What Are Press-On Nails Made Of?

Having a well-groomed manicure can make all the difference to helping your feel more confident and beautiful overall. Even if you’re having a day off and are spending it in your pajamas and sweats, an eye-popping nails can make you feel more dressed and gorgeous.

And of course, there are many ways to make your nails rock, including using press-on nails. They may have been tacky in the past, but they’re much better now!

But have you ever wondered what are press on nails made of? How are they different than acrylics?

They are typically made of acrylic resins, gel-X, and ABS plastic polymers.

In this article, we’ll go over the details.

---

Press-On Nails 101

As you already know, press-on nails are artificial nails that can be used to extend your natural nail bed.

Applying press-on nails is really simple: you either use adhesive tabs, which are many times supplied in the box, or nail glue, which helps them to stay on for even longer.

Press-on nails can last for a special evening or weekend occasion, or even up to two weeks if you’re really careful, depending on whether you use adhesive tabs or nail glue.

And this kind of fake nail is once again very popular! Because in general, they won’t cause any real damage to your nails and don’t need to be soaked forever in finger-damaging acetone to remove them.

---

What Are Press-On Nails Made Of?

Are the materials for press-ons the same as acrylics and other fake nails?

Well, press-on nails can be made of different materials, including acrylic resin, gel-X, or ABS plastic. So, let’s take a look at these materials in detail to see what they can offer your next press-on manicure.

Press-on nails can be made of different materials, including acrylic resin, gel-X, or ABS plastic.

---

1. Acrylic Resin

If you’re after real durability, then press-on nails made from acrylic resin could be the answer to your prayers.

Acrylic resin is an extremely durable resin solution that contains very tough bonding agents. This means acrylic resin press-on nails are very long-lasting by default.

These are basically the same materials as acrylic nail tips and forms, but they’re attached and decorated differently.

Acrylic resin is an extremely durable resin solution that contains very tough bonding agents. This means acrylic resin press-on nails are very long-lasting by default.

Acrylic resin press-on nails will generally give your nails the appearance of an acrylic manicure, without causing any damage to your natural nail bed.

You have the choice of using nail glue or adhesive tabs to apply acrylic resin press-on nails. Using the former will give you a manicure that will last for up to two weeks, while the latter option will keep your false nails on for around four or five days.

This type of press-on nail is very cheap to make, and even if you apply them at home, they will give you a near-perfect appearance of an acrylic manicure done at your local nail salon. 

---

2. Gel-X

Gel-X is a type of press-on nail that cures just like a gel manicure. Apres is the main brand of this type of nail, but there are many knock-offs.

These are a combination of a press-on and a gel nail. You apply the Gel-X nail to your natural nail with nail glue, just as you would with an acrylic press-on. Then you apply your gel to it, and finish with a UV lamp.

After you apply it, it will look like a standard gel nail!

This type of press-on nail will last for two weeks, typically. However, it is more high maintenance than press-on nails usually are, because the removal process is basically the same as removing a normal gel manicure.

You’ll likely have to visit a nail salon to have this type of press-on done, which will add to your overall costs.

Gel-X press-on nails are quite strong though, and they are better for your nails than standard acrylics. However, your natural nail bed will eventually thin out if you apply press-on nails in this way too often.

The removal is an intense process due to the sanding and soaking needed.

This can also become expensive since you’ll ruin your nails by trying to do this yourself at home.

---

3. ABS Plastic

ABS plastic is what most press-on nails are made from, including most nails from big brands like Kiss Impress, Beetles, and Glamnetic.

This form of polymer is a non-toxic and impact-resistant thermoplastic that is opaque and consists of three monomers — acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene, hence the name ABS.

ABS plastic is what most press-on nails are made from, including most nails from big brands like Kiss Impress, Beetles, and Glamnetic.

This form of plastic doesn’t smell and can be shaped into many different styles, shapes, lengths and colors.

It is the same kind of plastic that is used to make LEGO bricks, so the colors can be bold, and the material is very durable.

There are some new companies such as Loa Nails that produce Vegan press-ons made from high-quality recycled ABS plastic: good for the environment, and good for your look!

---

Benefits of Wearing Press-On Nails

Less Damage to Your Nails

As we’ve said before, the greatest benefit of using press-on nails is that, in general, they won’t cause any damage to your natural nail beds.

This is particularly true if you apply a good base coat on them before using nail glue to attach them.

Other types of fake nails can be pretty rough, and you’ll need to regularly take breaks from them.

However, there are a few other reasons why you might choose to have this type of manicure, beyond keeping your natural nails in good condition.

No Need To Visit The Salon (and Pay For The Manicurist)

For starters, you don’t need to visit a salon to wear press-on nails, which can save you both time and money if you want a polished manicure without leaving your home. They’re also quick and easy to apply, which will give you more time to focus on other things that you find important.

Easy to Take On And Off

Are you corporate during the day, and adventurous E-Girl at night?

If you have a job that requires you to have natural nails, then press-ons are a great way to give yourself a custom manicure on your days off.

They are easy to remove for when you go back to work — and your boss will be none the wiser.

And perhaps the best thing of all, press-on nails are a cost-effective way of glamming up your natural nails. They are cheaper to buy than having a manicure done at a nail salon, but if you take care of them while wearing them, they’re also reusable.

So choose a favorite design, and you can wear them over and over and over again.

---

Conclusion

Giving yourself a press-on nail manicure is an easy and creative way to change up the look of your natural nails, because of the variety of shapes, color options, and designs that are available.

And as you now know what press-on nails are made of, you’ll be sure to find the best option that will suit your style — and keep your nails looking fabulous like you want them to.