How To Remove Press-On Nails Safely - PureWow

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Press on, lift off

By Jenny Jin•Published May 16, 2024@lostangelsbeauty/Instagram

If you’ve ever doubted how good press-on nails can look, please take a moment to appreciate the sleek set above. Yes, those are press-ons.

Aesthetics aside, one of the biggest draws to temporary tips is their convenience. Application is as easy as laying down some adhesive (be it from sticky tabs or nail glue) and pressing them over your natural nails. Removal isn’t as hard as you’d think either.

“When it comes to removing press-ons, the most important thing to remember is to not remove them by force. You never want to rip them off your nails aggressively, as that’s what damages your natural nails,” says celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce. “Improper removal can thin out your nails or cause peeling,” she cautions.

Wondering how to remove press-on nails safely? We’ve got a step-by-step guide ahead, courtesy of our trusty pros.

Meet the Experts

• Julie Kandalec is a licensed NYC-based celebrity and editorial nail professional, educator, author, and now, salon owner in Manhattan. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, her clientele includes Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt and Rose Byrne, to name a few.
• Brittney Boyce is an LA-based nail artist with over a decade experience in the nail industry. She is the founder of Lost Angels Beauty and has a celebrity clientele that includes Machine Gun Kelly, Megan Fox, Olivia Rodrigo, Kim Kardashian and Madonna.

Tools Needed to Remove Press-On Nails

• a pair of nail clippers
• a nail file
• a bottle of 91 to 99 percent isopropyl alcohol
• an orangewood stick or metal cuticle pusher

How to Remove Press-On Nails That Are Attached With Adhesive Tabs:

• By the time you go to remove your press-ons, they've likely started to loosen up around the edges. At this point, you'll want to carefully apply some 91 to 99 percent isopropyl alcohol between the gaps to loosen the adhesive underneath. (Kandalec is also a fan of Kiss Glue Off because it blends acetone and isopropyl alcohol with castor oil and vitamin B for a gentler removal.)
• Once you've applied the alcohol, "Let it sit for 30 seconds or so and then work a cuticle pusher around the perimeter of the nail to be sure that the product gets between the press on and the nail plate," advises Kandalec.
• If you need, apply some pressure to the tip of the nail to help release it from the cuticle area as you work the solvent underneath it, and the nail should lift off.

How to Remove Press-On Nails That Are Attached With Glue:

The process for removing press-on nails that were attached with glue is similar to removing adhesive tabs—with some minor exceptions, which we'll walk you through below.

• Start by trimming down the nails as much as you can with a pair of nail clippers.
• Next, use a coarse grit file (100 grit) to rough up the surface of the press on and thin it out a little. The roughed up surface will allow the solvent to penetrate better, which makes the removal faster," says Kandalec.
• Now, it's time for the isopropyl alcohol. Again, you want to apply it around the perimeter of the nail, using the cuticle stick to ensure the solvent is getting between the press ons and your natural nails to loosen the glue.

Hydrate Your Hands and Nails After Removal

Though press-ons are less likely to cause damage to your nails compared to, say, gel extensions or acrylics, the alcohol from the removal process can still be drying. To help mitigate this, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Then, follow up with cuticle oil and hand cream to rehydrate the skin around your nails.

Conclusion

The main thing to remember when it comes to removing press-ons is that you don't want to force them off, as that's what causes damage to your nail plates. When you notice that your press-ons are starting to loosen, follow the steps outlined above to remove them properly and your nails should stay in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Best Time to Remove My Press-On Nails?

According to Boyce, the ideal time is to remove your press-on nails is when they’ve started to lift a bit naturally. This will reduce the chances of causing damage to your natural nails.

Are There Any Things You Shouldn't Do When Removing Press On Nails?

Contrary to popular belief, Kandalec advises against simply soaking your nails in water to remove press ons. "Soaking your nails in water is not going to help remove press ons that are attached with glue safely! While soaking them does [eventually] expand the nail plate, so that the nail comes off more easily, the glue still remains attached to the nail plate, so when you lift off the press-ons, you're still causing damage. You just don’t realize it until after the nail plate has fully dried."

RELATED

The 14 Best Press On Nails to Try Now (And How to Apply Them So They Fit Better)

Jenny Jin

Beauty Director

• Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
• Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
• Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond

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