New to press-on nails or just looking to up your nail game? This guide has everything you need—from finding your perfect fit to applying, removing, and maintaining your press-ons like a pro. Whether you're going for clean girl vibes or bold statement nails, this is your complete how-to.

What Are Press-On Nails?

Press-on nails are pre-shaped, pre-designed artificial nails that stick directly onto your natural nails using gel glue or adhesive tabs. At GELLY, our reusable press-on nails deliver flawless, salon-quality manicures in minutes—without the time, mess, or damage of traditional acrylics. 

How to Find Your Press-On Nail Size

Getting the right fit is key to a natural look and long-lasting wear. Here’s how to use a press-on nail size guide to get the best fit:

Soft tape method:

Wrap a soft measuring tape across the widest part of your nail. Make a note of the width in millimeters.

Paper method:

Place tissue paper down, moulding to the contour of the nail. Mark the width of the nail. Then flatten the paper and measure using a ruler.

Pro tip: If you fall between two sizes, size up—you can always file the sides for a perfect fit.

How to Apply Press-On Nails (Step-by-Step)

Each set of GELLY press-on nail comes with a tool kit (including Super Glue Stickers, nail file, cuticle pusher and alcohol swab) . Our glue stickers designed to last 7-10 days.

Step1

Use a nail file to evenly polish the natural nail surface.

Step2 

Clean your nails with an alcohol swab. Remove any oil or dirt. 

Step3

Choose the right-size glue stickers for all nails.

Step4

Peel off the top plastic layer of the glue stickers.

Step5

Press the nail onto your finger at a 45-degree angle and slowly press down.

Step6

Hold and press for about 10 seconds.

Tips for long-lasting press on nails

• Avoid water for at least 3 hours after application. Best time to apply? Before bed!

• Use a blow dryer (on low) to warm the adhesive slightly for better bonding.

• If a nail lifts or gets water underneath, replace the adhesive sticker immediately.

How to Remove Press-On Nails (Without Damaging Your Natural Nails)

Each pair of GELLY press-on nail can be reused. Rub away the remaining glue stickers from the nail after removal, and put it in the storage box for next use! Safely learn how to remove press on nails without damage:  

Nail Shape Guide: Find Your Signature Look

1. Round (10-16mm)

• The look: Softly follows your fingertip’s curve — simple, natural, and elegant.

• Best for who: Low-maintenance beauty lovers. This shape resists snagging and breakage.

• Complements: Every hand shape.

2. Oval (11-16mm)

• The look: A smooth, elongated ellipse that screams classic femininity.

• Best for who: Those who want a subtle elongating effect.

• Complements:  Short or wide fingers, Oval nails make them look instantly slimmer.

3. Round Square (10-16mm)

• The look:A hybrid between Round and Square, that has the flat tip of a square shape but with softly rounded edges.

• Best for who: Fans of square nails who want something less sharp or snag-prone.

• Complements: Almost everyone. It’s the “denim jacket” of nail shapes — goes with everything.

4. Super Short Coffin (12-16mm)

• The look: Also known as "ballerina" nails, this shape has straight sides that taper in and are capped with a flat, straight tip.

• Best for who: Trendsetters who want that edgy, “model-off-duty” vibe without the extra length.

• Complements: Medium to long nail beds.

5. Short Almond (15-21mm)

• The look: Tapered and feminine, ending in a soft point. It’s a softer, shorter version of a stiletto.

• Best for who: Glam minimalists — stylish but still work-friendly.

• Complements: Most hand types, but especially wider nail beds — this shape draws the eye upward, elongating the fingers.

6. Long Round Square (15-19mm)

• The look: Think “Squoval,” but longer. Flat top, rounded edges — strong yet soft.

• Best for who: Anyone who loves statement nail art with extra room to play.

• Complements: Long fingers and wide nail beds.

7. Long Round (15-20mm)

• The look: A longer take on the Round shape for classic elegance with a little extra oomph.

• Best for who: Nail art lovers who prefer timeless over trendy.

• Complements: Long, slender fingers.

8. Long Oval (18-24mm)

• The look: The ultimate in red-carpet glamour — sleek, graceful, and elongating.

• Best for who: A red-carpet-ready, glamorous look. It’s feminine and graceful.

• Complements: Long fingers, making them look impossibly slender. 

9. Long Coffin (20-26mm)

• The look: The classic, statement-making Coffin shape. It features dramatic, straight tapering sides and a blunt, flat tip.

• Best for who: Making a statement (and taking perfect mirror selfies).

• Complements: Long fingers or anyone unafraid of attention.

Discover different press on nail adhesive options! The Ultimate Guide to Using Press-On Nails: Adhesive Options Explained (Glue stickers VS Solid Nail Glue VS Traditional Glue VS UV Glue Stickers)

Can I Shower with Press-On Nails? The good news: Yes! Find out some smart maintenance tips for long-lasting wear!

Understanding the Differences Between 100% Handcrafted, Semi-Handcrafted, and Factory-Made Press On Nail Art shows you how to identify handcrafted, semi-handcrafted, or factory-made press-on nails!