To safely remove press on nails without damaging your natural nails, follow these steps:
What You’ll Need:
- A bowl of warm, soapy water (or acetone if they're stubborn)
- Cuticle oil or olive oil
- A wooden cuticle stick
- Nail buffer
- Moisturizer
Method 1: Soaking in Warm, Soapy Water (Best for Non-Acrylic Glue or Adhesive Tabs)
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Soak Your Nails:
Fill a bowl with warm water and a bit of soap. Add a few drops of cuticle oil if you have it. Soak your nails for 10–15 minutes. -
Gently Loosen the Nails:
After soaking, gently lift the edges with a wooden cuticle stick. If you feel resistance, soak for another 5 minutes. -
Peel Carefully:
Slowly peel the press on nails from the sides. Avoid pulling from the tip to prevent damage. -
Clean Up:
Use a nail buffer to remove any leftover glue. Apply cuticle oil and hand moisturizer.
Method 2: Using Acetone (For Stronger Nail Glue)
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Prep Your Nails:
File the surface of the press-on nails slightly to break the top coat, which helps the acetone penetrate. -
Soak Cotton Balls in Acetone:
Place the soaked cotton balls on your nails and wrap each finger with foil to hold them in place. Let sit for 10–15 minutes. -
Remove Press Ons:
Gently push the loosened nails off with a cuticle stick. Don’t force them—reapply acetone if needed. -
Nail Care:
Wash your hands thoroughly, buff off any glue, and hydrate with cuticle oil and moisturizer.
Pro Tips:
- Never force or rip off press-on nails; this can damage your natural nails.
- Use acetone sparingly, as it can dry out nails and skin.
- After removal, give your nails a break to recover before applying new press ons.
Would you like advice on nail care after removal or tips for reapplying them?