How To Safely Soak Off Press-On Nails At Home

You have the most gorgeous and glamorous press-on nails, but you can't figure out how to get them off... Though press-on nails are a quick way to get a salon-quality manicure, removal isn't as effortless.

So, how can you get off these darned things without ripping apart your natural nails!?

Keep reading to find out!

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How to Remove Press-On Nails at Home

Removing press-on nails isn't for the faint of heart. You need a great deal of patience and a careful hand to pull it off! Above all, just make sure you don't bite off or peel off your press-ons - that will damage your natural nail and lead to peeling, splitting, or breakage.

So, how can you remove fake nails at home without peeling or breaking your natural nails?

The best way is with dish soap and warm water. Many people choose to use acetone (which is a bit quicker and more efficient), but that can damage and dry your skin and nails.

If you frequently use press-ons or acrylics, it's best to use warm, soapy water. Your nails may be weak and brittle, so acetone could be too harsh. On the other hand, if you use press-on nails once in a blue moon, you could get away with using acetone.

Without further ado, here's how to take off your press-on nails at home:

#1. Make Your Soak

Add warm water and dish soap to a small bowl. Alternatively, you can use acetone.

#2. Add Cuticle Oil

Add a few drops of cuticle oil to your bowl.

If you don't want to add cuticle oil to the bowl, you can instead slather a great deal across your nails and cuticles. The oil helps break down the adhesive and keeps your natural nails moisturized.

If you have longer press-on nails, add some cuticle oil to the backside, too (you don't need to do that if you have shorter press-on nails or if you clip off the tips of your press-ons.)

#3. Soak Your Nails!

Soak nails for 5 to 10 minutes. You may need to go longer, depending on the type and amount of adhesive you used.

#4. Push Off Your Nails

Take a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick and very gently lift the outer edges of your press-on nails.

Slowly continue until the press-on nail lifts off completely from your natural nail. If it's very difficult, soak your nails for an additional 5 minutes. No matter what, don't be aggressive or forceful!

#5. Buff Your Nails

With a buffing block or nail file, remove the leftover adhesive or nail glue from your natural nails.

You can also use your warm, soapy water to clean any adhesive or glue off your press-ons if you want to reuse them.

Bonus: 11 Cute Yellow Nail Designs for a Radiant Look

#6. Moisturize and Hydrate

Moisturize your nails and cuticles with a hand cream or cuticle oil.

The Bottom Line

Removing press-ons is a precise process, but a necessary one! Don't cut corners, and your nails will thank you in the long run. That way, you can keep your nails happy and healthy and create beautiful and dazzling nail art for years to come.

Keep Reading: 10 Zodiac Manicure Ideas That Totally Have Us Seeing Stars

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People Also Ask

How do you take off press-ons at home?

Slow and steady wins the race! Don't treat your nails with aggression or a rough hand - be gentle! If you need a bit more help beyond this blog, check out this YouTube video for a step-by-step guide.

How do you take off fake nails without acetone?

Acetone is the most effective and quickest way to take off fake nails. However, it can damage and dry your skin and nails.

If you don't want to use acetone, you can also use warm water and a dollop of dish soap instead. Warm, soapy water does the same thing as an acetone soak, though it may not be as quick or efficient.

Does dish soap remove press-ons?

Yes! If you don't want to use acetone, you can use dish soap instead. Warm, soapy water is a great substitute for an acetone soak. It's best to use warm, soapy water instead of an acetone soak if you have sensitive skin, peeling cuticles, or brittle nails, as it's far less damaging and drying than acetone.

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