A Houston woman says her life changed after trying Marshalls’ $12 press-on nail set. That’s why she says she’ll probably never see a professional again.
TikTok founder Lauren Ray (@laurenrayxvx) posted a video late last week about her findings. “You guys, I just got my nails done and I bought them from Marshalls for $10 to $15,” she said at the beginning of the video. “I don’t think I’ll ever get my nails done again.”
Why this Houston woman may never return to a nail salon
She told the audience why. “Look at my nails,” she said. “Look at the quality. I usually use the Kiss brand for my pressure nails. This is my first time using this brand. The brand is The Only Nails. They are thick. I’m obsessed. Just a heads up – $12 to $15.”
“I can’t believe how good these are. OMG,” she wrote in the caption.
Viewers in the comments section wholeheartedly agreed with Ray, even those who hadn’t tried a press-on manicure from that particular brand.
“Nail reformation is my favorite,” one viewer wrote.
“Sally Beauty Nail Gel,” said a second person. “At least three weeks. Really.”
Others said Ray left out a key variable in her video. “Girl, I think the real question is what glue did you use?” said a third. In response, Ray revealed that she uses Kiss Brush-On nail glue.
What’s up with the only nails?
The Only Nails is a nail products company founded by a former nail biter who was looking for a way to quit smoking, according to the website. Its set normally sells for $35.59 on the website, but can apparently be found at significant discounts at Marshalls and similar discount stores.
Press-on manicures have recently made a resurgence in the beauty zeitgeist after decades of dormancy starting around 2021, and they show no signs of slowing down, with viral content like Ray’s spreading the gospel across the internet.
Why are press-on nails suddenly so popular? It’s not just social media. According to a Reddit thread posted on r/Beauty a month ago, a series of factors collided to create this pop culture phenomenon.
One person said, “Cost (up to $20, usually less) and time (up to 10 minutes to apply). I would love to go to a salon regularly to get my nails done, but I just can’t afford it financially or time-wise.”
“I can find cute sets at my local Dollar General for $7,” a second agreed. “Then, women would ask me where they get their nails done. I’m always happy to share my pressing tips. It’s easy to change the look. You don’t have to sit in the salon and soak.”
A third said, “What matters to me is damage, convenience, and price. When I take the tabs off, my nails are damaged much less, they take five minutes to apply, and they are cheaper. I will never go back to acrylics.”
AllHipHop contacted Ray via email and The Only Nails via the online contact form for comment. We will update this story if they respond.
@laurenrayxvx I can’t believe these omg how good the quality is #pressonnails #pressons #diynails #marshalls ♬ Original Sound – LAUREN RAY
