How to Remove Press-On Nails Without Damaging Your Real Nails
I’ve recently become a press-on manicure stan. As someone who admittedly never lets her unmanicured nails see the light of day, I find that press-on nails look very natural and are a lifesaver when I need a fresh manicure ASAP. Whenever I’m done wearing my press-on, though, I’m always faced with the same question: How do I take them off without damaging my nails? To help me figure it out, I chatted with a celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards
How Do You Take Off Press-On Nails at Home?
Use a Good Glue
The first step in correctly removing your press-on nails actually happens before the removal process begins, explains Edwards. To ensure a seamless removal, you want to make sure you’re using good glue that won’t cause damage to your nails. For instance, the kiss brush-On Nail Glue is made for easy application and removal. Plus, it’s formulated with aloe vera to help keep your nails moisturized and protected.
Soak Your Nails
“The best way to remove press-on is to soak them in a small ceramic or glass bowl filled with acetone-based nail polish remover,” says Edwards. Soak until the glue breaks down and the nails become loose enough to effortlessly pull them off or until they fall off on their own. This method works for press-on nails that you have to glue on yourself and the ones that have the adhesive already on them.
To speed up the process, Edwards says you can also use an artificial nail remover kit. Whatever you choose, remember to be patient. If you yank off your press-on before they’re ready, it could strip layers off your natural nails and damage them.
Use a Soft Buffer
If you’re soaking your nails and notice that they’re still not easily coming off, Edwards recommends using a soft nail buffer to carefully remove them. “Never, ever pull up the false nails or fill harshly.” she says.
Apply a Nail Strengthener
It’s likely that after all that glue and acetone, your nails are in need of a little TLC, so be sure to follow up with a nail strengthener. We love the Essie Hard to resist Nail Strengthener because it strengthens nails to their original resiliency in just three days.
Follow Those Steps
To remove press-on nails without damaging the real nails, follow these steps:
- Soak nails in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to soften the adhesive.
- Gently lift the edge of the press-on nail using a cuticle pusher or orange stick.
- Slowly peel the press-on nail away from the natural nail, avoiding rough or forceful removal.
- If the adhesive is stubborn, apply acetone-based nail polish remover to a cotton ball and place it on the press-on nail for a few minutes before gently peeling it off.
- After removal, wash and moisturize the natural nails to avoid dryness and damage.
