Why You Should Make the Switch to Press On Nails

Acrylic nails are all the hype right now, and for good reason! They're beautiful, custom, and a great exhibition of your personality. But there are downsides as well, such as the damage that can occur from frequent acrylic appliances, or the consistent use of UV lights on your hands and fingers. Plus, the cost of going to a salon can add up. But what is the alternative?

Press on nails! Not exactly the ones you get at Walmart, but you could use those too. If you're looking for a similar experience to acrylics, however, shop small. There are tons of small businesses and individuals who sell hand-painted, customized press on nails. Each seller ranges in style, price, and what they offer, and with so many sellers on the market there's a wide range of options. Still not sold on the idea of kissing the salon good-bye? Read below to see all the benefits of press-on nails.

Photo by Madison Lefebvre of Le Fave

1. The possibilities are ENDLESS

One of the really cool things about committing to press-ons is that you have so many options without the stress of coming up with ideas on your own. By shopping small businesses, half the work is off your hands! It's just a matter of browsing through shops to see what you like and making a purchase.

Plus, every seller has a unique style, much like nail techs. You don't have to commit to one seller, you can try a wide variety and see what suits you best without walking away with nails you hate! There's no surprises about what you're getting when you buy press-ons.

2. Press-on nails are extremely budget friendly and cost-conscious.

Going to salons frequently can really set you back financially. It's not just the cost of the service that you have to factor in, either. Consider how much you tip and the price to get there, as well as the frequency you have to go for fills or new sets. In some places and at certain salons, it can add up quickly! Press-on nails eliminate some of that burden. For one, you can get them delivered right to your door. Keep a look out for specials where you can get free or reduced delivery fees from select sellers! Additionally, the price you see (aside from tax and any delivery fee) is what you pay. There's no added tip that you have to factor in, reducing stress about how much is a good tip. Plus, no need for fills! Press-on nails do have a life span, but when they're taken care of can easily be reused and reapplied.

3. Reduce, reuse, recycle! Make the most out of press-ons by wearing them again.

As mentioned before, press on nails can be worn again and again. Depending on several factors, your press-ons can last anywhere from two weeks to one month! So, what factors should you consider?

• How hard are you on your hands/nails? The rougher you are on your nails, the less likely they are to last. It's also important to note that over time, frequently submerging your nails in warm water will cause the bond of the glue to dissolve and also cause the nails to fall off more easily.

• What kind of glue are you using? There are certain glues that are great for staying put for longer periods of time. Research to find what works best for you - it's different for everyone!

• Are you prepping your nails before applying the glue? General rule of thumb is to give yourself a mini manicure before applying false nails. This includes soaking them, pushing back cuticles, cleaning with alcohol, and buffing them.

Photo Retrieved from Amazon

When you're ready to completely remove your nails, you can save them for future use depending on the shape they're in. To easily remove, you can use a cuticle pusher and/or some oil to painlessly remove them. For storage, use my Amazon affiliate link to snag this cute and handy organizer for press on nails! #CommissionsEarned

Another cool idea for press-ons is to stock up and save for future seasons, events, and holidays. This way, you'll always nail the look you're going for. (Pun intended)

4. Press-on nails are easy to reapply if they come off or break, and aren't painful when it happens.

Sometimes, acrylics can break or become damaged, leading to another trip to the salon. What's great about press-ons is they're easy for the person on the go.

Pro tip: Keep a bottle or two of nail glue with you or somewhere easily accessible! One way to do it is to keep one at home with your beauty supplies, one in your car, and one in your purse. If a nail every becomes loose or pops off, it takes less than ten seconds to reapply.

Photo by Madison Lefebvre of Le Fave

While press-ons tend to last for a minimum of two weeks, s#!% happens! Maybe you hit it just right on the counter when you were cooking, or it got tangled when you were washing your hair. The good news is it's easy to reapply and typically the pain from it coming off goes away quickly. (Note: this is circumstantial and depends on the incident and how hard you hit it. It can be painful depending on how well it was adhered and how hard/fast it ripped off) Plus, you can do it from the comfort of your home without a trip to the nail salon.

In all honesty, both press-ons and acrylics have their pros and cons. As much as this post focuses on the benefit of utilizing press-ons, it's not to say you should never get your nails done professionally at the salon. However, consider mixing some press-ons into your routine if you haven't already. If you frequent the salon and are trying to save money, purchase a set of neutral press-on nails that can go with *almost* anything. In between sets, switch up your routine and wear press-ons for a while before getting new acrylics. Plus, if you're ever in a jam (maybe your fav nail tech is booked for a month out and you need something ASAP) you'll have a backup plan and won't have to stress about your nails being undone!

Have you tried press-on nails before? Interested in giving it a go? Leave your thoughts in the comments!