In the world of press-on nails, there's a growing buzz around handmade sets. While machine-manufactured options flood the market with mass-produced designs, handmade press-ons are carving out a loyal fan base. But are they actually better, or just a trend? Let’s break it down.

What Makes Handmade Press-on Nails Different?
Unlike factory-made press-ons, handmade nails are crafted with attention to detail, often using high-quality gel polish and layered techniques that mimic salon finishes. At Secure The Nails, every handmade set is painted, cured, and inspected by hand, no shortcuts whatsoever.
- Finish: Handmade press-ons look more natural and feel sturdier (even when people look closely, they are undetectable because of the seamless blending)
- Durability: Multiple gel layers = longer wear time. All of Secure The Nails press-on sets are built with base gel and top gel coats to make sure they are extra long-lasting)
- Better sizing experience: Mass-produced sets often come with 20–30 random pieces, forcing you to test and trim to find a fit. Handmade nails are sized to your natural nails already. No hassle of picking and choosing, no waste.
- Customization: You get unique designs, often with limited runs.
French Tips That Prove Handmade is Better
French tips are classic, but the difference between machine-printed and handmade is instantly visible. Just look at these customer favorites:
- Classic Nude French Tip (Almond) – our bestselling neutral nude base French tip with the perfect curved white tips. All hand-painted by layers of gel of course!
- Thin French Tip with Jewellery Detailing – the ultimate soft glam press-on nails, tortoise shell / leopard print pattern with gold foils added on the tips.
- Medium Square French Tip with Glitter - a modern twist of the classic French tip. The square shape makes it more classy and feminine, while the glitters along the French tip line add a little extra glamour.
But What About Price?
Handmade press-ons do cost more, and that’s for a good reason. You're not just paying for the product, but for the premium materials, artistry, and time. Unlike drugstore sets that pop off in a day, ours are built to last up to 4 weeks with proper prep and care.
And here’s the kicker: Most drugstore or machine-pressed nails can only be worn once (maybe twice) before they lose shape or lift. But with handmade sets from Secure The Nails, you can reuse them 10+ times easily. That means your cost per wear drops dramatically, making our sets not just better, but actually more affordable over time!
Final Verdict
If you value quality, style, and nails that actually stay on, handmade press-ons are absolutely better. They're reusable, photo-ready, and built to match the quality of an in-salon set, for a fraction of the cost over time.
Ready to try? Explore our Best Sellers and experience handmade, salon-quality nails from the comfort of home.