New to the world of press-on nails? Then this is your starting point. In this guide we explain what press-ons are, who they work for, and how to get started in ten minutes — with links to our in-depth articles on each topic.
What are press-on nails?
Press-on nails are pre-shaped, pre-painted nails that you attach to your own nails with glue tabs. At L'Adele, every set is made by hand from soft gel — light, flexible and with a salon-worthy finish. So you don't get a plastic stick-on nail, but a set that looks like you just walked out of the salon.
Who are they for?
Really for anyone who wants beautiful nails without a salon appointment. No waiting, no UV lamp, no damaged natural nails — and for a fraction of the price of a salon treatment. If you work with your hands a lot or like to switch looks per occasion, press-ons are even more practical than gel: you switch in ten minutes and, with careful use, a set lasts several wears. To see exactly how press-ons compare to salon gel nails, read the honest comparison.
Getting started: size and shape
The right size is half the battle. Our sizes refer to the width of your nail; you choose the length with the shape — from short to long: Round, Oval Short, Square Short, Oval Long. Take the size check or consult the size chart on that page. In doubt? The starter set contains every size from S to L, so you can find the perfect fit for each finger at home. Which shape looks best on your hands is covered in our shape guide.
Applying in short
- Degrease your nails with the included alcohol pad — the most important step for long wear.
- Pick the right size per finger and lay the nails out.
- Stick the glue tab smoothly onto your own nail.
- Press the press-on down firmly, 15 to 30 seconds, from the centre to the edges.
The full step-by-step plan, including the mistakes to avoid, is in applying press-on nails in 5 steps. And removing? Warm water and the cuticle pusher — never pull a dry nail off. Read how to remove without damage.
Ready to start?
Browse all handmade designs or start safely with the starter set. Questions? Our FAQ answers the most common ones — from wear time to reuse.
