A few years ago, if you told anyone you were getting press-on nails they would have looked at you as if you were a crazy person or would have even laughed in your face.

Fast forward to 2022, where ‘press-on nails’ has taken on a whole new meaning.

Gone are the days when you would be looked at with disdain for wearing press-on nails, today they are considered a must have!

It is one of the biggest beauty trends, not just in Jamaica, but around the world. Many individuals within the beauty industry have been affected by this evolution that’s currently taking place. Press-ons, back in the day, were considered tacky as they were limited in colour and sizing options but, today, you can hardly tell the difference between press-ons and a full set of acrylic nails.

In recent years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, countless nail salons were temporarily shut down as in-
person service was no longer available. This led to a press-on nail tips frenzy worldwide and caused several nail techs to become innovative in their services.

“The convenience of press-ons, as well as the pandemic, has affected business in terms of acrylic clients, however our clientele wasn’t centred on acrylic nails. My clientele is partial to gel manicures and dip polishes but there has been a decline in acrylic clients since,” Sashia Toomer, a general beauty therapist, told Our Today.

She also mentioned that the decline in acrylic customers also has to do with the fact that more clients are prioritising due to the rise in cost of living.

Several nail technicians have become creative and are making their own press-on nails and highlighting press-on nails as part of their offerings.

Nail technician Marrissa Douglas told Our Today her business has not suffered a decline as a result of the interest in press-ons, but that, in recent times, a few of her clients have been requesting them.

“I may consider making them in the future or buy and sell readymade ones for those customers who may be strapped for time and would want them,” she said.

This new development has created a niche in the market as more women are opting to purchase at least one set of press-ons to have on hand in case of a fashion “emergency”.

Jodi-Ann McBean, owner and operator of Inailedit, an online-based store that specialises in press-on nails, said her personal experience wearing press-ons and seeing the advantages that come with it was the main reason she ventured into the market.

She stated that there is a demand for the product and that she hoped it would continue to grow and improve.

“I believe more women are gravitating to press-ons because they are much better in terms of quality looks and longevity.”

If you are interested in getting a set of your own press-ons or you just want to add to your collection, Inailedit also offers delivery service across the island via bearer, Zip mail or Knutsford Express.

It’s 2022 and self-care doesn’t have to be as expensive or inconvenient as it once was. Customers now have the chance to do a full set on themselves in the comfort of their homes.

“They are versatile and convenient, I love wearing them because they look at bit more natural to me and the fact that I can put them on for an event and remove them at the end of the day is just awesome,” said Okema Watson, a regular press-on nails customer.

Nail enthusiast Shodeque Lawes said that, although press-ons are not as long lasting as when she does
an acrylic set, she has worn them on several occasions because they are very affordable.

“I love that now there is a wide option in terms of style, colour and pattern,” she added.

Press-on nails are different from traditional acrylic nails. Press-ons have high flexibility, and some can even be reused. In traditional manicures, the nails need to be sanded and polished, and the nail polish directly touches the nails. In comparison, press-on nails save time and do less damage to the nails.

Some of the scorn towards press-ons is derived from the fact that many individuals apply them incorrectly leaving them to fall off easily. The correct way to apply is to prep your natural nails by cleaning the cuticle and buffing your nails.