Are Press-ON Nails Safe? Here’s What Experts Say

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Jessica Parker

We all love press-on nails, don’t we? They are so quick, beautiful, affordable, and look stunning! But many of you may feel guilty about being addicted to using press-ons regularly as a part of your DIY mani. We know you are worried about the potential damage these fake nails and strong glues can cause.

The Nails Girl is here to answer your queries on whether press-on nails are safe for you and how to protect your natural nails from damage.

Are Press-ON Nails Safe?

What are Press-On Nails?

Simply put, press-on nails are nothing but ready-to-wear false nails that you can use for your at-home manicures. These are temporary nail extensions that do not require any harmful chemicals or any curing, unlike acrylics or gels.

Recently, press-ons have become popular among nail enthusiasts especially as an alternative to acrylic or gel enhancements as they save a lot of time, money, and effort and do not incorporate so many harmful chemicals in the process.

Benefits of Using Press-Ons

Press-ons are an attractive option among nail lovers from all generations as they offer several benefits against traditional nail polishes and salon manicures:

1) They are convenient.

You don’t need to be a trained professional to deal with press-on nails. You can use them from the comfort of your home even if you are a beginner. They are easy on and off, and if you follow the correct procedures for applying and removing the press-on nails, you can easily become a pro without damaging your nails.

2) They are affordable and time-saving

We all know how expensive salon manicures can be and how much time they can consume. If you have a busy schedule and do not wish to spend a lot but love to get your nails done regularly, press-ons can be your go-to solution. You can easily get good-quality press-on nails at about $10 or can get them customized by your favorite nail tech at a lot less cost than acrylics or gels. And you can easily do your manicure at home in minutes without any hassle of booking salon appointments and queueing up to get a set.

3) They offer variety

Long nails, short nails, almonds, coffins, pastels, 3D art – you name it, and it is there! The market is full of all the different varieties of shapes, sizes, lengths, colors, and designs when it comes to press-on nails. And since they are ready-made, you can easily pair them with your outfit or check what looks good on you before deciding to wear it.

Potential Risks with Press-Ons

While many of us find press-on nails safe and easy, some of you might experience discomfort or difficulty using them. This is due to some negligence when it comes to application, removal, or quality, or due to allergic reactions. The potential risks of damage due to any of these reasons could involve breakage or brittleness.

If you do not apply them correctly, you may damage the nail surface or the skin around it causing allergic reactions and pain. If you apply too much pressure during the application, you may cause damage underneath the nail causing pain and blood clots.

If the removal is incorrectly done by forcing or pushing too hard or by tugging the nail, you may strip off some layers of your natural nail making them paper-thin and brittle. In some cases, the entire free edge is peeled off or broken causing brittleness in further growth.

Are Press-On Nails Safe For Your Natural Nails?

The simple answer to whether press-on nails are safe is – yes! If you use good-quality materials and correct techniques to work with press-ons, they are safe and do not damage your natural nails. But if you do not handle them properly, they may lead to damaging and weakening your nails. The biggest safety concern when it comes to press-on nails revolves around the quality of the nail tips and adhesive being used.

Talking about the fake nail tips, most good-quality sets are made of non-toxic plastic that is considered safe for cosmetic use. If you want to be safe in your regular press-on use, avoid very inexpensive and low-quality drugstore kits. These have a rough texture and are pricky when you place them on your nail bed. If you ignore these properties and get lured into buying such products, they are sure to damage your precious natural nails resulting in a negative impression for all the press-ons out in the market. Be mindful of differentiating between affordable and cheap. Always invest in decent brands and you’ll be able to see the difference in the long run.

Another very debatable product is the adhesive used for attaching the press-ons to your nails. No matter whether you use liquid nail glues or adhesive tabs for your manicures, be careful with the quality and quantity of the product. The liquid glues you choose should be skin-friendly and specifically designed for use with press-ons. If you use a drugstore strong glue for your manicures, it may not be designed for your nails and may negatively affect the natural composition stripping off some layers from the surface. Some chemicals in low-quality nail glues may also react with the plastic of the nail tips and may eventually cause more harm than good to your fragile fingernails.

When using adhesive tabs, always use the correct size as per the width of your nails or use a size smaller for comfortable wear. Using incorrect size nail glue tabs may again ruin the cuticles and the skin surrounding them which may be unsafe. When it comes to the quantity of liquid nail glues, remember less is always more. Too much nail glue can bleed everywhere on your fingernails and it is a havoc to remove them from your nails or to even remove them from your skin.

When buying ready-made press-on nails online or from stores, look for products that are committed to quality and nail health. Your manicures should prioritize both style and safety compromising on neither. Press-on nails made from premium-quality non-toxic materials and adhesives made of skin-friendly chemicals are safe for your natural nails supported by correct application and removals.

If you are careful with these tips, you may realize that press-on nails are quite safe for your natural nails and they do not ruin them. The introduction of good-quality products into your nail care routine represents a perfect blend of convenience, style, and safety, making them an excellent choice for you if you seek reliable and fashionable press-on nails.

Reasons Why Press-Ons are Better than Other Fake Nails

Usually, you opt for press-on nails when you do not want to spend the time or money on salon manicures but also don’t want to use traditional nail polishes. But do you know that press-ons are better than the acrylic or gel extensions you get from nail salons? Yes, surprisingly, press-on nails can be better than other fake nail enhancements when it comes to the safety of your natural nails.

  • They are less damaging. If you have gotten your nails done from a salon, you know how many tools are used and how much aggressive prep is done on your nails. They use abrasive nail files, buffers, and e-files to do all the prepping and even try to get under your cuticles. Also, there is so much heat generated with all these tools on your nails along with the UV/LED curing lamps.

All these harsh steps may cause more harm than good to your nail bed and the surrounding skin. When you choose press-on nails, you have eliminated all this torture on your nails reducing a lot of damage.

  • They are easy to use. Getting your nails done from a salon may sound tempting, and even if you are ready to invest the time and money, it doesn’t guarantee that your nails will be in safe hands. There are many nail salons but not all the nail techs are well-skilled and not everyone will know everything about your nails and skin. Even professional nail techs may sometimes try to work quickly or clumsily jeopardizing the safety of your nails. Plus there are so many materials to use and so many steps, it becomes very tedious.

Press-ons on the other hand are very easy to apply and remove if you use the correct ways carefully. All you have to do is follow proper steps and an after-care routine, and you can flaunt beautiful nails without worrying about safety concerns.

  • They aren’t long-lasting. This may sound weird, but it can be concerning if your fake nails are kept on for a longer time. Having nail enhancements for more than 4 weeks may feel economical, but it may be harmful as the debris, dirt, and dead skin may get trapped underneath the fake nail and get in direct contact with the natural nails causing fungal infections. Also, there is constant pressure on the nail bed to hold the fake nail tightly which may cause pain and discomfort especially when the nail grows out.

Contrarily, press-ons last for a maximum of 3-4 weeks after which the glue bond starts to weaken naturally. So when press-ons come in contact with water, they may start loosening up. But this is good because keeping them fake-nail-free for some time is healthy and gives them time to clean up.

Do Press-Ons Help Your Natural Nails Grow?

When press-on nails are applied correctly using the right glue and appropriate application methods, they do not damage the nails. They protect the natural nails from chipping and breakage allowing them to grow underneath. If you follow healthy habits in your press-on manicure, you can grow your natural nails longer and stronger.

Also, if you are someone guilty of nail-biting or picking your nails, you may protect your nails from these habits of yours using press-on nails. This beautiful barrier will keep your nails safe and will allow them to grow naturally.

If your nails are naturally a little weak or brittle and they crack or bend easily, press-on nails can come to your rescue. They can provide some strength to your nails by holding them strong and providing extra support so they don’t bend or break easily and can thus help your fragile babies grow out long and strong!

How to Safely Use Press-On Nails

If you follow proper processes and take care of these things, you will see how press-on nails can be safe for your real nails:

  • Proper Application: The first step to protecting your nails when wearing press-ons is to apply them properly! It is important to understand how to apply press-on nails correctly and to follow the process correctly to avoid damage.

Always work on clean hands and nails and choose the products mindfully and beforehand. Decide between liquid nail glue or adhesive tabs depending on the strength and longevity of the manicure that you are looking for. Prep well and be careful of the shape, size, and length of your press-ons. Choose the correct tip for your nail accordingly. Properly shape and file the fake nail when needed. Carefully place the fake nail tip on your nail surface and apply pressure mindfully. Always finish by moisturizing your hands and fingernails.

Be patient when working with press-ons and don’t rush things as you might ruin everything.

  • Proper Removal: Just like proper application, it is important to know how to remove press-on nails safely to avoid damaging your natural nails. Choose the right approach for removal depending on your comfort and requirements. It is always advisable to remove them by soaking them in warm soapy water and avoid using harsh chemicals to cause the least harm to your skin and nails.

Make sure you are not too rough or abrasive with the removal which may be unsafe for your natural nails. Again, don’t forget to hydrate and rejuvenate your nails and hands after the removal to restore the natural moisture and reverse any damage.

  • Daily Care: You shouldn’t use your nails as tools any day but be extra mindful when you are wearing press-on nails as they can easily pop off causing damage to your natural nails underneath. Avoid using them to open or pry things, especially with pressure. Keep your cuticles and the surrounding skin well-nourished by using cuticle oil and hand cream regularly.

Avoid wearing them for a long time (more than 4 weeks ideally) to keep your natural nails safe from damage. If you see any lifting of the fake nail tips or any damage to your natural nails, or if you feel any pain or discomfort, immediately remove the press-ons. And when we say ‘immediately’, don’t just peel off the nails. Use proper removal methods and be patient.

Final Thoughts

The safety of press-on nails ultimately depends on how they are applied, maintained, and removed. While potential risks exist, taking appropriate precautions can mitigate these concerns. When used correctly, press-on nails can be a safe and convenient option for enhancing the appearance of your nails without causing significant damage. Their ease of use, minimal impact on natural nails, and ability to promote nail growth make them a favorable choice for many individuals. By following proper application, removal, and daily care practices, you can enjoy the benefits of press-on nails while safeguarding the health of your natural nails. Overall, with attention to detail and mindful usage, press-on nails can offer a safe and stylish solution for nail enhancement.

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Jessica Parker

Get ready to unleash your inner nail art aficionado! I'm here to guide you through the world of trendy designs, helping you elevate your style game one fabulous nail at a time. Let's embark on this journey together and make your nail dreams a reality! 💅✨

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