Are Press-Ons That Bad For Nails? Not If You Remove Them Like This

It's 2024, and press-on nails have received quite the face-lift. As a novice in the at-home mani department, I'll admit that I often go the artificial route; if you happen to see me with immaculately designed tips, please know that they are 100% fake and I did not suddenly master nail art. 

Still, the press-ons came with cons: They were clunky, difficult to manage, and left my natural nails in disarray. So they became my guilty pleasure, a once-in-a-while treat for important events to show off my decorative digits. 

Here's the thing: Natural nails will always be the best option for nail health. But if you are craving a set of long, faux tips, press-ons do tend to be gentler compared to gels and acrylics. The gel and acrylic processes can be very damaging to your nail beds, as they entail soaking in pure acetone and filing down the nail plate, which can weaken your nails over time. 

Press-ons, however, use only a sticky adhesive or thin layer of nail glue, which are much easier on the nail beds; plus the removal process requires no acetone whatsoever. 

As the name suggests, these require applying a layer of glue to your natural nail before pressing on the artificial tip. 

"Some glues for press-ons can be harsh, containing formaldehyde, which can lead to dryness and weakening of nails," Choi explains. She advises looking for glues labeled "formaldehyde-free" to ensure they're gentle on the nails. 

These days, plenty of brands offer glue-free press-ons, relying on adhesive tabs to peel and stick to the natural nail. "I personally use this method on photo shoots," says Choi, as she regards them as the safest press-on choice.

"Eliminating glue entirely removes the potential for harsh chemicals and improper removal techniques that could damage your nails," she adds. "I appreciate these options for nail health due to their gentleness, easy application, and removal." 

That said, these aren't the most durable—the tabs lose their stickiness over time—which is why Choi recommends strong, double-sided adhesives to enhance stability.

It can be so tempting to peel off the remaining sticky material once you pop off your press-ons, but this harsh scraping can damage the nail plate. Like glue-on versions, soak your nails in soap and water to lift residue off the nails, or you can use an acetone-free, oil-based remover to further clean the surface.

After filing and shaping your nails, "Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back cuticles and buff the natural nail surface," she explains. Make sure the nail plate is super clean and even before using glue or adhesives. Any lingering oil on the nails can keep the adhesives from bonding. 

If you're using glue, apply a thin layer of the substance to your nail plate. "Avoid excess glue, as it can make the press-on bulky and prone to lifting," says Choi. "A thin, even layer is sufficient." 

If you have adhesives, peel one off from the tab and stick it onto your nail plate. Press firmly for 30 seconds, then peel off the backing to reveal the second sticky side. 

As we mentioned, press-ons aren't as durable as other fake nail options (especially adhesive versions), so proper maintenance is crucial. After applying your press-ons, you'll want to avoid water for a few hours as the glue (if using) dries down—remember, gentle glues are water-soluble, and any liquid can dissolve the substance. 

Even days after applying, you'll want to refrain from soaking your nails in water, especially warm water. This helps prevent the adhesive from loosening, says Choi. "Wear gloves for tasks like dishwashing," she says. 

You'll also want to be as physically gentle on those tips as you can. "Avoid activities that exert excessive pressure on your nails, such as vigorous typing or using your nails to open cans," says Choi. 

The removal process is arguably the hardest part, as it has the potential to damage nails when done incorrectly. As a general rule: Go slow. Don't try to force the fake nail to pop off, or you'll wreak havoc on your natural nail plate.