To remove press-on nails safely and without damage, you can use one of the following methods:
1. Warm Water and Soap Soak (Reusable Method)
- Fill a bowl with warm to hot water and add dish soap and optionally some cooking or olive oil to help break down the glue.
- Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gently try to lift and peel off the press-on nails. If they don’t come off easily, soak for another 10 minutes and try again.
- Once removed, gently buff off any leftover glue on your natural nails.
- Apply cuticle oil to nourish your nails afterward.
- This method allows you to reuse the press-on nails
2. Acetone Soak (For Stubborn Nails or Non-Reusable)
- Trim your press-on nails to shorten them.
- Soak a cotton ball or pad with 100% acetone and place it on each nail.
- Wrap your fingertips in foil to keep the acetone in place and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
- After soaking, gently push off the softened press-on nails with an orange stick or cuticle pusher.
- Repeat soaking if necessary until nails come off easily.
- Buff any remaining glue and apply cuticle oil to restore moisture.
- This method is effective for very stubborn nails or those applied with strong glue but will ruin the press-ons, so don’t reuse them
Additional Tips
- Never force or pry the nails off as this can damage your natural nails.
- Using oil (like olive or cuticle oil) helps break down adhesive and protects your nails during soaking.
- If your press-ons start lifting naturally, removal becomes easier with gentle peeling or soaking
In summary, start with warm soapy water and oil soak for gentle, reusable removal. Use acetone soak for tougher cases, but it will destroy the press- ons. Always be gentle and patient to avoid nail damage.
