Are press-on nails tacky?

April 28, 2016

Uh, yes. Definitely.

At least that is what I thought until a couple weeks ago when I actually tried them.

Now I'm kind of hoping that they look okay. Because they are solving a multitude of nail problems.


Okay, maybe the glittery chevron nail is a little tacky, but hey, you can't blame me for wanting to have a little fun, right?


These pictures were taken before I trimmed them down a little.


I have always had weak nails -- splitting, peeling, tearing. When I was working, I did them every week, and since I had an office job, they stayed in fairly good shape. But when I had children, it was catch as catch can, sometimes polish, sometimes not. If I kept them short and wore gloves when I did housework (which I still do), they were generally okay.

But in the past few years I've developed a split down the middle of one of my thumb nails that doesn't seem to want to heal. I've tried keeping it cut really short, but it amazes me how often it gets bumped or hit, and then that split deepens. 

I work with my hands a lot these days, and I don't have the patience to put polish on and be careful, careful all the time so it doesn't chip. I've tried gluing the split together, taking biotin, moisturizing my hands more frequently, etc. I have gone to get gel nails at the salon. They look beautiful, but it's expensive, toxic, and time-consuming. Plus, it further damages your nails.

What to do? I could keep them super-super short and unpolished. But sometimes, you just want to have pretty nails, you know?

So all this is a build up to why I thought about trying the press-on nails. You can buy nails that you attach using glue, but that sounded like too much work and potentially more damaging to my nails.


"it's all fun and games until someone breaks a nail"
So the first set I tried stayed on a week. One of the index finger nails started lifting on the seventh day. I could have glued that one on and gone several more days, but I just took them all off. You can just peel them off, but I wanted to be careful, so I ran a Q-tip soaked in polish remover around the edges of the nails, and then lifted them off.

No damage to the nails at all, unlike when I've had gel nails removed. I think it's probably a good idea to let nails "breathe" a little, so I didn't put another set on for a few days.

It's literally peel and stick. You are supposed to press on them occasionally for the first half hour after you apply them, and avoid washing your hands for an hour after you've put them on.

I found them to be too long and squarish, so I cut them down a little the morning after I applied them and then used an emery board to round the edges somewhat. 
Note to self: use moisturizer before taking pictures of hands!
I got these imPRESS brand nails at Meijer's, a Midwest chain store, for $6.29 for 30 nails, or three manicures (or two if you don't want to use any accent nails. Some colors do come without accent nails, but you only get 24 nails.) I've seen them at CVS; in fact, I think you can find them all over. Amazon also carries them at $9.50 a package, but they have a wider selection than what I've seen in the stores. 

These nails are easy to put on and easy to take off and they're cheap inexpensive. They will definitely protect my real nails from splitting further. You don't need to inhale any toxic chemicals when using them, either. And I think if you don't use the accent nails and if you cut them down a little, they don't look so "fake."

So what do you think? Tacky? Or no?

21 comments

  1. I have a problem with my nails splitting too. Before I became ill with MD, I had beautiful nails which I inherited from my mother. But after getting sick, everything changed. My nails started to split half way down the nail bed and they also have a rippled surface. Sometimes the moons don't even show. I just get one split nail grown out and another splits on me. It's an ongoing problem. And sometimes they're sore too not to mention they get caught all the time. Ouch!
    One lady suggested I get gel nails but my hair stylist told me that would do more damage. I've tried vitamins and all kinds of things but never the faux nails.
    I think your nails look nice, {well, maybe not the chevron nails}, if it solves your problem. Perhaps I will try these myself. I have looked at them but never did try them out. Thanks for sharing, Deborah, and have a great weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  2. I also have nails that split and tried the glue on nails thinking it will help. I would wear them for a week and then replace. After a few weeks I noticed I had developed a fungus from water being trapped. It took six months of applying a treatment before I was fungus free. The problem is that the glue under the nail doesn't always cover your nail creating a 'seal'. I now cut my nails every other day to the shortest length and they look healthy again.

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  3. Well, I have heard a few ladies that really like these nails,and no they do not look tacky at all! I am going to try them myself and see if they will work for me.I might just like to use them when something special is going on. I am glad you shared this idea and post~ Hugs, Roxy

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  4. I'm not really a fan of press-on nails, but then I rarely wear any polish at all. I like to keep my nails fairly short so that gardening and cooking are not hampered.

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  5. I think they look pretty cool Deborah, and yes, I like the funky green nail too. I am lucky to have strong nails around the length you're showing here and treat myself to a manicure sometimes. I am resisting the gel application because I don't like the application nor removal procedure. When I don't have polish on I rub a liquid vitamin E across my nails and cuticles.
    If these work for you, I say go for it as they don't involve chemicals etc. like acrylic nails do.

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  6. I've never tried press-on nails or gel ones. I like the look of the French manicure, but I keep my own nails short so I can play the piano without 'clicking' and sliding off the keys.

    I do like them on you a little shorter -- they seem more your own own with your adjustment. That's such a pretty pink. I'm glad you found something that works for you and that you feel comfortable using. Enjoy!

    Wishing you a beautiful weekend ahead...
    Brenda

    PS. Thanks for the birthday wishes!

    xox

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  7. Tacky? No, not at all... I think they look like real nails! I love the pink.

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  8. I have never tried them but they certainly look good, even better shorter more natural. Have a great weekend.

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  9. They look very nice! (I don't use them because they literally make my fingers hurt.)

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  10. Wow Deborah, I'm impressed with the imPRESS nails! I have never tried them, but after seeing yours, I'd like to. I think the chevron nail is fun! I'm like you and have had one of my thumb nails that hasn't grown properly for 13 years, along the side. Thanks for your review on these nails!

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  11. Hi Deborah, Your press on nails look beautiful. I don't think they look tacky at all, especially at this length. I get a french manicure about once a month. It's my one fun luxury and keeps my nails strong and healthy. Adding the chevron nail is fun and why not? I have painted a little pink rose on my index finger before and that was fun. Thanks for sharing and your review. Blessings for a nice weekend. xo

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  12. Deborah! I'm so glad you stopped by. Still making my way to all my bloggy friends' pages, actually had you in mind before you visited, so no, no stalker feelings here. :)
    Wow! Your nails look very nice. I used to get mine done every week before children, but after I came home they broke all the time.
    It's good to connect again.
    Browsing your page and catching up.
    xoxo

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  13. They look pretty to me. I went through a period of having nails put on at the salon, but after a couple of years, I said no more and am so glad. My nails are strong and I keep them short. I do put polish on them, since my nail beds need a bit of spiffing up to hide the crevices in them, but I'm grateful I don't need anything artificial for now. If I ever do, I'll look up these you're wearing.

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  14. Wow Deborah,
    I too am impressed with these nails! Looks like they've come a long way since the last time I tried press ons! I did try the gel nails and they lasted a while but to be honest, I don't enjoy sitting to get my nails done. I think I'm going to look for these and give them a try. Your nails look great, not tacky at all. Thanks for sharing....my nails need help!!! Happy weekend,
    Xo
    Linda

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  15. Dearest Deborah,
    That those press ons look THAT good really impresses me!
    It sounds like for you it is the solution to your recurring problem of that splitting nail.
    I myself try to keep my nails short and seldom use polish, only when on vacation... and I've never used any gel nails (and never ever will) and didn't even know about these press ons.
    As for me I would keep them as natural as possible, don't like any dark colors or green or blue either and certainly no accent nails.
    Sending you hugs,
    Mariette

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  16. Your nails look really nice, and I don't think I would have guessed they were fake. My daughter loves getting her nails done, but I don't like that suffocating feeling with nail polish on them so I never varnish them. I have a split toe nail, and someone told me it will never heal unless the entire nail is removed ... not happening :[ It's because the nail has been damaged below the cuticle that it will never repair itself. I just keep it trimmed really short.
    Wendy

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  17. Hello Deborah,

    My nails are looking awful these days. Working in the garden has been brutal for my nails and I hate seating at the nail salon for hours just to get them done. And lately, I have been afraid of the chemicals and bacteria that the salons may spread.

    I love your nails. They look great and if they save me a trip to the nail salon, I am in. Thank you for the tip.

    Janet

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  18. Thank you for stopping by, Deborah, and for the lovely comments on our daughter's wedding. Tag! You're it. ;) Enjoy this special time as you prepare for your daughter's special day too. Goes by in a blink.
    Happy Mother's Day!
    xoxo

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  19. I think they're smashing, very girly! And I need to try them as I have that one split thumbnail too, have for years and nothing has worked. I do so envy women with beautiful manicures but cannot seem to keep them nice on myself. And I hate wearing rubber gloves to wash dishes, a habit I know I need to get into.

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  20. Wow your nails look great with these press on nails. I hope the nail problem get better for you. I get large rips on the sides of my thumb fingers for some reason. I have not used these in years and actually forgot about them. What a great idea and yes cheaper than the gel manicure and no chemicals.
    I hope you enjoy the week.
    Julie xo

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  21. Oooh, I think your nails look lovely! In fact, you have even convinced me to try these :) I must confess that I don't do much with my nails. I think because I have my hands in hot water {no dishwasher} at least twice a day which causes the polish to chip. I could wear rubber gloves, but it's a habit I need to get into {{smiles}} I love the color of yours, sweet friend.

    Welcome home! I just love the mug from your daughter and I know you will be blogging with it soon. Have a blessed week. Love and hugs!

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