Custom press on nails: everything you need to know

Wanna treat yourself to some gorgeous custom press-on nails?

Or maybe you want to make some yourself and you want tips on how to do it.

In this post, we’ll answer all your burning questions about custom press on nails.

So if you want to know more about the sizing, pricing, and making of custom press-on nails, read on.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Where to buy custom nail sets

There are plenty of nail makers and sellers out there with some amazing designs on offer.

The best places to look for stellar custom-designed nails are creative marketplaces like Etsy, and social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram.

Whatever your budget or style, you’ll find something (and probably several sets) that you’ll love.

The most popular place to buy customized nails is Instagram.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best sellers and see their designs!

Best custom nail sellers on Instagram

nailz_by_dev

made to order custom nails

nailz-by dev is the queen of custom nail art.

Her designs sell for hundreds of dollars and it’s easy to see why!

She creates unique, detailed, made-to-order nail designs based on your ideas.

She also sells some of her own designs like these amazing Hakuna Matata nails.

Check out this video which shows her creative process.

mannequin.hands

Mannequin hands custom press on nail shop

Mannequin hands (aka Victoria Houllis) creates colorful and cute designs with amazing 3D details.

I’m loving this spectacular rainbow pearl creation!

Her designs sell for around $60 to $100, so if you like lighthearted, fun, and funky designs, check her out.

klawsbysophia

If you want to spend an hour or so browsing some beautiful custom nail designs, check out this next artist.

She has a little bit of everything and you can DM her to order your custom press-on nails.

sinnerssalon

Looking for something deliciously dark?

Then check out these blood-dripping horror-themed press-ons!

With plenty of handpainted designs to choose from (not all the designs are gothic), you should find a great set that you’ll be crazy about.

Dm to order custom press-on nails.

Best custom nail sellers on Etsy

AmiHouseNails (USA)

With prices starting at just $15 and an amazing range of stunning designs to choose from, you really can’t go wrong with Ami.

From pop art to unicorn pride, Amihouse nails has you covered.

Her nails come in a variety of shapes too.

HWYMiamiNAILit (USA)

If cute and sparkly is your thing, you should definitely take a look at this next nail maker.

A full set of these super sparklies will cost around $40 plus shipping.

Absolute bargain imo.

CLAWDBYTANICIA (USA)

If you want something simple (and cheap!) then this could be the press-on artist for you!

Prices for these awesome designs start at just $15, which is so very affordable.

She also sells pedicure sets.

ShondasNailArtistry

Dontcha just love these handpainted Hocus Pocus nails?

Obviously, this level of artistry comes with a higher price tag – this particular set sells for $285.

But, if you’re looking for something for a special occasion, this might just be worth it!

NailBoutiquexAPJ

This next artist creates gel-based reusable, creative, and fully customized press on nails.

This set of custom pokemon nails sold for $200.

contact her directly for more info.

What are custom press on nails?

Custom press-on nails are full coverage ready-made nails that you can just stick on and wear.

They come in many different shapes, lengths, and styles.

They are usually painted with gel polish and have nail art on them that ranges from minimalist to incredibly intricate.

Most makers create their designs and then offer them in a range of sizes to accommodate different customers.

You may be asked to measure your fingernails to buy, but this is easy to do (more on that later).

You can also get custom acrylic press-on nails made to order.

In this case, the design and size will be made just for you.

How long do custom press-on nails last?

This depends on how well you take care of them and how rough you are with your nails.

If you prepare the nail surface properly, use good quality nail glue and look after your manicure, then you should be able to wear a set of custom press on nails for 10-14 days.

Submerging your nails in water will make them more likely to pop off.

You can shower while wearing your press-ons.

But you should keep showers short and don’t use your nails to scrub your scalp while washing your hair.

Wear gloves while doing dishes, and keep your nails away from harsh chemicals like bleach.

Be careful when opening cans and taking off tight clothing.

All of these things will help your press-on nails last longer.

How much do custom press-on nails cost?

This is a tough question because there are so many variables.

The price of a set of custom acrylic press on nails can range between $10 and $390.

The price depends on how much work has gone into the design and on how desirable both the design and the artist are.

For example, nailz_by_dev’s luxury press on nails online (Instagram) sell for between $250 to $390.

Handmade press on nails (especially artsy ones) usually costs more.

There are sets based on popular movies and tv shows that cost upwards of $200 (like her unique press on Hocus Pocus nails – $285 and custom Pokemon nails – $200).

But you don’t need to pay that much to get a set of cute custom nails.

Most standard sets sell for between $10 and $30.

Kiss press-on nails are widely available and are very affordable.

Long press on nails and long acrylic press on nails tend to be more expensive, so bear that in mind.

Long press on nails with designs are more expensive than short ones.

How do you package custom press on nails?

There are a few different ways to package up your press on acrylic nails.

My favorite way is to use cotton-filled jewelry boxes like these.

These types of boxes are super cute, come in a range of designs to suit your brand, and look great with the nails inside.

You could also try designing and printing out cards and sticking your DIY press-on nails to them using glue dots.

You can then package the whole thing in a clear cellophane wrap or a ziplock-style bag.

See-through boxes and even gift bags can also work well.

How do you do custom press on nails?

Doing your own custom press-on nails is fairly easy.

You’ll need some basic tools and equipment like tips, a nail lamp, files, buffers, polish, and base/top coat.

You’ll also need plenty of stuff for doing nail art like striping tape, nail foil, gems, adhesive, etc.

Here’s full in-depth guide for how to make your own custom press-on nails at home.

How do you custom fit press on nails?

There are 2 ways to custom fit clients (or yourself) for press-on nails.

The first method involves buying a set of tips in a wide variety of sizes (sizes usually range from 0-9 or 1-10).

Then physically match them up to each nail, making sure to record the sizes and which fingers they correspond to.

If you are doing this professionally, you may want to send out the full set of 10 sizes in a sample pack with instructions and guidance to help your client size themselves.

Obviously, this method has its drawbacks.

It takes time to put together these sample packs, they could get damaged in the mail or the client could size themselves incorrectly.

Plus this only tells you your size in one brand and shape of nail tips, and sizing can vary across brands and also nail shapes.

The best and most accurate method is to measure your nails using scotch tape and a biro pen.

You can find out exactly how to do this in this video tutorial.

How do you make custom-size press on nails?

Don’t worry, you don’t need to make custom press-on nails to fit each individual person.

Press-on nail tips come in 10 main sizes, most of which will fit the majority of people.

If you or a client are between sizes, you should opt for the bigger size and file it down slightly at one of the sidewalls.

It’s a good idea to pre-make your customized press-ons in a variety of sizes and give people more than they need (say a pack of 22 nails in all sizes).

As we’ve already talked about, you may want to put together a sizing press-on nails kit for clients and then use that information to choose the right-sized press-on.

How do you measure for custom press on nails?

There are a few ways that you can measure for custom press-on nails.

The first is to physically match press-on nails up to each nail, making sure to record the sizes and which fingers they are for.

If you are doing this, be aware that sizing can vary across brands and also nail shapes.

The second method is to measure your nails using scotch tape and a biro pen.

The third method involves measuring the width of your fake nails from the underside using a tape measure.

Are custom press-on nails reusable?

Yes, custom press-on nails can sometimes be reused.

You will have to take care of them very well and you will need to remove them using warm water and no harmful chemicals.

This does take a long time you’ll need to soak them for at least 20 minutes and maybe even longer depending on the glue you used.

You cannot reuse custom press on nails that have been removed using acetone.

Acetone will not break down the tip, but it will ruin the polish and the design.

Final thoughts:

Let’s have a quick recap, shall we?

Custom press-on nails are a great way to have perfect-looking nails without having to go to a salon.

They last for around 2 weeks and come in a variety of sizes, colors, lengths, and shapes like coffin, almond, and stiletto.

They are easy to apply at home, which is why they are so popular right now.

You can make your own custom-size press-on nails at home with the right tools, or you can buy them pre-made.

To measure for custom press-on nails, use scotch tape and a biro pen, or measure the width of your fake nails from the underside using a tape measure.

Custom press-on nails can be reused if you take care of them properly and remove them using warm water and no harmful chemicals.

That’s about it!

I hope that you found this post useful and happy nailing!