:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/442330665_3227408637554388_1820888045470627569_n2-a8295093fe3848e5be46db7276a7f533.jpg "How to Remove Press-On Nails, According to Experts (1)")
Press-on nailsare a great way to achieve a professional-looking manicure in minutes. But removing them can be a struggle. You might be tempted to pull them off, but if you've ever done so, then you know just how damaging that can be to your natural nails. Not to mention, painful!
So, what's the safest, fastest way to take off press-on nails while maintaining a healthy nail bed? While the answer is never to tug or pull your press-ons off, there are a few methods you can try to safely remove them while preserving your natural nails in the process. We asked pro manicurist Gina Edwards and Glamnetic co-founder Ann McFerran to share tips on how to remove press-ons easily without damaging your natural nails.
Meet the expert
- Gina Edwardsis a celebrity manicurist andKiss Nailsbrand ambassador.
- Ann McFerran is the CEOand Co-Founder of Glamnetic, a press-on nails and false eyelashes brand.
Keep reading for our step-by-step guide to taking off press-on nails.
1. Gather Your Materials
- A small glass or ceramic bowl
- Acetone
- Baby oil (and hand soap if nails have an adhesive backing)
- Cuticle oil
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Nail buffer
- Paper towel
- Orangewood stick
2. Soak Your Nails
With Acetone
"If you used nail glue toapply your press-on nails, you'll want to soak them in an acetone-based nail polish remover mixed with a little baby oil to prevent dry skin," says Edwards. "Soak them for about five minutes and check them regularly."
With Press-On Nail Remover
Alternatively, McFerran prefers to use a press-on nail remover. "Hands down, my favorite product to use is theGlamnetic Press-On Nail Remover ... You simply put a few drops around the press-on and let it soak in, massage it a little, and then use a cuticle pusher to gently lift the press-on. It's so easy and it doesn’t damage my nails. I love that it’s odorless, super gentle, and non-stripping."
With Warm, Soapy Water
If your press-on nails have a sticky adhesive backing, it's best to soak your nails in a bowl of warm, soapy water before removing them. This will help to loosen the adhesive. To start, pour warm water into a bowl and add a few drops of hand soap. Then, place your fingertips in the water and let your nails soak for about 10 minutes. If the adhesive is extra strong, add a tablespoon of cooking oil to the water, too.
3. Apply Cuticle Oil
Another thing you can do to help loosen the press-on nails and moisturize your natural nails is to apply a few drops of cuticle oil to the areas under the press-on and let the oil soak in. After a few minutes, check the nails to see if they are loose enough to take off.
"Avoid prying off the nails before they are ready," says Edwards. "You'll know it's time to remove them if you feel a light release between the press-on and your nail bed."
If you don't have cuticle oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or even facial oil can work in its place. They're basically the same thing and will help moisturize the natural nail.
4. Loosen Press-Ons With an Orangewood Stick
"Slowly take an orangewood stick around the edges of the press-on nails to loosen them," says Edwards. Make sure you take your time and have patience.
"Work softly and slowly. This will help to prevent damage," Edwards tells us.
5. Remove Any Leftover Adhesive
Once you've removed the press-on nails, use an orangewood stick to gently peel off any adhesive, then applynail polish remover or press-on nail removeron a cotton ball to remove any sticky remains.
6. Give Your Nails Some TLC
After you've removed your press-on nails, you'll want to give your natural nails a little TLC.
"Push back your cuticles and use a 240 grit buffer to lightly smooth the surface of your nail," says Edwards. "A good hand mask does wonders as well—add your favorite natural oil so it all soaks in."
If your natural nails feel weak, apply a nail strengthener.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove press-on nails without acetone?
To remove press-on nails without acetone, use a press-on nail remover or apply oil to the underside of the nails to help loosen the glue. You can also soak the nails in a water, soap and oil mixture. Just keep in mind that it may take a little longer to remove press-ons without acetone if you glued them on with a heavy hand.
How long should you wear press-ons before attempting removal?
According to McFerran, there's no set length of time you have to wear press-on nails before removing them. "As long as you have a good press-on nail remover, you can remove them whenever you want," she says. "One thing to keep in mind is that the amount of time you need to let the remover sit on your nails is related to how much glue you apply. If you use a lot of glue, you’ll want to give the remover a little more time to do its work. After that, simply use a cuticle pusher to gently lift the press-on from your natural nail."
Does acetone take off press-on nails?
Acetone will dissolve press-on nails. Keep in mind that if you soak your press-on nails in acetone to remove them, you will not be able to reuse those press-ons again. If you want to rewear your press-ons, soak them in a soapy water mixture and gently lift them from the natural nails with an orangewood stick.
