These Are the Best Press-On Nails I’ve Tried This Year

As a busy mom of two toddlers, making it to the salon (even for a quick gel mani) is rarely in the cards. Instead, when I need my nails done, I find myself reaching for quick-dry nail polish or press-on nails. As someone with short nails, press-ons make me feel even more polished, sophisticated and confident. They let me tap into my inner glam beauty editor and not my “sweats and no makeup” mom look. This year, I’ve tried many different press-on nails for various occasions, but S/ALT Nails Press-Ons really impressed me. Here’s why.

Why I Love S/ALT Press-On Nails

Short for “The Salon Alternative,” S/ALT offers a salon-grade, natural-looking press-on manicure that looks like the real deal. Founder Krystina Banahansky (she comes from a fashion background) was inspired to create the brand after being frustrated with the poor shapes and flashy designs of other brands, which is something I’ve personally noticed with many other brands as well. “Too often the nails felt flimsy or looked artificial,” she says. Instead, she wanted “a chic, elevated vibe,” with minimalistic, but thoughtful details.

Her collection features more than 20 designs in timeless shapes like oval, almond and squoval, and wearable lengths. The length is especially important to me, as someone with little kids (I also wear contact lenses) who can’t handle press-ons that are too long. My favorite style (I’ve tried several) is the almond-shaped French Merlot ($20), and the length is perfect. “Each style is thoughtfully designed to look natural and is perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions,” says Banahansky. “We’ve sourced the highest-quality materials, including medical-grade glue, ensuring that our press-on manicures are durable, waterproof and non-damaging.”

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How to Apply and Remove Them

Each set comes with 30 nails so you can find the sizes that fit your nails best. On the underside of each tip is a number that identifies the size of the nail, which comes in handy if you plan on buying another set. I took a picture of the nails upside down before I glued them on, so that I would be able to quickly select my sizes next time and make the application process even faster. The set also includes medical-grade glue, a small file, an alcohol prep pad and a cuticle set, which is standard with nearly all press-on nails.

After you’ve selected your sizes, push your cuticles back with the little wooden stick, like they would do at the salon. Then buff your nails with the file (to make sure the glue adheres better) and wipe your nails with the alcohol pad. Banahansky says this step is crucial to ensure the nails fit tightly. Then, apply a thin layer of glue all over your natural nail and in the center back of the press-on. (Don’t add too much glue, or it will squeeze out from under the nail when you press.) Press the nail down as hard as you can and hold it for 30 seconds, focusing on the edges.

When you follow the directions properly and aren’t doing activities that require soaking your hands in water (like taking baths, etc.), Banahansky tells me the nails can last up to three weeks. I’ve never needed to keep mine on that long (ultimately, I’m a short nail girlie), but I trust her word on this because they do feel super solid.

To remove the nails, soak your hands in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. I like to add a little olive oil to each nail bed as well and massage it a little bed to loosen the glue. If you don’t have too much residual glue on the backs of the nails (or if you can chip it off), you can reuse them. I’ve done that on more than one occasion and they’ve looked great!