Do you want the long-lasting style of acrylics, or the easy convenience of press-on nails? Both sides of the acrylics vs press-ons debate are popular choices on their own. But which one is better for you?
The reality is that there are some downsides to each option. Acrylics are expensive, time-consuming, and not the healthiest choice. Press-ons only last for a few days, have limited style potential, and can damage your nails over time.
We’ll show you the difference between press-ons vs acrylics in this guide. However, there’s a third option that’s better than both in several categories: Polish Pops nail kits!
We created Vegan, cruelty-free, and HEMA-free gel nail strips and traditional polish wraps. They last for weeks and require 15 minutes or less for application. That combines the best benefits of both acrylics and press-ons, all while keeping your nails healthy.
All About Acrylic Nails
Are acrylics or press-ons better for you? We’ll need to look at each one individually to give you a clear picture.
Acrylic nails are one of the most popular nail care choices. They promise durability paired with glam shapes and styles.
How Acrylic Nails Are Applied
Application methods are one of the key areas that distinguish press-ons vs acrylics. Acrylic nails require a complex process.
You start by combining a liquid monomer with a polymer powder. You do this to create a moldable paste-like compound. You can then shape this over your natural nails or an extension. Once the paste reacts with air, it makes a durable layer over your nails. The entire process takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the skill level of your technician.
Benefits of Choosing Acrylics
Spending multiple hours to go to a weekly nail appointment is a massive investment. But there are a few key benefits that make it worth the effort for some.
The most significant benefit of acrylics vs press-ons is the longevity factor. Acrylic nails can last for 2 weeks without chipping or breaking. Acrylic nails are also customizable by shape, length, and design.
Acrylics can even cover damaged nails for a short-term fix.
Common Drawbacks of Acrylic Nails
We wouldn’t be exploring press-ons vs acrylic nails if one of them had zero drawbacks. Acrylics come with some notable downsides.
As we previously noted, acrylic nails take a long time. There’s a time gap of an hour or more in acrylics vs press-ons. Other nail options are similar. For example, if you look at acrylics vs gel nails, it still takes 20-30 minutes longer.
Nail health is a massive concern with acrylics. The application process is intense on your nails, with harsh ingredients and acetone during removal. You will encounter several potent chemicals that can irritate your skin and leave a lingering smell in your nose.
Acrylics also require plenty of upkeep. Biweekly appointments are necessary to avoid new growth. This will take up time in your busy schedule and put a dent in your wallet.
The Appeal of Press-Ons
Are acrylics or press-ons better? We looked at the ups and downs of acrylics, but there’s not enough to get a clear picture yet. Let’s look at the other half of the press-ons vs acrylics debate.
What Modern Press-Ons Are Made Of
Press-on nails are predesigned enhancements that you apply to your nails. You can do this from the comfort of your home, as you don’t need advanced skills.
They feature sticker tabs or nail glue. You apply the adhesive to your nails, then attach the press-ons by pressing them firmly. The entire process can take 15 to 20 minutes, a much better ratio than acrylics.
Benefits of Choosing Press-Ons
There are a few highlights that separate press-ons vs acrylics. The short application time is a significant benefit. They cut the time to a quarter of the acrylics, which is great for a busy schedule. Plus, you can apply most press-ons at home, giving you flexibility and sparing you from awkward salon chats.
Affordability is another major factor distinguishing acrylics vs press-ons. Press-ons are generally cheap, unless you have to swap in new ones every day.
There’s little long-term upkeep with press-on nails; you just remove them once you get tired of your style without needing a salon appointment.
Common Drawbacks of Press-Ons
Press-ons come with a set of cons. They last 3 to 5 days in most cases. Cheaper-quality press-ons may start popping off your nails after just a day. They have even less durability if you lead an active lifestyle or use your hands for work - press-ons can start lifting off hours after application.
Press-ons promise a one-size-fits-all solution, but everybody’s hands are different. They may end up misaligned on your fingers, which can feel uncomfortable. You’re also limited in styles and nail art with press-ons, unlike the extensions of acrylic or gel manicures.
Acrylics vs Press-Ons: Are Acrylics or Press-Ons Better?
So are acrylics or press-ons better for you? The answer depends on your lifestyle. You might be too busy for salon appointments, which rules out acrylics. Or you don’t want to fuss with your nails every other day, so you prefer the longevity of acrylics vs press-ons.
Therefore, you’ll want to explore the press-ons vs acrylics debate closely to find the best fit.
Application Process and Time Commitment
Everyone wants a glam manicure that becomes the talk of social media. But the time commitment can be a real burden on your schedule.
This is one area that sets apart press-ons vs acrylics. Press-on nails allow for a DIY manicure right from the comfort of your home. The process isn’t entirely straightforward, but it’s much easier than trying to learn how to do acrylics yourself.
However, there’s a small upside to acrylics vs press-ons: the salon experience itself. Pampering yourself with a long salon appointment and some me-time might be precisely what you need to destress from a busy day-to-day life.
Durability and Wear Time
Longevity is a must for your manicures. You don’t want to go through all the effort of booking an appointment or giving yourself an at-home spa treatment only to watch your nails chip and break after a few days.
Acrylics are one of the best options for longevity. They last 2 weeks before they start to show new growth and some chips. You may even be able to go longer between fills if you’re okay with showing some new growth.
Press-ons are a short-term choice. They can start popping off your hands in just minutes. Your reward for being careful with them is that they’ll instead wait 3 to 5 days before falling off or chipping.
There’s a small benefit to press-ons being so fleeting - you can change out styles quicker. But that’s also an option with acrylics - the difference is that press-ons force you to replace them.
Cost Over Time
Acrylics have a reputation as one of the most expensive nail care options. That reputation exists for a good reason. Acrylic manicures cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per set. Upkeep, or ‘fills’, every other week will cost similarly, with only some salons offering a small discount.
Press-ons are naturally more affordable. They may cost $10 to $25 for a complete set of nails. However, their short lifespan causes their long-term costs to spike upwards. You may replace press-ons 5 times in 3 weeks, when you could have done acrylics for a similar price.
The reality is that both sides of the press-ons vs acrylics debate are pretty expensive - it’s simply a matter of whether you want to pay upfront or over time.
Impact on Nail Health
Beauty doesn’t have to be pain, despite what older generations taught us. Acrylic nails are an unhealthy option for short- and long-term nail health. The application and removal process uses intense chemicals, which can damage your natural nails. It will strip away layers, leaving them brittle and thin.
Acrylic nails are also prone to causing allergic reactions, including itchiness or dryness. But are press-ons a healthy alternative to acrylic nails?
Not necessarily. They are better by default, but many still contain harmful ingredients like HEMA and other methylacrylates. Repeatedly applying glue can also damage your nails in the long run. The risk is higher if you choose press-ons with toxic ingredients.
Customization and Design Options
We love the feeling of a picture-perfect mani that turns heads and coordinates perfectly with our favorite outfits.
Acrylic nails offer plenty of design potential. You’re either having a professional nail tech do them, or you have the skill to handle them yourself. This enables you to choose everything from timeless classic solid colors to bold and trendy nail art. Acrylics are also shapable, which further adds new ways to express yourself.
Press-ons are limited in comparison. You’re stuck with only the styles and colors available from that particular brand. You have to find a brand you trust (including one that is healthy), and hope they have a design you like. Then you need to buy as many of that style as you can find, which can be another challenge.
Lifestyle and Occasion Suitability
Choosing between press-ons and acrylics is a personal decision. You need to consider your typical nail care routine and what you’re willing to tolerate.
Acrylics offer long-term durability, plenty of style options, and salon-quality results. But they are also expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous for your long-term nail health.
Conversely, press-ons are quick and convenient. You pop them on and can swap them out as you see fit. But that convenience also leads to a short lifespan - most press-ons last no more than 5 days. They’re also tricky to use if you lead an active lifestyle and work with your hands a lot.
The idea of giving up any one of these benefits makes your choice challenging. But we have great news before you find yourself stuck comparing acrylics and press-on nails for hours.
There’s a third option that combines the benefits of both nail styles - without the drawbacks.
Experience Something Even Better Than Acrylics and Press-Ons at Polish Pops!
Polish Pops is every fashionista’s favorite way to get a flawless manicure at home. We created salon-quality wraps featuring both gel nails and traditional polish. They last 2 to 3 weeks just like acrylics, feature hundreds of styles, and won’t chip or break.
It only takes 15 minutes or less to apply or remove Polish Pops nail polish wraps. You can even swap your styles on the go. We love wearing a French Mani for meetings and later switching to the hottest avant-garde trends for a night out.
Polish Pops are high-quality and affordable relative to both the upfront cost of acrylics and the long-term price of press-ons. You can get a set that is good for 1.5 or 2 uses for just $16. Since they last up to 2 weeks, that means you can have flawless nails for less than $40 a month!
The best part about Polish Pops is our commitment to your health. We avoid all harmful chemicals, including HEMA, formaldehyde, and phthalates. Our products are certified Vegan, cruelty-free, and 14-free.
You can explore our website with over 200 styles and nail art designs. We constantly update our selection to account for the latest trends in the beauty world. You can also send recommendations for new products to our friendly team, or ask us for advice on other topics, like gel vs dip nails.
Parting Thoughts on Press-Ons vs Acrylics
Acrylic nails and press-ons are on two opposite sides of the nail care spectrum. Press-ons are the convenient option that offers quick manicures at a low cost. But you get what you pay for when they start popping off your hands at the most inconvenient time possible.
You’re not much better off with acrylics. They are durable, but they require hours and hundreds of dollars spent in a salon. They’re also unsafe for your long-term nail health.
Thankfully, there’s a reliable alternative to gel nails, acrylics, and press-ons that gives you the best of all worlds. Polish Pops are durable, won’t chip, and give you a salon-quality manicure from the comfort of your own home.
You don’t have to be a salon tech to use our product - just place them on your nails, cure then under UV light, and admire the results. Shop our store now to find your new favorite style!
