Are acrylic nails for men really a thing?
They certainly are!
In fact, false press-on acrylic nails are taking the male grooming world by storm!
If your nails look bad and you want to cover them up, or you want to sport some stylish and gorgeous digits, false nails are a game changer.
But wait, you’re a guy with wider nail beds than the ladies, right?
No problemo!
These kiss packs we’ve chosen come loaded with a variety of sizes to fit most men.
So, you can say goodbye to ill-fitting, uncomfortable false nails and hello to perfect acrylic nails for men.
I tested the nails in this post on my husband and I discovered a great nail hack if you’re looking for an extra wide press-on for your thumb.
Don’t let biting your nails hold you back any longer.
False nails can help kick that bad habit.
So, whether you’re looking to revamp your nails or stop biting them, false press-on acrylic nails are the way to go.
Get ready for some serious nail envy!
Table of Contents
Can guys wear acrylic nails?
Of course! In this day and age, there are no set gender roles or beauty standards.
If a guy wants to rock some acrylic nails, go for it!
It’s all about personal style and expression.
Plus, acrylic nails are a great way to help combat short, bitten, or beat-up nails.
Here’s a great video showing the whole acrylic nail process done on a guy in a very natural way.
Just make sure to take good care of your nails and keep them looking fresh.
Rock those acrylics with confidence and let your personality shine.
Who says guys can’t have fabulous nails too?
Don’t be afraid to break the mold and try something new!
What are the different types of nails for men
If you’re new to the world of nails then all the different types may be very confusing.
Press-on nails, acrylic nails, false nails, and fake nails are different terms that you might come across.
So let’s explain what each one of these terms means.
Press-on nails:
Pre-made nails come in various shapes and sizes and can be easily applied to natural nails with adhesive.
They are a temporary solution made from either plastic or acrylic that can be removed and replaced as needed.
Acrylic nails:
A mixture of liquid and powder is applied to the natural nails and then cures to form a hard, durable layer.
They are filed and shaped to match the desired nail shape.
Acrylic nails can last up to 3 or 4 weeks and are much more durable than press-on nails.
It’s important to note that acrylic nails can cause allergies like contact dermatitis or “dystrophicnailchanges” (changes in the shape, color, or texture of the nails). [Source].
So if you have sensitive skin that’s something you should be aware of.
False nails:
A general term used to describe any type of artificial nails that are not natural nails.
Fake nails:
Similar to false nails, a general term used to describe artificial nails that are not natural nails.
All these terms can be used interchangeably, but the type of artificial nails used may vary depending on personal preference and the desired length of time for wear.
Extra wide press on nail for thumb hack
One of the main issues with acrylic nails for men is the sizing.
False nails for large hands can be difficult to find.
Guys’ nail beds tend to be wider than women’s, but the kiss packs come with a good variety of sizes that should fit most men.
Pro tip: If you’re struggling to find a press-on nail to fit your thumb you could try the press-on pack for toes (see lower down), as the press-on for the large toe is extra large.
Natural-looking short fake nails for men
If you want natural-looking short fake nails you can totally get those done in a salon.
Just ask your nail technician to make them look as natural as possible.
French tips may be a good idea as these mimic the look of natural nails.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a natural, real-looking press-on nail for men on the market at the moment.
But I do have a hack to make press-on nails look more like natural nails.
You see most press-on nails that come in natural colors are shiny which is a dead giveaway that your nails are not natural.
Natural nails are not that shiny, so to make them look more natural, you’ll need to remove the shine.
Here’s how:
What you will need
Get yourself one of the kiss press-on packs below (you may need an extra pack for toes if you have wide nail beds).
Grab some extra strong nail glue, rubbing alcohol, cotton pads, a nail file, (180 grit is ideal), and some matte top coat.
Follow the instructions on the pack for how to apply the press on nails.
Once the nail glue has set you can gently file the press on to remove the shine.
Wipe away all the dust with a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol and then apply the matte top coat.
You will then have much more natural-looking nails, people will not be able to tell that they are fake nails.
Acrylic nails for male nail biters
Fake nails can help stop onychophagia (the medical term for nail biting) by providing a physical barrier between the teeth and the nails, making it difficult or uncomfortable to bite them.
Over time this will get you out of the habit of biting your nails.
However, medical experts have discovered that nailbiting“usually occurs as a result of boredom or working on difficult problems”. [Source]. So it may be beneficial for you to be extra vigilant during these times.
Additionally, the process of applying fake nails can give a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, which can reduce the urge to bite nails.
The appearance of having well-manicured nails can also provide a source of motivation to maintain the nails and avoid biting.
Here is our list of press-on nails for guys and any extras that you will need.
All the packs come in different nail lengths (short, medium or long) and the colors are natural nail colors.
You can use them as is for a natural nail look, or paint them in your favorite polish.
Some packs may include glue but I recommend getting an extra strength glue (recommendation below) as the glues that come with false nails are not always great.
Our picks
Short natural acrylic nails for men
I found that these have really good staying power. They are nice and thin so you can’t really tell that they’re fake.
I put a blob of glue on the back of the nail and coated the full nail thinly and it worked great.
Medium-length natural acrylic nails for men
These mid-length nails from Kiss were easy to apply and look really natural.
The glue that comes with them wasn’t the best so I used a stronger nail glue.
Long natural nail with french tip (if you want a natural longer look)
If strong and long is your jam, these are a good option.
I found that the quality was really good and the glue didn’t bubble.
These nails are fantastic! They were easy to apply, and i like that they have numbers on them to make life easier.
These looked great and lasted ages. I definitely recommend buying a stronger nail glue though.
This is the nail glue that I like to use for my own falsies. It’s much better than the stuff that comes with most nail packs.
Nail file, you will need a nail file I recommend using one like this which you can wash and reuse after using
Matte top coat for a natural nail look
A tip I’ve discovered for making your nails look more natural is to add a matte top coat.
I really like this one because it dries quick and the brush is nice.
How to apply fake nails for men
Applying press-on nails is a simple process and can be done at home.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Clean and prep your nails: clean and dry your nails thoroughly, and push back your cuticles using an orangewood stick or a metal cuticle pusher.
- Choose the right size: Select the press-on nails that fit your natural nails best.
If the nails are too big, you can file them down to size.
- Apply adhesive: Use the adhesive provided in the press-on nail kit or strong nail glue.
Apply a thin layer to the back of each press-on nail.
- Press on: Carefully align the press-on nail with your natural nail and press down firmly, holding it in place for a few seconds. Repeat for each nail.
- Shape and file: Shape the press-on nails with a nail file to match your natural nails and to smooth out any rough edges.
- Finish with your favorite color and topcoat or use a matt top coat for a more natural look
Enjoy your new beautiful press-on nails!
They can last for several days, depending on the quality of the nails and the strength of the adhesive used.
How long do press on nails last
Press-on nails typically last anywhere from a few days to a week or two.
How long they last depends on several factors such as the quality of the adhesive used, the natural oiliness of the skin, and the amount of daily wear and tear.
If the adhesive loses its grip, or if the nails become damaged or broken, they will need to be replaced.
Sources, citations, and further reading:
Leung, Alexander KC, and Lane M. Robson. “Nailbiting.”Clinical Pediatrics29.12 (1990): 690-692.
Freeman, Susanne, May‐Sen Lee, and Ken Gudmundsen. “Adverse contact reactions to sculptured acrylic nails: 4 case reports and a literature review.”Contact dermatitis33.6 (1995): 381-385.
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Phoebe Meadows Phoebe Meadowsis a self-proclaimed nail addict, always on the lookout for the latest trends and techniques. When she's not creating stunning nail designs, you can find her researching the latest nail care products or experimenting with new techniques. View all posts
