Press-on fake nails can give you the look of an expensive fake nail in minutes, but these accessories can sometimes be difficult to remove. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to make this process easier, such as soaking your nails, using a cuticle pusher, and using a nail polish remover. Once you've removed it, you'll need to take care of your hands and nails so that any damage that appears can heal quickly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Cleansing Solution and Cuticle Pusher
Step 1. Soak your nails in a mixture of warm water and soap
Soaking your nails in a bowl of warm water mixed with soap can help loosen them. Mix warm water with a few drops of hand soap in a small bowl. Soak the tips of your nails for about 10 minutes.
- You can try moving your nails slowly while they are soaked in soapy water. This can help the water wet the nail adhesive and loosen it.
- After 10 minutes, remove your finger from the bowl and try to remove the artificial nail.
Step 2. Apply a small amount of cuticle oil
This oil can also help remove press-on nails. Apply a few drops of cuticle oil in the area near the bottom of the nail. Let the oil soak for a few minutes.
- After a few minutes, gently shake the nail to see if the object is loose enough to remove.
- Don't force the artificial nails out if they can't be removed easily.
Step 3. Use a cuticle pusher to loosen the nail
You can also use a cuticle pusher to pry out the artificial nails. Point the tip of the tool into the gap between your fake nail and your real nail. Then, start to gently pry the part to loosen it up.
Aim the cuticle pusher from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Do not push it from the tip of the nail toward the cuticle
Step 4. Peel off the remaining adhesive
After removing all the nails, remove any remaining glue that is still attached. You can use a cuticle pusher to do this.
If the glue doesn't go away, you'll need to soak it in warm water or apply a small amount of nail polish remover with a cotton swab
Method 2 of 3: Using Nail Polish Remover
Step 1. Dip artificial nails in nail polish remover
If you don't find success in loosening press-on nails with warm water and cuticle oil, try using a nail polish remover. Pour the liquid into a small bowl, then dip your nails into it until it hits the cuticles. Soak the nails in the liquid for a few minutes, then remove them and see if they can be removed.
Acetone-based nail polish remover will dissolve glue, but non-acetone polish remover will not
Step 2. Apply nail polish remover on the edges of the false nails
If you don't want to dip your nails directly into the cleaning liquid, you can apply the liquid to the artificial nails with a cotton swab.
Try to get the nail polish remover into the gap between the fake and natural nails so that the glue dissolves easily
Step 3. Remove the nails when they are loose
Once exposed to liquid nail polish remover, your artificial nails will start to loosen. Start removing the nails one by one. You can use your fingers to remove it if it's loose enough. You can also use a cuticle pusher to remove false nails.
Don't be in a hurry even if your nails are already looking loose. Pulling the press-on nail too hard can damage your nails
Step 4. Rinse off the acetone and moisten your hands
The acetone in nail polish remover products can dry out the skin. So, make sure you take special care after removing false nails. Wash your hands and nails with warm water and soap. After that, dry well and apply moisturizer in the area of the hands to the nails.
Method 3 of 3: Repairing Damage from Using False Nails
Step 1. Do not decorate your nails for several days
Your nails can heal themselves if they are damaged, but the process can take a few days. For a speedy recovery, don't apply nail polish or put on fake nails for a few days.
Give a few drops of cuticle oil so that the nails look naturally bright while the healing process takes place
Step 2. Trim your nails to prevent damage
Your nails will feel rough after the press-on nails are removed. So, cutting it off can prevent further damage. Use nail clippers to trim the tips of the long nails.
You can use a file to smooth out any rough edges if your nails are too short to trim
Step 3. Scrub your nails to smooth out any rough areas
Press-on nails can damage some parts of the natural nail, making it look rough and jagged. You can repair the damaged part by smoothing it gently.
Use a nail polisher to remove the rough parts of your nails
Step 4. Moisturize your hands again
Apply moisturizer to your hands after removing the artificial nails, then use the product regularly during the healing period. Carry a small bottle of moisturizer in your bag or desk so you can apply the product as often as possible.
Step 5. Apply a liquid top coat before applying a new press-on nail
Protect your nails before putting on false nails again by applying a transparent top coat. This will provide a protective layer between the natural nail and the false nail adhesive.
