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Press-on nails are tiny plastic miracles for people who want nail art without the price tag, the coffin shape without the protracted grow-out phase or the manicure without leaving the house. The next stage of DIY manicures is learning to take off those press-on nails at home after mastering the art of press-on application. The good news is that while the designs on your press-ons may be intricate, the removal procedure is straightforward, according to professionals.
Press ones are, in a word, spectacular, according to celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec. She explains that press-ons are simple to remove because they are frequently made of plastic. “They are quick and simple to remove than gels or acrylic removal. They are simple to put on and take off, which is why I adore them.”
Another positive development? Your press-ons will come off more quickly the longer you wear them. According to Rachel James, owner of the Pear Nova salon in Chicago, “I like to get as much usage out of my press-on before removing them so that the bond has relaxed a little bit.” Take advantage of one of the few occasions when waiting until the last minute will benefit you!
Damage is a constant worry while getting your nails out. However, Kandalec claims that any harm to the natural nail beneath usually happens before the press-on application rather than after removal. Therefore, you shouldn’t pass up the fun of pressing on out of concern for what can happen to the nails underneath. And don’t let the detailed removal instructions below scare you; if you’ve already chosen your set of press-on pins after sifting through the vast selection available, the most challenging part of this at-home manicure is already complete. All that’s left to do is summon your inner nail tech, get some 100% acetone or liquid soap, and get to work.
Following are some tips from nail professionals for removing press-on nails at home. Proper nail care with Maby blog. Choosing a YouTube video to watch while you wet your nails and determining which set to apply next will be the most difficult parts of the procedure.
Tools you’ll need to remove press-on nails:
- A small basin (if using acetone, avoid using a plastic bowl)
- Nail trimmers
- Nail clippers
- Nail filing (optional)
- A nail buffer made of pure acetone or liquid soap
- A metal or orangewood stick pusher
Start with a file (optional)
Although some of our skilled nail technicians don’t start by filing the nails, Kandalec advises doing so for press-on embellishments like rhinestones with 3D features. According to her, you need to follow the tutorials, filing first thins the press-on and speeds up nail removal because the rough surface makes it easier for acetone or soap to get into crevices. Before soaking the nails, chip away at the crystals or other accessories using your excess cuticle nippers.
How to soak-off press-on nails
With Maby, you can take the initiative in everything. Create your soaking station next. To melt your press-on, our nail specialists advise using acetone or pure liquid dish soap. James recommends mixing a generous spray of liquid dish soap with two to three inches of warm water in a small bowl (or two if you’re treating yourself to a spa-style treatment). (While liquid hand soap will work, the creative director at NYC’s Paintbox recommends dish soap)
For around 15 minutes, continue to soak your fingertips. Martin advises pressing the tips up and down after about 10 minutes to help them separate from the original nail. No picking or plucking is allowed; wiggle the tooth gently, like a baby tooth about to fall out.
James claims that the soaping approach makes it simpler to preserve the settings if you intend to wear the press again. But Kandalec loves to melt the tips with only pure acetone when you know you’re done with this particular set for good. The same procedure is used, albeit dish soap may flow more quickly in acetone: Soak the nails in some liquid for a few inches until the press-on begins to come off.
Remove the press-on nail
It’s time to take the plunge now that your press-ons are thoroughly saturated (possibly even melted into mush from the acetone). “Start lifting off the press-on gently using an orangewood stick. Never yank someone off, “Martin advises. Re-submerge your nails for a few more minutes if the nail releases slowly. Martin suggests using a drop of cuticle oil underneath the press-on to aid in creating a slide as well.
Buff away the evidence
Use a buffer to remove any remaining adhesive once your nails are restored to their natural state. Martin explains that “gentle” should be used to describe this phase. The buffer should only be used on a small quantity of leftover glue; if significant chunks of adhesive are still on the nail, go back to your go-to soaking dish.
Re-hydrate the hands and nails
Press-on nails are much less likely to harm natural nails than other false nails like gel extensions or acrylics. However, according to board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner M.D. of New York City, the soaking procedure may cause some dryness or discomfort. He advises paying attention to your skin barrier while you remove false nails. “Use a quality hand moisturizer to retain the top-notch condition of the outer skin layer.”
James advises rehydrating the hands and using cuticle oil to spruce up the nails. There are many choices available for keeping the hands and nails wet.
Zeichner warns us that you’ll have to wait for your nails to grow out to notice a difference in nail quality if fake nails harm the surface of your nails. He claims that the keratin in nails is dead tissue, so they can be polished and protected with conventional nail paint, but they won’t heal themselves the way your skin will.
Pick your next set
Another reason why nail artists prefer press-on to gels and acrylics? You can reapply for a new set right away. “As long as you didn’t pick or peel off the press one, you’re generally good to apply new ones immediately,” says Kadlec. Why not apply them now while all your nail tools are still out?