ad. I’ll be honest—I’ve never been much of a false nail girl. Salon visits take forever, gels can damage your natural nails, and most press-ons I’ve tried looked… well, fake. I tend to just paint my own nails at home. But when Candy Claws sent me a few sets to try (including their gorgeous Candy Claus extra-short design), I was intrigued by their claims of salon-quality nails that actually stay on.
What Are Candy Claws?
Candy Claws are premium press-on nails that promise to bridge the gap between cheap drugstore falsies and expensive nail salon appointments. Unlike typical press-ons that pop off at the worst times, these are made from 100% soft acrylic using custom-made moulds—the same material used for professional salon nails.
Each pack contains 24-30 nails in 12-15 different sizes (yes, really!), ensuring you get the perfect fit for each finger. Plus, everything you need comes in the box: a nail glue tube, adhesive tabs, nail file, cuticle stick, and an alcohol wipe. It’s basically a complete DIY nail kit in one package.
The brand originated in Australia and has built up a massive following—over 300,000 nail lovers swear by them. They’ve now expanded to ship from the UK, which means faster delivery for us!
Why Are Candy Claws Different from Other Press-Ons?
Having tried various press-on brands over the years, I was curious what made Candy Claws special. Here’s what I discovered:
The Material
Most press-ons are made from ABS plastic, which is basically just thin, cheap plastic that feels obviously fake. Candy Claws use 100% soft acrylic instead—the same material nail salons use for acrylics and extensions. The result? They feel like real nails, they’re incredibly durable, and they have that glossy salon shine that lasts.
The thickness is perfect, too. Not so thin they bend and break, but not so thick they look unnatural. They genuinely achieve that salon-done look without the commitment.
Size Options Are Incredible
This might sound boring, but the size options are great. Each set comes with 12-15 different sizes, which means you can find the perfect fit for every single nail on your hand. No more trying to file down a too-wide nail or dealing with gaps on the sides!
For reference, most standard press-on sets give you maybe 10-12 nails total with limited size variety. With Candy Claws, you get 24-30 nails, so there’s always a backup if you lose one or want to swap out a nail. The abundance of size options means you’re almost guaranteed a perfect fit, which is crucial for long-lasting wear of the nails.
The Glue’s Effectiveness
Can we talk about nail glue for a second? Because this is where most press-ons fail. The glue dropper included is seriously impressive—enough glue for 2-3 wears without buying anything extra. Unlike those tiny tubes that barely last one application, there’s actually enough glue here.
Several reviewers specifically mention that Candy Claws’ nail glue is the best they’ve tried, and I have to agree. It holds strong without causing damage when you remove them properly. Plus, if you want an even easier application process, they offer a brush-on glue as an optional extra, which is fantastic for precise application.
You can also use the adhesive tabs if you prefer. You peel them off and place them on the nail, then put the nail on top of them. This is a much less messy way to wear the nails, and each nail set comes with both options.
My Candy Claws Nails Review: Testing Candy Claus
I received the Candy Claus design in extra-short length—a festive candy cane French tip that’s perfect for Christmas but subtle enough to wear through January.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The presentation of the package is gorgeous, and immediately I could tell these weren’t your average press-ons. The nails have a beautiful shine, the acrylic feels substantial, and there are SO many size options laid out.
The Candy Claus design itself is stunning—classic red and white candy cane stripes on a French tip, giving that festive but elegant look. The colours are vibrant without looking garish, and the finish is glossy like you’ve just left a professional manicure.
The Application Process
Full disclosure: I watched their full application video before starting, which I highly recommend for first-timers. The video makes the whole process super clear, and honestly, it’s easier than I expected.
Here’s how it went:
Step 1: Nail Prep
I started by making sure my hands had been completely dry for at least an hour (apparently, this is crucial for the glue’s effectiveness). Then I used the included nail file to gently buff the surface of my natural nails. This removes any shine and gives the glue something to grip onto. A quick wipe with the alcohol wipe removed any oils or residue.
The nail prep step takes maybe five minutes and feels oddly satisfying. It’s like prepping a canvas before painting!
Step 2: Finding the Perfect Fit
This is where those 12-15 different sizes come in handy. I laid out all the nails and tried different sizes on each finger before applying any glue. Some fingers needed a slightly wider nail, others needed narrower ones. Having all these options meant I could genuinely find a perfect fit for each nail.
Top tip: the nails are numbered on the inside, so once you figure out which size works for each finger, you can reorder them easily.
Step 3: Application
I decided to use the included glue dropper rather than adhesive tabs since I wanted maximum wear time. The glue tube makes it easy to apply just the right amount—a small dot on your natural nail, wait about 10 seconds for it to get slightly tacky, then press on the press-on nail at a 45-degree angle and hold firmly for 30 seconds. I have also used the adhesive tabs and found it quicker, but it was quite hard to peel the backs off them, so that felt awkward.
The whole application for all ten fingers took me about 10-15 minutes. That’s the same amount of time it takes me to apply regular polish, but with way better results!
Step 4: Final Touches
Once everything was on and secure, I used the nail file to shape any edges that needed tweaking. The soft acrylic files beautifully, so you can customise the shape to suit your own nails and preferences.
The Results: How Did They Perform?
Let’s get to the important part—did they actually stay on? And did they look good?
These looked absolutely perfect. The shine was incredible, the candy cane design got so many compliments – people genuinely couldn’t believe they were press-ons! I did all my normal activities—typing, cooking, cleaning, showering—and not a single nail showed any signs of lifting. I could even play piano, though it was not as comfortable!
I have odd-shaped nails, so it wasn’t a natural look on every nail. They are very standard side,s and if you have different nail shapes, you may find gaps at the cuticle or sides. Far away, they just looked like my own nails, professionally manicured, but there were a few tell-tale signs up close, especially as my hands are quite small, so the smallest nail fit the width of my little finger, but not the length, so my nail bed was poking through a bit.
The Comfort Factor
One thing I worried about was whether press-ons would feel heavy or awkward. They did at the start, but I soon got used to them. The soft acrylic material feels so natural that by day two, I’d completely forgotten I was wearing false nails. They’re thin enough to type comfortably but thick enough to feel durable. I could do everything normally—even things like putting in contact lenses or untangling jewellery chains.
The comfort of their own home application is also a massive win. No sitting in a nail salon for hours, no UV lamp exposure, no nail drill damage. Just 10 minutes of relaxed application whenever suits you.
The Removal Process
This is crucial—because even the best nails aren’t worth it if removal damages your natural nails. Candy Claws provide a full removal video (which I watched before attempting this), and the process is genuinely damage-free when done correctly. Here’s how:
When your nails begin to lift naturally (usually around the 2-week mark), soak your hands in warm, soapy water with a bit of oil for about 10 minutes. This softens the glue. Then use the included cuticle stick to gently rock underneath the edges of the nails, lifting them away from your natural nail.
The keyword here is “gently.” Don’t force them off! With proper soaking, they should lift relatively easily.
I was genuinely nervous about this part, but it went perfectly. My natural nails underneath were completely undamaged—no peeling, no weakness, no damage whatsoever. In fact, because my nails had been protected under the press-ons for two weeks, they’d actually grown longer and stronger!
This is a huge difference compared to traditional gel polishes that often leave nails brittle and damaged after removal.
Candy Claws Reviews: Pros and Cons
Here’s my opinion about Candy Claws:
Pros
- Natural look: The soft acrylic and perfect fit make these look incredibly realistic
- Long-lasting: Up to 2 weeks wear with proper application and minimal care
- Size options: 12-15 different sizes mean perfect nails for everyone
- Quality materials: 100% soft acrylic, not cheap ABS plastic
- Easy application: Takes 10-15 minutes in the comfort of your own home
- Reusable: Can be worn 2-3 times with proper care
- Everything included: Complete kit with glue, adhesive tabs, tools
- Damage-free removal: Protects your natural nails rather than destroying them
- Great value: Much cheaper than regular salon visits
- Gorgeous designs: Beautiful variety from natural to festive
- Compliments galore: People genuinely ask where you got your nails done!
Cons
- Initial cost: At around £12-15 per set, they’re pricier than drugstore press-ons (but worth it!)
- Learning curve: First application takes a bit longer while you figure out sizing
- Can’t resize much: Once applied with glue, you can’t easily swap out if you chose the wrong size
- Popular designs sell out: The Candy Claus design I tried is already sold out for this season
- Adhesive tabs don’t last as long: If using tabs instead of glue, expect 3-5 days max
The minority of reviewers who had issues typically mentioned problems with sizing or application technique, which suggests the full application video is essential viewing!
Are Candy Claws Worth It?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a great alternative to both salon nails and cheap press-ons.
Let’s do the math: a professional manicure costs around £30-50 and lasts maybe 2 weeks before needing fills or removal. That’s £60-100 per month if you keep them maintained. Candy Claws cost £11.99-15 per set, last up to 2 weeks, and can be reused 2-3 times. Even buying a new set every two weeks (which you don’t need to), you’d spend around £24-30 per month for perfect nails.
But the real value isn’t just financial—it’s the convenience. Apply them whenever you want, change designs frequently, and never worry about nail salon appointments or damaged natural nails.
For someone like me who wasn’t traditionally a false nail girl, these have been game changers. They’ve converted me! I now have several sets in rotation and love being able to switch up my nail look to match my outfit or occasion.
Who Are These Perfect For?
Candy Claws are ideal if you:
- Want salon-quality nails without the time or expense
- Have damaged nails from gels and want to give them a break
- Love changing your nail design frequently
- Need perfect nails for special occasions (weddings, parties, holidays)
- Want long-lasting wear but not the commitment of acrylics
- Struggle with traditional nail polish that chips immediately
- Appreciate having multiple size options for the best fit
- Value damage-free beauty products
They work beautifully on both short nails and longer natural nails, and the range of shapes (extra short, short, medium, square, oval, almond, long almond) means there’s something for every preference.
Tips for Best Results
After my experience, here are my top recommendations:
- Watch the full application video first – Seriously, don’t skip this!
- Take your time with sizing – Try every size before committing
- Prep properly – The nail file and alcohol wipe steps really matter
- Use glue for longevity – Adhesive tabs are great for short-term wear, but glue gives you that 2-week staying power
- Don’t rush the press – Hold each nail firmly for the full 30 seconds
- File after application – Customise the shape to suit your style
- Treat them gently for the first hour – Let the glue fully set
- Keep the cuticle stick handy – Essential for the removal process
- Consider the brush-on glue – Many reviewers say this makes application even easier
- Buy multiple sets – If you find a design you love, stock up!
Final Thoughts on My Candy Claws Nails Review
Candy Claws reviews from customers are overwhelmingly positive, and I can see why. As someone who’s always been sceptical of press-ons, I’m impressed. The combination of quality materials, perfect fit options, and genuinely long-lasting wear makes these professional-grade products that rival anything you’d get from a nail salon. I still prefer painting my actual nail due to my hands-on hobbies, but these are a great option for an occasion.
The Candy Claus design I tried was absolutely beautiful—festive but elegant, and it lasted brilliantly through all my Christmas activities. I’ve since ordered a few more neutral designs for everyday wear.
If you’re on the fence about trying press-ons or you’ve been disappointed by other brands, I’d absolutely recommend giving Candy Claws a go. They’re the real deal—stronger press-ons that actually deliver on their promises.
The fact that they protect and strengthen your natural nails rather than damage them is the cherry on top. My nails are in better condition now than they were before I started using these!
Have you tried Candy Claws? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments! And if you’re new to press-ons, let me know if you have any questions—I’m happy to help!
These are so stinkin cute! Love.
i have my nails done but always keep them short. these are super cute for the holidays and look great on your nails!!