Are Static Nails Worth the Hype? An Honest Static Nails Review
If you’re looking for an unsponsored, honest Static nails review by someone who is a total nail newb, you’re in the right place.
To clarify, I cannot paint my nails to save my life. It’s just not a skill I’ve ever really had.
But after the pandemic, I never quite got back into the habit of visiting the salon again either.
It takes time. It smells. And, it’s hard on your nails!
I kept seeing ads for Static nails pop-on manicures and I had to give the press-on nails a try.
After all, they looked pretty, semi-affordable and high-quality. Is it possible that press-on nails have evolved from the old Kiss nails I used to buy in the past, right?
If you’ve been curious about fake nails, too, then read on for my full Static Nails review.
Static Nails First Impressions
Static Nails are reusable, pop-on manicures that promise not to chip and to last for 2 weeks!
That’s a lofty promise but one I was willing to try out for this Static Nails Review.
Unlike gel manicures, these are glued right on your own nails. They’re supposed to be less damaging than acrylics and are an easy way to do your own at-home manicures.
You can buy Static Nails right on their website, but I often buy at Ulta or Amazon!
I love how fresh and modern the nail designs are.
How to Apply Static Nails Press-On Nails
Like any beauty newb, I headed straight to YouTube to binge-watch tutorials on how to apply Static Nails. (I suggest watching this video and this video.)
Spoiler alert: Since my first try, it’s definitely gotten a lot easier!
The application process is actually pretty simple, even if it’s your first time trying press-on nail kits.
I typically start by prepping my nails, just like you would with any manicure.
Tools You May need
Static Nails include everything you need to apply the press-ons without having to buy extra tools! But properly prepping your nails is the key to helping them last long. These are the nail tools I recommend:
Each kit comes with a nail file/buffer and the Static Nails nail glue.
Some YouTubers also suggest using the KISS Nail glue. I have personally found they both work quite well. The key is just to avoid using too much glue and give it a few seconds before applying the nail.
Once my nails are prepped, I start applying the nails.
I missed mentioning this step but be sure to pick the right nail size BEFORE you start prepping and doing your nails!
It’s better to go slightly smaller rather than larger when you’re picking out the right size for your press-on nails. You don’t want any glue hitting your cuticles or excess nail over your skin—your nails just won’t last as long!
I find that the shape of Static Nails fit my natural nails much better than other nail brands I have tried.
Olive & June is a much more affordable press-on nail brand I tried to compare (if you’re interested I can write an Olive & June vs. Static Nails review, let me know!).
Although Olive & June nails were just as lovely design-wise and much cheaper, I had a really hard time fitting these to my real nails. They were too arched and too curved, and it was difficult to flatten these down to my my natural nails.
Step-by Step Guide to Applying Static Nails Press-on Nails
Now that you’ve sized the nails and prepped yours, it’s time to apply them!
If you feel like this is a time-consuming thing, I recommend turning it into a ritual.
I do this by bringing out a little tray, sitting on the floor, grabbing a glass of wine and putting on a romantic comedy or guilty pleasure reality show in the background—it’s a treat!
You’ll also want to make sure you have some cotton balls and nail polish remover handy to quickly swipe away excess glue should there be any.
To apply:
- Start by putting a tiny drop on the back of the nail
- Apply a tiny drop to your nail, too. Yes, both!
- Wait about a minute or so and then apply the nail to your natural nail
- I press down on the nail for a few seconds, maybe 30 or so before releasing
That’s it!
Yes, it may take some practice, but I’m horrible at doing nails and find it’s actually fairly easy.
Quality of Static Nails
Static nails feel nothing like your regular press-on nails. They are VERY thin, yet somehow feel quite durable.
In fact, after using Static Nails for well over a year now, I find I prefer the aesthetic over the really thick nails you get from a salon or other press-on nail brands.
Static Nails Design Options
Where Static Nails really shines is their range of trendy nail designs—there are so many!
It can be really hard to decide where to start.
Even though I prefer more of a natural nail look, there are tons of options and designs for those, too!
There are also so many different shapes to choose from.
Whether you like a short round nail or a long almond shape or coffin nail, there are plenty of different sizes and shapes to choose from.
Do Static Nails Really Last Two Weeks?
YES. They sure do!
However, for full transparency, here are a few instances where they haven’t:
- I have had chipping with designs that featured French tips, which happens to me even when I go to the salon. I would recommend staying away from these designs if that would bother you or use a top coat.
- Occasionally, if I’m really rough or after about a week or so, I will lose one nail. If that’s the case and they are still going strong, I will buff, file and just reapply it. Since there tends to be glue residue, this is when it’s especially handy to have a nail drill.
In most cases, my nails last so long I end up removing them myself. I am pretty hard on my nails, too. So that’s saying a lot!
How to Safely Remove Press-on Nails
Start by soaking your press-on nails in hot water and some mild soap to loosen the adhesive and they should come off fairly easily if it’s been two weeks.
It’s important to soak your nails and not just pry them off so you can avoid damaging your natural nail.
You can also use a nail glue remover like this one to help get them off.
As far as nail glue residue, you can typically buff it off or soak a bit in nail polish remover. You can also lightly use your nail drill for particularly stubborn nail glue.
For more tips this guide on how to remove press-on nails is helpful.
Are Static Nails Really Reusable?
In my experience, Static Nails have really lived up to the hype. I love the quality, I’m obsessed with the designs and I find it so easy to give myself a beautiful manicure at home!
And, they last for weeks.
The one marketing promise I can’t get behind, however, is any implication that these are reusable nails. They’re just not.
I have no idea how they could be, or where this claim comes from, but in my experience there is absolutely no way that you could reuse these.
But, I can’t think of any press-on nails that are reusable. So, there is that.
Other Static Nails Products
Static Nails first rose to the scene with their liquid glass nail lacquer, a super shiny nail polish with non-toxic ingredients that promised to last for up to two weeks.
I haven’t tried the nail polish so can’t opine on that, but they do promise to last as long as gel nails, without harming your natural nails.
If you’ve tried the polish, leave a comment below with your experience!
Static Nails Cons
The biggest con, in my opinion, of Static Nails is that they are pretty pricey! A nail set typically starts upwards of $15-$20.
Yes, you’re not paying as much as you would be going to a nail salon. But they’re definitely more expensive than other competitors.
It also bothers me that the nails are supposedly reusable when they’re obviously not. I wish they would just remove this from their messaging as it feels misleading.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, Static Nails are the best press-on nails I have tried.
They are the perfect fit for my nail shape and I can easily experiment with fun designs and new manicures without spending a ton of time or money at the salon.
They’re great for a special event, last a long time and they’re a great option if you’re looking for a gorgeous DIY manicure.
I get loads of compliments when I wear my Static Nails, and they look nothing like the old school press-ons I tried back in the day!
Get inspired with even more nail design and art ideas!
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