Press on Nails Vs Acrylic: Differences & Which is Better
Both Press on Nails and Acrylic can create brilliant and stunning manicures. But they are some major differences between these 2 types of manicures.
So in this article, we are going to compare both of them to help you decide which one is right for you.
Press on Nails Vs Acrylic – What are the Differences
Press on Nails
Press on Nails are premade nails that are glued onto your nails to quickly create an entire manicure. They are usually applied at home and they come in a wide variety of shapes, designs, and sizes.
Press on nails are best suited for individuals who just want a quick, affordable manicure and where durability isn’t needed. They are the fastest and most affordable way to create amazing nails.
Press on Nails can also be used as alternative to acrylic and gel for those who are sensitive or allergic to either.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic Nails are applied onto your nails by mixing liquid monomer and a powder polymer to create a very durable nail extension or overlay onto your nails. They are usually professionally done in a nail salon.
Acrylic nails are best suited for individuals who want manicures that; fit seamlessly, are extra tough, and want to wear them for the long term. They are one of the strongest and most long-lasting types of manicures.
| Press on Nails | Acrylic | |
| Durability/ Long-Lasting | Press on Nails are not so durable and are prone to lifting. | Acrylic nails are one of the strongest forms of manicures available. And they can Go for 6-8 weeks |
| Looks & Feels more natural | Press on Nails can also look and feel natural but you need to get the correct sizing. | Acrylic nails will have a more seamless fit. |
| Safety | Once removed & applied correctly Press on nails tends to be safer. | Acrylic nails come with a higher risk of damaging your nails. |
| Affordability | Press on Nails are more affordable. | Acrylic nails are more expensive. |
| Easy to Apply & Remove | You can easily apply & remove Press on Nails at home. | Acrylic nails require some degree of skill to apply and more work to remove. |
| Designs | Press on Nails come in a wide variety of designs to choose from. | Can create almost any design but you are limited to the skills of your nail tech. |
Which Looks & Feels More Natural: Acrylic or Press on Nails
Since acrylic nails are built on your nails – they tend to have a more seamless fit which makes them feel more natural.
Press on nails can look and feel natural too. But you need to get the sizing just right. I recommend filing your Press on Nails until they are the right fit and shape for you.
Designs: Press on Nails Vs Acrylic
Press on Nails are available in a wide variety of designs, and shapes and they allow you to easily and quickly wear stunning nail art.
Acrylic nails on the other hand can be crafted into almost any design. But you are limited to how skilled your nail tech is and how long you are willing to spend in a nail salon to allow the design to be created.
Which is More Durable: Press on Nails or Acrylic
Acrylic nails are more durable than Press on Nails. They can easily handle wear and tear and won’t break or lift so easily.
Press on Nails on the other hand are prone to lifting and how strong they are will depend on the brand of nails and the nail glue used.
Now if you want to prevent your Press on Nails from coming off easily, you can click here to read my tips to keep Press on Nails on for longer.
Which is Safer: Acrylic or Press on Nails
Press on nails tend to be safer for your nails when compared to acrylic nails. This is because they are easier to apply and remove. You see it’s not the acrylic, press-on, or gel that damages your nails it is the application and removal process that usually poses a risk.
Acrylic nails can pose a higher risk to damage your nails this is because they are harder to remove and some nail techs use really harsh chemicals during the application process. Also acrylic has a stronger odor during the application process compared to press-ons which has almost none.
Related Articles:
Why do Acrylic Nails Hurt & Easy Tips to Relieve the Pain
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Now press on nails on the other hand can be very safe once you:
- Use a good quality nail glue during the application process and not super glue.
- Ensure the Press on nails soak long enough to break down the glue during the removal process.
Also, I don’t recommend wearing Press on nails for more than 2-3 days. Even though they can last longer.
You see Press on Nails have more gaps between the fake nail and natural nails which allows for dirt and water to get lodged which can lead to an infection.
This is why you should remove them after 2-3 days disinfect both your natural and the fake nails with rubbing alcohol and then reapply the press-on nails.
I have a great article that will guide you on how to reuse your press on nails, click here to read it.
Related Articles:
4 Best Alternatives to Nail Glue
How to Safely Remove Press on Nails
Do Press on Nails Damage Nails & Tips to Make Them Safer
4 Reasons Why you should Not use Super Glue on Fake Nails
How Acrylic Ruin Your Nails & Tips to Prevent Damages
Which is more Affordable: Press on Nails or Acrylic
Press on Nails are more affordable than Acrylic Nails. A good high-quality set of Press-ons can cost around $12.
Whilst the equivalent design and shape acrylic set can cost anywhere between $35-95 and even more. This is because acrylic nails require a lot of work and effort from your nail tech.
Most individuals also opt to have their acrylic nails removed at their nail salon which increases the overall cost.
For a nice high-quality and affordable Press on Nails I recommend Kiss Nails, click here to see some of these designs available on Amazon.
Easier to Apply & Remove Press on Nails Vs Acrylic
Press on Nails are one the easiest types of manicures to apply and remove. Whilst Acrylic nails require practice and a lot more effort.
You can easily and quickly apply press on nails at home in 10 minutes or so all you need is the fake nails, nail glue, or nail tabs. Removal is also straightforward and can be done by yourself at home.
You can check out the video below to see how to apply press on nails.
You can check out the video below to see how to easily remove Press on Nails
Which Will Last Longer – Press on Nails Vs Acrylic
Acrylic nails will last longer than Press on Nails. Acrylic nails can last 6-8 weeks, now you will need to get them filled every 2-3 weeks to cover the growth gap in the back of the nails.
Press on Nails can last 2-3 weeks but you should always take them off and disinfect them every 3 days or so to prevent infection.
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