Press-on nails, until now, have been less than impressive, in our humble opinion. Too long, too wide, poor quality and a desperate lack of polished, diverse and classy colour options we see on celebs like Hailey Beiber, Jennifer Lopez and Lizzo.
Don’t even get us started on how some less than reputable products may affect the health of your nails. Now, thanks to Brisbane-local, Kelli Armstrong, founder of Nailfitt Press-On Nails, we can all enjoy a salon-perfect manicure at home, without risking damage to our natural nails.
Shonagh Walker chatted the entrepreneurial mum who’s shaking up the manicure market.
Nailfitt Press-on Nails is so great, with fashion-forward and classic options available. What was your driving force behind the brand?
For my birthday last year, I had bio gel nails. It was a rare weekend away from my daughter. As a single parent working full-time, I usually don’t have time for the nail salon or upkeep of gel or acrylics. Or much beauty maintenance at all to be honest! It was a special treat, and I loved how they looked.
I felt so glamorous and ‘done’. But then when I got back to my everyday reality, they just were not practical. The nails were too long to type, help my daughter get dressed or even shower properly. I then had to find the time to have them removed, which I did after a few weeks. But even worse than the time, money and effort, was that my nails were ruined. It took six months for them to grow back to full strength.
I thought, ‘If only there was a quality press-on nail version of these’! Then, I went down a rabbit hole of research, ordering and sampling nails from other press-on nail brands and international suppliers. Eventually I found what I believe to be the best quality. Nailfitt is a soft gel that is malleable and moulds to your natural nail bed. Nailfitt press-ons are bendy, they won’t snap.
In short, I designed these press-ons as a form of practical beauty for time-poor people. Those who don’t have time or money for the nail salon, or the regular maintenance of gel or acrylic nails. Or simply don’t want nails on all the time. You can apply Nailfitt anywhere, anytime, in 10 minutes. You can wear them for a night, a weekend or up to two weeks, and then soak them off at home in under 20 minutes – without damage. They are also sustainable and purse friendly, as they’re reusable up to five wears.
How many colours and shapes are in the Nailfitt Press-on Nails range?
I currently have 17 designs on the website but by next month, there will be a 28 designs. I’m getting feedback that customers would like more solid colours and shorter lengths. As I am catering to a slightly older demographic, I am not so much about the wild patterned designs and extra long nails. I’m going for a cool, chic, confident and classic look. My most popular sellers so far are definitely the classic French Manicures in pink and nude. They have sold out! There’s a waitlist for those that want to order when they restock in a few weeks.
Can I file the nails down if I want shorter nails for ease of typing or other day-to-day activities?
Yes, the nails are customisable. You can cut them or file them down to your desired shape and length. Keep in mind, that the finish may not be as perfect but they will still make a statement. Press-on nails are practical and made to fit into your lifestyle.
Why are they healthier than salon nails?
Studies have shown that extensive use of gel or acrylics can wear down your natural nail, causing thinning and brittleness. Long wear may also result in Green Nail Syndrome, or ‘The Greenies’.
This is a bacteria that gets under the nails when they’re not given the chance to breathe, or if uncleaned tools are used in the salon. Also, when you’re sitting in a salon, you’re also surrounded by chemicals. You may also be exposed to damaging UV light exposure, which tests have shown to be unhealthy with the possibility of advancing aging.
How long do they stay on without manual removal?
You can wear them up to two weeks. Possibly longer with the right application. However, I recommend letting your nails breathe in between applications as Nailfitt is about healthy and ‘fit’ nails that ‘fit’ your lifestyle. Hence the double ‘t’. And then there’s the fact that you get 26-30 nails inside the kit so you can find your exact fit. No two hands and nails are the same after all.
On the topic of application and wear. I recommend first-time users use the gel adhesive pads. Once you become a pro and want longer wear, you can move to nail glue.
