We constantly strive to achieve the perfect manicure, but it can seem impossible between the iffy results of a DIY manicure and the absurd prices of salons. Two solutions pair salon-quality results with DIY prices: gel nail strips and press-on nails.
Trying to grasp the nuances of the gel nail strips vs press-on nails debate can initially seem tricky. Over our years of experience as a nail care company, we have learned that semi cured gel nail strips have the edge over press-on nails.
We’ve crafted this guide on the gel nail strips vs press-on nails debate to help you make the right choice for your nail care needs. But don’t just take our word for it – we’ll explore all the details in today’s chat, so let’s get started!
What’s the Difference Between Gel Nail Wraps and Press-On Nails?
At first glance, it could seem like the gel nail strips vs press-on nails debate is one between two nearly identical products. Both products offer you a speedy, salon-quality manicure in a fraction of the time and money a professional appointment would demand of you.
We’ll need to look deeper at each product to understand the differences fully.
What Are Gel Nail Strips?
Gel nail strips are a type of nail wrap consisting of a flexible strip with an adhesive backing and partially cured gel nail polish. You simply place them on your nails, cure them under a UV lamp for a minute or two, and voila! A salon-quality gel manicure without all the hassle.
But wait, what is a nail wrap, anyway?
You’ll often see comparisons between nail wraps vs semi-cured gel nail strips, simply because gel nail strips are a type of nail wrap. All nail wraps share the same qualities of an adhesive backing, quick application process, and pre-applied polish that ensures a smooth finish.
What Are Press On Nails?
Let’s turn to the other half of the debate. Press-on nails go beyond gel nail strips, providing an entire artificial nail over your natural nails. Press-on nails come pre-shaped and require an adhesive base or glue to stick correctly.
Press-on nails can allow you to extend your natural nail length in an instant but have a weaker foundation compared to gel nail strips, forcing you to replace them frequently if you are using them as a replacement for salon manicures.
Now that you know how to define each product, let’s put them against each other to see which will fit best for you!
Gel Nail Strips vs Press-On Nails: Which is Better For Your Nails?
To properly compare these two instant manicure options, we must determine how they perform in critical areas. We’ll explore some universally desirable traits we all look for when seeking a flawless manicure.
Ease of Use
One of the main reasons people avoid DIY nail care options is the perceived difficulty. It can feel impossible to achieve a salon-quality result from the comfort of your home.
However, with the help of these two products, it doesn’t have to be!
Applying gel nail strips is extraordinarily easy. You don’t need experience to achieve a beautiful result since the adhesive backing does all the hard work. Learning how to get nail wraps to stay on is as simple as adequately sizing your strip, peeling the adhesive, applying them to your nails, and letting them all cure under UV light.
Press-on nails nails also offer an easy application process. You must apply the adhesive material to your natural nails and then press them on. However, it is essential to note that your results can be affected by the underlying shape of your natural nail bed, and you will often find that press-on nails will fall off long before nail wraps fade if you lack experience.
Oh, and if you can’t decide a winner between gel nail strips vs press-on nails by the end of this article, there’s another option. You can consider using nail wraps on press-on nails if you want to extend your nail length temporarily for a big event.
Cost-Effectiveness
Switching from salon manicures to a DIY option should help you free up room in your budget for your next vacay or shopping trip.
Both products offer affordable prices relative to the salon, but how do they stack against each other?
A pack of gel nail strips will cost around $15 to $20, each containing anywhere from 15 to 20 strips. Since gel nail straps last at least two weeks, You can often get three full manicures over six weeks for just $40!
Press-on nails nails are similarly priced but fall behind in the long run. Most packs contain a similar amount of nails, but due to their rigid shape, you may only be able to use some of them at a time.
To make matters worse, press-on nails have a much shorter lifespan, around 5 to 7 days. Over time, this can make press-on nails more than twice as expensive as gel nail strips per month!
Customization and Creativity
Another appeal of salon manicures is the ability to achieve the exact design you want without needing to be personally skilled at nail art.
Gel nail strips offer plenty of customization options in their own right. Nail art comes pre-applied and semi-cured directly onto the wraps, saving you from countless hours trying to draw a flower or hearts on your nails.
Press-on nails nails also have pre-applied nail art. They can also be a helpful way to extend your nail length immediately. However, if you prefer a natural length or want to grow your nails without damaging their health, nail wraps for short nails are your only option.
Nail Health
The health of your nails is vital. So, are nail wraps bad for your nails? And what about press-on nails?
Gel nail strips are safe for your nails, provided you shop with the right brand. Look for gel nail strips that are ‘14-free’, which indicates that the polish used is safe from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates.
The application process for gel nail strips is very gentle, preserving your natural nail bed. Conversely, press-on nails will pose a massive risk to the health of your nails. The adhesive materials and glues required for press-on nails will often contain formaldehyde and other toxins that will damage your nails and prevent long-term growth.
Longevity
If you’re ditching the salon and switching to a DIY option, you’ll want to know how long your at-home mani will last.
So, how long do nail wraps last, and how do they compare to press-on nails?
In a pleasant surprise, gel nail strips last a while for an at-home option. You can expect at least two weeks if the application process goes smoothly, with many wearers able to make them last even longer! In fact, we created a guide on our blog exploring how to make nail wraps last longer to help you maximize their value.
On the other hand, press-on nails have a disappointingly small lifespan. In the best-case scenario, they will only last up to 7 days, and it is relatively common to break a single nail before that, ruining your manicure.
So, Which is Better: Gel Nail Strips vs Press-On Nails
We’ve explored these at-home mani products in detail, so which one should you choose?
Gel nail strips, of course!
Learning how to apply nail wraps is astonishingly simple, offering a salon-quality manicure lasting up to two weeks, all from the comfort of your home. Gel nail strips are also the only option to preserve your natural nail health and grow them out in the long run.
Comparatively, press-on nails have a shorter lifespan, require some knowledge to use, and are dangerous for the health of your nail beds.
With the winner of the gel nail strips vs press-on nails debates established, there’s only one thing left for you to do: Find the perfect nail wraps brand for all of your nail care needs!
Experience the Difference Firsthand at Polish Pops
After all the hype we gave to gel nail strips, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to go shopping for some immediately. However, key differences exist between the best semi cured gel nail strips and the average option on the market.
Thankfully, you are already in the right place for the best gel nail strips on the market! At Polish Pops, we created a line of ‘14-free’ and Vegan nail wraps that are simple to use and safe to wear.
We constantly update our inventory with timeless classic colors and bold new styles. Our gel nail strips can help you streamline your nail care routines, whether you have one color you never want to take off or love to change your nails with every outfit!
Polish Pops also carries every accessory you need to achieve your flawless mani in minutes, including the best top coats for nail wraps and gel nail strips, UV gel lamps, and nail care kits.
With the help of our products, you’ll be able to have glamorous nails for any occasion, all while skipping those awkward salon conversations!
Tips on Using Our Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips
Once you’ve found the perfect strips for your aesthetic, you are only one step away from that flawless mani! Here are a few of our favorite tips for applying nail wraps to make a simple process even easier!
For additional step-by-step instructions, check out our two guides on the process: how to put on gel nail strips & how to remove gel nail strips.
Final Thoughts on Gel Nail Wraps vs Press-on Nails
Overall, the choice between gel nail polish stickers and press-on nails is a simple one. Gel nail strips are the better option for longevity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use compared to press-on nails.
As for where to find salon-quality nail wraps, your search won’t have to go too far! Polish Pops is the #1 brand for nail wraps and gel nail strips.
We created our company to develop a safe and easy-to-use at-home manicure option. With our help, you’ll have no more expensive salon trips or press-on nails that easily break and harm your nails.
If you enjoyed our guide, check out our blog for other fun articles on the nail care world, like DIY nail wraps, DIY gel nail strips, how to size nail wraps, and how to store nail wraps.
Otherwise, if you’re ready to streamline your nail care with the help of the best nail wraps and gel nail strips, you can find everything you need at Polish Pops. Browse our inventory to start your journey to a flawless at-home mani today!
