This Is the Easiest Way to Fake a Salon-Grade Manicure

Press-on nails have come a long way, and these are the very best false nails we've tried that deliver a professional-looking mani in moments.

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A collage of long nail designs with nail art
(Image credit: @nails_of_la, @iramshelton, @celmatique)
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Getting my nails done is one of my all-time favourite treats. There's nothing like walking out of the salon with a fresh set, especially if it's with some customised nail art or trying a trending nail colour or nail trend. However, it's definitely an occasional treat that I couldn't afford to have all of the time. While I have a gel nail kit at home, it's not the same as having them done professionally. Plus, I don't have the steadiest of hands, so my nail art skills are quite questionable. (I'm right-handed, so the designs on my right hand are never quite as neat as those on my left.)

For the times when I can't make it to the salon or I just don't have the patience for complicated nail art, I reach for press-on nails. False nails have come a long way, and you can now get every shape, length and design imaginable. And nowadays, they last for more than just a couple of hours.

A photo of pink and orange press-on nails

(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

From short neutral press-ons to false nails with incredible nail art, there are so many artificial nails to choose from, and they're usually attached in one of two ways. Some press-ons come with nail glue to secure the press-ons in place; others come with a pre-glued adhesive, which you simply press onto your natural nails. Either way, they're way faster than sitting in the salon or waiting for your nails to dry.

Ahead, we've rounded up the best press-on nails from classic colours to nail art designs.

The Best Press-On Nails

Long French tips nails

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

1. OPI Opi Xpress/on Press on Nails

2. Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails

3. Elegant Touch French Acrylic Nails

4. Boots False Nails

5. Nails Inc Shellfie Ready Artificial Nails

6. Dreamery Late Check Out False Nails

7. Nail HQ Press on Nails

8. Chillhouse Chill Tips Press on Nails Kit

9. Glamnetic Press on Nails in Pure Intentions

10. Fette in Espresso Medium Oval

Are Press-Ons Damaging to Your Nails? 

"Press on nails are not damaging at all when applied and removed properly," reveals celebrity manicurist & KISS Nails brand ambassador, Julie K. "That means no peeling them off," she adds.

As for nail glue? "It's made for safety and longevity on the nail, both on natural nails or nail enhancements,' says Julie.

"The nail is made up of layers of keratin cells, held together by lipids, and the nail glue bonds strongly to keratin," reveals Julie. It's not to be confused with gel glue, which requires UV light to cure. True nail glue is air-dry or with pressure only.

How to Apply Press-On Nails

Below, Julie reveals how to apply press on nails like a pro:

  • Wash your hands and remove all nail polish or existing gel or enhancements.
  • Before starting to apply, make sure you trim or file your natural nails so the free edge doesn’t show.
  • Push back your cuticles and manicure your natural nails.
  • Lightly buff your nails to improve adhesion, then prep by swiping them with 91-99% isopropyl alcohol.
  • Make sure to pick out a press-on nail that matches your nail bed size and (this is key) curvature. Be sure the nail doesn’t have to be pressed down too much, or it will pop off prematurely! If you have flat nail beds or are between sizes, choose one size larger and then file down the sides to get a better fit.
  • After you have chosen all 10 nails and shaped them perfectly to fit, take one nail at a time and cover your entire nail with glue or an adhesive tab. 
  • Align the press-on nail along the cuticle line, apply at a downward angle from the cuticle, and press down firmly for 20-30 seconds. 
  • If any glue seeps from the sides, remove it right away with a cuticle stick dipped in acetone. 
  • Press-ons can be trimmed down if a shorter length is desired, and filed for a different shape, too.

How to Remove Press-On Nails

  • Trim down the length of your press-on as much as possible. 
  • Use a coarse-grit nail file to rough up the surface of the nail first to allow the acetone to penetrate faster. 
  • If they were applied with nail glue, the fastest and least-damaging way is by soaking in 100% pure acetone (not acetone-based nail polish remover—it's not strong enough, no matter how long you soak).
  • If they're being stubborn, file more of the plastic tip off to allow the acetone to penetrate and melt off faster.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Eleanor Vousden
Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.

With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.

Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.