For anyone sleeping on luxury press ons...it's time to wake up! Luxury press ons are salon quality, without the salon visits and these aren't your drugstore press-ons. Here's everything you need to know to get started:
Section 1 — What are luxury press-ons & why do we love them?
Luxury press-ons are NOT what you get at the drugstore.
- Handmade by a real nail artist: Each set is created by hand using professional gel products and salon techniques. You get the same quality as a salon set, but made just for you to apply at home.
- Made with premium Gel-X tips: Luxury press-ons use the same clear nail tips used for Gel-X extensions. This gives them a strong, flexible base with a salon-level finish and perfect shape.
- Custom sized for you: Unlike drugstore nails that come in a box of random sizes, luxury press-ons are made specifically to fit your nails. You’ll get ten perfectly sized nails ready to wear, no sorting or guessing.
- Durable and reusable: Each set is shaped with a natural apex that keeps your natural nails protected and strong underneath. With proper prep and care, you can rewear them again and again.
- Endless design options: Luxury press-ons allow for more creativity; think detailed nail art, 3D accents, charms, crystals, and personalized touches that make every set one of a kind.
- Quick and flexible wear: You can apply them in minutes and wear them for up to two weeks. Or just pop them on for a special event and remove them whenever you like.
- An investment piece: The cost is similar to one salon set, but luxury press-ons can be reworn multiple times. Treat them like your favorite jewelry; keep them safe, rewear them, and switch them out to match your mood or outfit.
Shop Luxury Press Ons
Section 2 — What’s the Tea on Press-Ons
Let’s be real, even luxury press-ons aren’t perfect. Here’s the honest tea so you know exactly what to expect.
- Losing a nail can happen and it unfortunately does ruin your set. Some artists (including me!) offer replacement nails, or you can take it as your sign to move on to your next design. :)
- You’ll need to prep your own nails before applying, but don’t worry, it’s light work!! My easy prep routine in section 6 walks you through it step-by-step.
- When glue or adhesive tabs start loosening, your hair can snag between your nail and the natural nail. Be gentle when running your fingers through your hair!!
- Gunk can build up under your nails more easily than other nail extensions. Keep them clean with a small nail brush, and wear gloves for messy tasks like dishes or cooking.
- Removal takes time, especially if you want to save your nails for rewear and protect your natural nails underneath. Plan to soak them off slowly, it’s the perfect excuse to binge a show while you do! (See section 8 for my full removal guide.)
All that aside, I still love press-ons. Once you get the hang of it and find a routine that works with your lifestyle, you’ll never want to go back!!
Section 3 — How to Size Your Nails the Right Way
Sizing kits make all the difference when it comes to luxury press-on nails. For a comfortable, long-lasting fit, getting your sizes right is essential...that’s why I require all new clients to purchase a sizing kit before I create their bespoke set. Each sizing kit is shipped to your door for $10, and that amount is fully credited toward your first custom order!!
When your kit arrives, try each nail size on clean, bare nails (no polish or products), and make sure they fit snugly from sidewall to sidewall without overlapping your skin. Press lightly! Once the nail tip is painted, it will be more rigid. Do not bend the nail, or your fit could be off. Please reach out with questions if you are unsure about your sizing! All sales are final, so getting your sizing correct is important! Note your numbers for both hands, since each nail can vary slightly, and send me your sizes in the notes at checkout when ordering your press-on sets. Once you have your sizing, you're ready to start building your press-on collection!
This one simple step ensures your luxury press-ons fit perfectly and feel just as natural and secure as a salon set, customized exactly for you!
Grab your size kit for $10!
Already know your're sizing? Shop luxury press ons!
Section 4 — Choose Your Shape & Length
Your vibes, your nails. Here’s a quick visual guide to help you pick:
- XShort: My go to everday nail sets are xshort round. The xshort length gives you a tiny bit of extension, with the most comfortable and longest-lasting wear! Best for those of you that are busy with your hands, like me!
- Short: The short length is your more typical natural nail extension length. If you want a little extension, but keep it comfortable and long lasting, this is your length.
- Medium: is the longest length I wear and usually don't wear them for long: maybe a night or weekend I have something fun going on! If you want long nails, but also some comfort, I'd recommend this length! Typing starts to get hard with this length.
- Long: this length is only recommended for those of you that have long nail experience or want something crazy for a fun occasion! The longer the length, the shorter the retention for press on nails. Long nails always slay, so maybe I should just give it a try myself!
It's not required, but I do recommend purchasing a sizing kit for each nail shape you are interested in. Sizing can be slightly different between shapes. If you have long nail beds, the xshort length may be too short for you.
Please reach out with questions! I'm happy to help you find the length and shapes that work best for your lifestyle.
Start with a sizing kit!
Section 5 — Press On Application
Just like drugstore boxes, luxury press on sets will include an application kit. Mine include a small bottle of glue and two sticker application sheets per set, a file/buffer, wooden cuticle stick, and alcohol pads. 
Prepping your natural nails for press ons:
- Wash hands with dish soap → dry thoroughly. I recommend using a nail brush to scrub the surface and under your nails. You want to get rid of all the oils, I use dish soap.
- Lightly push back cuticles, remove visible cuticle from nail plate. This is light work and shouldn't take long. A simple manicure kit will do.
- Lightly buff shine (optional), brush off dust. - I often skip this step and still get great retention.
- Alcohol wipes to dehydrate. Make sure to get the complete surface of your nail and around cuticle.
Sticker Application: My favorite application method is stickers because they’re fast, low-mess, and can last up to two weeks with good prep!
- Find the sizes that best fit each nail. You want the sticker to conver the entire surface of your nail, or water and dirt can get trapped under your nail tip.
- Place the stickers on each nail and press down well making sure to press down all the edges. Trim any excess sticker on your free edge.
- Take off the sticker paper and place your nail tip on each nail and press firmly. Like you would with glue, lay the tip down at your cuticle and then towards your free edge to avoid bubbles.
- Avoid water or heavy activity for at least an hour, but I have found that I get the best retention when I apply my press ons before bed. Letting them set overnight usually gives me a two-week wear!
Glue Application: I don't apply my press ons this way, so I don't have a glue to recommend. But I know many people who love this application method!
- Apply glue to both your natural nail and the back of the press on. A thin, even layer on each is best. For longer wear, a small extra dot of glue in the center of your nail before application helps to prevent air bubbles.
- Line up your press ons at the cuticle before placing it down. Start at the cuticle and press downward towards the free edge. Make sure the nail is straight; you have a couple seconds to move the nail before the glue sets.
- Hold and press firmly for 15-30 seconds. Apply steady pressure across your entire nail, epecially near the edges.
- Wipe away any glue that seeps our immediately. Use a small lint-free wipe or alcohol pad while it's still wet.
- Avoid water or heavy activity for at least an hour. This allows your glue to fully set and ensures your nails are long lasting!
Section 6 — The Secret to Long-Lasting Wear
Longevity = prep + timing + daily care.
- Prep thoroughly (see Section 5).
- Apply at night and avoid water until morning so glue/stickers set.
- Wear gloves for dishes/cleaning/cooking/messes.
- Daily scrub with nail brush under/around nails. Use soap and warm water.
- Cuticle care: a tiny amount of cuticle oil around the skin, not flooding nails. You don't want to get it under your press ons, just on your skin.
Section 7 — Removing Press-Ons Safely
Removal is all about patience. Rushing = damage (just like any nail system).
Slow Soak Off Method: best option for preserving your press ons to wear again
- Soak fingertips in warm soapy water 10–15 min, but I will be honest... it can take up to 30 or 45 minutes. Add an oil like olive oil to speed up the process. Or start by flooding your nails with cuticle oil for a few minutes before soaking.
- Gently wiggle from sidewalls with a wooden stick.
- Add cuticle oil as it lifts; do not force. If it hurts, you need to soak longer!
- Extra Tip: a good way to get your nails ready to remove, is to get them wet as much as you can. Doing dishes without gloves, a hot shower or bath, etc. can start to loosen your nails, or even help you finish the job if the nails are already loosening.
Fast Press On Dissolvant Method: this option will damage your press on nails!!! Do not use if you plan to wear your set again!
- I use the glamnetic press on dissolvent & a wooden cuticle stick
- Look for a loose point and gently lift edge of your press on with the wooden stick. Drop some dissolvant under your nail.
- Use the stick to move the dissolvant around the nail.
- Wait a few minutes and try lifting, working the stick under your nail carefully. Use more dissolvant as needed.
- Please be patient and make sure you are not ripping anything off your natural nails with force.
Section 8 — How to Reuse Your Press-Ons
Rewearing is the best part. Here’s how to clean and store between wears:
- Remove adhesive residue from the back or gently file any glue residue.
- Wash your press ons in soapy water and dry thoroughly.
- Sanitize with alcohol (avoid soaking the painted top of the press on)
- Store safely back on the nail card, or in a press on binder. I use this one!!
Anything I missed above?? Let me know! I keep this page updated as I learn and grow as a press on artist.
I hope this guide helps you get started with press on nails!! Or maybe you decided to stick with your nail tech, that's ok too! Now you know what to expect with press-ons!
- Bespoke press ons start with a size kit! The $10 size kit cost is applied towards your first press on set!
- Shop Wilde Nail Press
- Find me on TikTok and Instagram - dm me to get started with a custom luxury press on order!
- Email me at [email protected] for questions about fit and shapes, or to get your order started!
- To shop all my favorite press on & nail art supplies, check out my Amazon Storefront!
Affiliate Links: Some of the products mentioned on this page contain affiliate links. I only share products I personally use, love, and recommend as part of my own nail routine, business and personal life. These links help support Wilde Nail Press and allow me to keep creating helpful guides, tutorials, and resources for you. Thank you so much for supporting my small business and handmade art!