, refrain from washing hands or activities involving moisture for optimal results.
Pro Tip: For visual learners, check our detailed tutorial video on glimmygo.com for step-by-step guidance.
6. How to Correctly Use Gel Adhesive for Press-On Nails
①Choose the right size: Select a gel pad slightly larger than your natural nail to ensure full coverage.
②Smooth the edges: Use the included wooden stick to press and flatten the gel pad’s edges, eliminating gaps or unevenness.
③Trim excess: After application, carefully trim any overhanging gel for a seamless, natural look.
7. Why Nail Surface Prep Matters (and How to Do It Right)
Skipping nail prep leads to adhesive failure within 2 hours! Here’s the proper method:
①Buffing: Creates a textured surface for better gel adhesion. Always wipe away debris with an alcohol wipe afterward.
②Sanitize: Alcohol wipes not only clean but also disinfect the nail bed, reducing bacterial growth risks.
If you want to know the detailed tutorial of wearing nails, please read my next article! There I will help you better with dynamic pictures and text! Click here to read.