Use a Glitter Top Coat
Glitter or holographic top coats are a simple upgrade to press-on nails that make them look much more customized. Whether you add glitter to every nail, as an accent or to create French tips — its presence alone creates a salon-inspired touch.
Color Your French Tips
Variations on French tip nails are hot at the moment and prove to be a great way to upgrade your press-on nails. Grab a neutral set and pick a pop of color or two (like neons or pastels) to paint French tips. The end result looks like a professional set of gels or acrylic nails and provides you with a trendy take on a classic manicure that is sure to earn you compliments.
Mix and Match Sets
Always save the extra nails from your past sets because they’re perfect for pairing up to create an entirely new set. Indie manicures are super fun and with press-ons, they allow you to upgrade your nails without any extra effort. Not to mention, we love how money-saving and resourceful this hack is. Have fun and go for different colors, textures and designs to create your own fully custom manicure.
Repaint Your Old Press-On Nails
Another reason to save your extra press-on nails is to easily repaint them and create an entirely new set. Painting press-on nails is really no different than a gel or acrylic manicure that you would get at a salon. Those leftover white press-on nails you recently rocked are the perfect canvas to become a bubble gum pink set for an effortless, romantic look.
Editor’s tip: If you want to get a really custom look, mix some nail polishes and add a marble design to your press-on nails.
Paint a Design
Flowers, checkerboard print, stars — maybe even the whole galaxy — painting designs is a great way to boost creativity with your press-on nails. Grab a thin nail brush and some nail polish and start to get creative. Don’t feel the need to make your nails match — as we said earlier, mixed design sets are a fun and unique way to show off some personality. Pairing your designs with another salon-inspired trend like rhinestones or pearls is a great way to complete the custom look.
Add Length
If short nails are your go-to, step outside of your comfort zone and go for a longer set. With a big variety of different shapes, including almond, coffin and square to name a few, it’s easy to find a new length that is still fit to your comfort and liking. Long nails on their own tend to look salon-professional and the larger surface area is great for adding designs.
Next: 8 Chrome Nail Designs You’ll Want to Take to Your Nail Tech ASAP
Written and photographed by: Reece Andavolgyi, Design by: Crystal Simone