Do Nail Salons Offer Press On Nails?

If you’re looking for a quick manicure solution, you may be wondering if your local nail salon offers press on nails. With cleverly designed fake nail tips and tabs that bond to your natural nails with adhesive, press on nails deliver salon-quality results in minutes.

The quick answer is that most full-service nail salons do provide press on nail applications, giving you a speedy option between appointments for fills or soaking off gel polish. However, availability, policies, and prices can vary by individual salon.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about getting press on nails from your nail tech, including:

Do Professional Nail Salons Offer Press On Nail Services?

Press on nails have become an extremely popular nail enhancement option for their convenience and ease of use. Many professional nail salons now offer press on nails as one of their services, though some specialize exclusively in press on manicures.

Here’s an overview of press on nail options at nail salons:

Many Salons Provide Press Ons as a Convenience Service

A lot of full-service nail salons offer press on nails in addition to their regular acrylic, gel, and dip powder services. They may have a selection of pre-designed press ons for clients to choose from.

This allows customers to quickly get a polished manicure without spending time doing a full gel or acrylic set. It’s a convenient option for those who want nice nails but don’t want to spend an hour or more getting a full set applied.

Salons usually shape the nails and make sure they fit the client’s nail beds properly. They may also offer extras like nail art and rhinestones. Some places charge a lower rate for press on application compared to their other nail services since it takes less time.

Many salons promote press ons as a great temporary solution between fills for acrylics or gels.

Some Specialize Exclusively in Press On Manicures

While press ons are an add-on service at most salons, some nail boutiques cater exclusively to the press on market. They offer a huge selection of press on nail designs for clients to browse and try on.

These specialty press on salons often use high-end press ons made from lightweight, comfortable materials that look and feel like real nails.

Consultants help clients pick styles and sizes to get an exact fit. They’ll expertly apply the press ons following all proper sanitation procedures. Many deluxe press on salons have membership plans where customers can come in multiple times a month and change up their nail look frequently.

This model has become popular for those who like variety and don’t want to commit to lengthy acrylic or gel sets.

What to Expect When Getting Press Ons at the Salon

Press On Application Often Costs Less Than a Full Set

Getting press on nails applied at a salon is often much more affordable than a full set of acrylics or gel nails. On average, a full set can cost $50-80 while press ons are usually around $30-40. The quick application process of press ons is the main reason they are cheaper.

Since the nails are already pre-designed and don’t require extensive shaping or polish, the appointment is much faster for the technician. This quicker service time translates into savings for the client. Press on nails are a great option if you want fabulous nails on a budget!

The Process is Typically Quick – Under 30 Minutes

Another perk of getting press on nails at the salon is the speedy application. From start to finish, the entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes. First, the technician will remove any old polish from your natural nails and prep them for the press ons.

This involves pushing back and trimming your cuticles. Next, they will properly size and shape the press on nails to fit your nail bed. The glue is applied and the press on is firmly pressed into place. Once they are secured, the technician may file the edges for a seamless look.

Finally, the nails are polished or embellished with art or rhinestones. In less time than a coffee break, you’ll have beautiful, eye-catching nails!

Most Salons Have Numerous Press On Shape and Design Options

Unlike a full set where the technician has to sculpt and design each nail, press ons come pre-designed and shaped. This allows for an endless array of styles and looks when you get them applied at the salon. Most salons have dozens if not hundreds of press on options to choose from.

You can select different shapes like round, coffin, ballerina, or stiletto. The length is customizable too from a subtle tip to long and lavish. Press ons also come with every design imaginable including French manicure, ombre, abstract art, floral, chrome, glitter, jewels – anything you can think of!

The variety makes getting press ons an exciting experience.

Pros and Cons of Salon Press On Nails

Convenience, Ease, and Cost Savings

One of the biggest benefits of getting press on nails at a salon is the convenience and ease. You can walk in, get a quick manicure, and walk out in less than an hour with a beautiful new set of nails. No need to spend hours getting acrylics, gels, or dip powders applied and cured under UV lamps.

Press ons are a fast and easy nail option when you’re short on time. They also allow you to quickly change up your nail look whenever you want, without the hassle of soaking off gel or acrylic nails.

In addition to the time savings, salon press ons are generally cheaper than a full set of acrylics or other salon nail extensions. The average price for a press on manicure ranges from $25-$45, while a full set can cost $50-$85.

So if you’re looking to save some money but still want professional nails done at a salon, press ons are a budget-friendly choice.

Shorter Wear Time Than Salon Gels or Acrylics

The main drawback with salon press on nails is that they don’t last as long as other salon nail options. Press ons typically only stay on for 3-7 days before popping off. In comparison, an acrylic or gel manicure can last 2-3 weeks with proper maintenance and care.

Press ons are attached with either nail glue or adhesive tabs, which allows them to be easily removed. But this also means they are more prone to lifting around the edges as the glue wears down. And since the nails are pre-shaped, as your natural nails grow out it can cause the press ons to loosen and fall off sooner.

So while press ons offer a temporarily quick fix, you’ll have to get them redone more often.

Higher Price Point Than DIY Press On Kits

Getting press on nails applied at a salon is definitely more expensive than buying a DIY press on kit to apply yourself at home. For example, a set of 24 reusable press on nails from a drugstore averages $10-$15. In comparison, a single salon press on manicure costs $25-$45 and only lasts a week.

However, the higher price of salon press ons includes the value added of having them professionally sized, shaped, and applied for a flawless look. So while DIY press ons are cheaper, they can be tricky for inexperienced users to get the right fit and error-free application.

Paying more for salon press ons ensures expert application and a perfect fit.

Aftercare Tips to Make Your Manicure Last

Avoid Picking and Peeling

One of the best ways to prolong your fresh manicure is to avoid picking at your nail polish or peeling it off. Picking can chip and crack the polish, allowing moisture to seep in and causing it to lift and peel faster. Try to keep your hands busy with other tasks and resist the urge to pick.

If you get a minor chip, use a nail file to smooth it down rather than making it worse by picking at it.

Use Cuticle Oil Around the Nails

Keep the skin around your nails hydrated with cuticle oil to prevent cracking and peeling which can lift your polish. Massage a few drops of oil into the cuticles and nail bed 2-3 times per day. Jojoba, vitamin E, and coconut oils work well. This helps lock in moisture and keeps the nail edges smooth.

Fill Gaps With Brush-On Glue as Needed

At the first sign of a chip or crack, use a nail glue pen to fill in the damaged area and seal your mani. Brush a thin layer of glue over the gap and allow to fully dry. The glue will act as a barrier to prevent moisture from getting in and pushing up the polish.

This can buy you several extra days of wear before needing a touch up. Carry a mini glue pen in your purse for quick on-the-go fixes.

Following these simple nail care tips can dramatically increase the longevity of your manicure. Avoiding picking and peeling is key, as this causes the most damage. Regularly applying cuticle oil keeps the nails smooth and hydrated.

And filling any chips right away with glue pen prevents further cracking. With proper aftercare, you can extend the life of your polish by up to a week or more!Awesome!😊👍

FAQs: Getting Press Ons at the Nail Salon

Are Salon Press Ons Safe for Natural Nails?

Salon press on nails are generally considered safe for natural nails if applied properly by a licensed technician (1). The glue used is formulated to temporarily adhere the nails without damaging the natural nail surface. However, improper application and removal can lead to lifted or cracked nails.

Reputable salons should use high-quality glue and educate clients on caring for press ons to minimize risks.

Can I Get Press Ons With Nail Art or Rhinestones?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of getting press ons at the salon is having access to professional nail art and embellishments (2). Nail techs can hand-paint intricate designs, apply rhinestones or charms, or customize press ons with ombre powders, glitter, chrome, and more.

Going to a salon allows you to get salon-quality nail art applied to press on nails versus trying to do it yourself at home.

Is There a Difference in Quality Between Salon Press Ons and Drugstore Kits?

There can be a noticeable difference between professional salon press ons versus press on nails from the drugstore or a mass retailer (3):

While drugstore press ons work fine for temporary wear, salon press ons tend to fit better, stay on longer, and allow you to get bespoke nail art. The expertise of the nail tech also gives salon press ons the advantage for a professional finish.

Conclusion

So do nail salons offer press on nails? The answer in most cases is yes. From convenient fills between salon visits to fun fashion colors and designs, press on nails have become a staple service at many nail care establishments.

Providing a quicker, more affordable alternative to gels or acrylics, salon press ons give you attractive nails in almost no time. Review our tips above to make your manicure last, and call your local nail experts to ask about press on availability and pricing.