π§΄π HOW TO REMOVE PRESS-ON NAILS (SAFELY & CORRECTLY)
π§Ό STEP 1: Soften & Loosen
π Choose based on how you applied them:
β€ If You Used Glue (strong hold, 7β14 days):
- Soak your nails in warm, soapy water mixed with a little oil (like olive, coconut, or baby oil)
β Soak for 15β20 minutes - Gently try wiggling the press-ons side to side to see if they loosen.
β If not, soak longer β donβt force them.
π‘ Optional: Add a little bit of acetone to the soak to speed things up (but not too much β it can dry your nails).
β€ If You Used Adhesive Tabs (short wear, 1β3 days):
- Soak in warm water for 5β10 minutes.
- Use a cuticle stick to gently lift from the sides, not the middle.
- Slowly peel off, applying more water or oil underneath as needed.
π οΈ STEP 2: Remove Residue
- Use a cuticle pusher or wooden stick to gently scrape off leftover glue or adhesive.
- Soak a cotton pad in acetone or rubbing alcohol and press on each nail to dissolve residue.
- Buff lightly only if needed β donβt overdo it.
π STEP 3: Aftercare for Natural Nails
Your nails need some love after press-ons, especially if glue was used:
β
Wash hands and apply a rich cuticle oil
β
Massage in a nourishing hand cream or nail strengthener
β
Let your nails rest a few days before reapplying press-ons
β
Trim and shape your natural nails to remove any damage
π₯ Bonus tip: Use a keratin treatment or nail serum if your nails feel weak or dry after removal.
β NEVER DO THIS:
- β Donβt rip them off (youβll tear layers of your real nail)
- β Donβt use dental floss unless you’re trained (it can work, but risks serious lifting)
- β Donβt file the press-on off unless youβre removing gel or acrylic types
Want product recs like the best acetone-free remover or nail repair treatments for post-press-on care? I can recommend based on your nail type! π
