Why Gen Z is done with nail salons: ‘2024 is the year of press-on’ (2024)

Gen Zis gluedto press-on nails.

The savvy, stylish nails have come in handy for on-the-go young people who desire versatile nail designs — but want to spend less money and fewer hours in a nail salon.

Celebrities including Nicki Minaj andMarsai Martin, who avidly wear false nails, have even embraced the do-it-yourself concept and launched theirownpress-on collections: “Pink Friday Nails” in March 2024 and “Mari By Marsai” in 2022, respectively.

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“When I became amom, I couldn’t spend asmuch time gettingmy nails done as when I only had to worry aboutme, so it became a necessity to create fly, quality press-on nails,”Minaj previously explained of her new venture.

That sentiment even tracks for manicure mavens who are used to creating tantalizing talons.

“Not having to sit at the nail salon for hours but instead being able to apply nails and go is so convenient,” New Jersey-based nail designer Nisha Persaud told The Post.

Before the new nail craze, beauty fanatics relied on nail technicians to apply acrylic sets or gel manicures to theirnail beds, which required costly biweekly maintenance and could result in brittle claws.

Completing a full-set manicure in a nail salon takes a time-consuming 60 to 90 minutes, according toMedium.By contrast, applying a full set of press-on nails,onaverage,takes only about 10 minutes, reported Southern Living.

Reflecting the surge in DIY popularity, the hashtag #Pressonnails has topped a whopping 1.3 million views on TikTok, with many Gen-Zers embracing the easy-on-the-go nails.

And one beauty influencer, who goes by@yazmin.adalynn on TikTok, declared that the sticky nail trend is here to stay.

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“2024 is the year of press-onandyou cannot convince me otherwise,”she declared in a video while displaying her dazzling digits.“This whole nail ordeal took meahalf-hour,anditwasbasicallyfree.”

Other nail enthusiasts — like Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, and Kim Kardashian — are sticking to press-on nails, too, like the ones from Glamnetic and KISS. The glued-down ornamentals allow them to switch up their nails like they change their clothes.

“Press-on nails are popular because having access to trendy and stylish art at your fingertips is a luxury,” Persaud, who ownsThe Clawset,specializing in luxury press-on manicure kits, told The Post.

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“Gen Z are way ahead of us when it comes to taking care of their bodies,” Tiger-Lily Taylor,the founder ofClaws, a UK nail company,told The Standard. “Press-ons are much healthier for your nails, especially if you use stickers that can be used and removed daily.”

However,press-on nailsdocarryrisks, such as infections, allergic reactionsandnail-bed breakage, but that doesn’t deter people from pressing on with the nail trend — especially if it’s helping them spend less time at the nail salon.

London-based Dr. Sermed Mezher previously outlined the dangers of wearing acrylic nails and how it canmakeyour nailstransforminto crusty, green talons.

He explained that “beyond being unsightly,” the condition is calledchloronychia, also known as Green Nail Syndrome (GNS), and can happen if the acrylic nails haven’tbeen appliedproperly. resulting in a space between the actual nail and the acrylic thatwasn’tproperlyfilled.

Persaud, 30, admits there are many pros to the sometimes-tacky nails aside from a quick application process.

“I see plenty of financial benefits to wearingpress-ons. Saving money! No travel fees,salon fees.You can spend less and still have flawless claws,” she said. “And you can do it yourself!”

Persaud advises people to “tip yourself” for the cost-efficient DIY service, rather than tipping a nail tech for $100-plus groomed claws.

Why Gen Z is done with nail salons: ‘2024 is the year of press-on’ (2024)

FAQs

Why Gen Z is done with nail salons: ‘2024 is the year of press-on’? ›

Why Gen Z is done with nail salons: '2024 is the year of press-on' Gen Z is glued to press-on nails. The savvy, stylish nails have come in handy for on-the-go young people who desire versatile nail designs — but want to spend less money and fewer hours in a nail salon.

Why are press on nails so popular? ›

Press on nails don't damage easily and will always shine

The incredible thing about press on nails is that they won't damage as easily as other false nails. The nail is made of plastic but is strong and crafted to last long. Press on nails don't lose their finish either, they will continuously shine.

When did press on nails become a thing? ›

“Press-on nails were first invented in the 50s but didn't get popular until the 80s when nail art became more popular,” says Brittney Boyce, a celebrity nail artist and founder of NAILS OF LA.

What culture started fake nails? ›

Historically, artificial nails were common symbols of status all across the world: During the Ming Dynasty of China, noblewomen wore very long artificial nails as a status symbol indicating that, unlike commoners, they did not have to do manual labor.

Why are so many nail salons run by Vietnamese? ›

By the end of the 1980s, over 125,000 Vietnamese refugees had settled in the United States, and word had spread among the close-knit community that nail salons were a viable business to earn a stable income and become self-sufficient.

What is the downside to press on nails? ›

“The main risks of press-on nails are infections, allergic reactions and damage to various parts of the nail unit,” Dr. Murray said. According to Dr. Murray, people may experience infections from press-on nails because they trap in moisture, creating a damp environment for fungus and bacteria to thrive.

Are press on nails making a comeback? ›

Fashionistas with flimsy nails are turning to faux finger flair as convenient press-on nails make a comeback in the beauty market, allowing nails to appear manicured even when they can't make it to the salon.

Why do females wear fake nails? ›

Nowadays, many women just like to have an immaculate manicure, but they don't think about whatever class [nails belong to]. Nail enhancements are an excellent way of achieving this 'perfect' look. So many more women now realise this can be achieved with artificial nail products."

Why are artificial nails not allowed in healthcare? ›

Artificial fingernail enhancements contribute to nail changes that can increase the risk of colonization and transmission of pathogens to patients. Outbreaks of infections have been traced to the artificial fingernails of health care workers. For those reasons they are prohibited for anyone having patient contact.

Are long nails still in fashion? ›

LONG NAILS

Clean, minimalist nails will always be in, but stiletto nails haven't lost their edge. It isn't a Blonds party without towering, intricate tips to accentuate the sultry, spunky looks on the runway.

What is a Russian manicure? ›

What is a Russian manicure? For the uninitiated, a Russian manicure is a dry manicure, so no soaking in water is required. The technique consists of very precise cuticle work, often involving a nail drill and other special equipment to clean and remove excess skin around the nail bed.

What state has the most nail salons? ›

California plays a crucial role in the national nail salon sector due to its labor force, the market, and its history of organizing and advocacy. The state is home to the largest number of licensed manicurists and the largest number of nail salons in the country.

Why do nails cost so much? ›

Nail salons incur various operational costs, including rent, utilities, insurance, equipment maintenance, and staff salaries. These expenses are ultimately passed on to customers through service pricing to ensure the business's profitability and sustainability.

How long does a press on nails last? ›

How Long Do Press On Nails Usually Last? A set of press-on nails will typically last for about one week but if you follow the tips above and take care of your nails they could stay intact for two to three weeks (or until you remove them).

What problem does press on nails solve? ›

Press-ons don't chip. They never lose their shine or shape. And if one pops off prematurely, you can clean it with alcohol, file down the edges, and glue it right back on. Your natural nails are much safer underneath a pair of press-ons than gels or acrylics.

Are celebrities wearing press on nails? ›

CELEBS THAT LOVE PRESS-ON NAILS

In fact, some of the worlds biggest names, at some of the worlds biggest events, have also opted for an instant mani. Jennifer Lopez we're looking at you. Not only has she rocked press-on nails at some of the world's biggest award shows, she wears them in concert too!

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