Press-on nails, commonly known as “fake nails” or “artificial nails,” are a popular non-traditional alternative to regular nail extensions. They are pre-made nails that are adhered to natural nails with powerful glue. Press-on nails are an excellent choice for people who wish to obtain a polished appearance without committing to traditional acrylic or gel nails.
It’s very important to remove press-on nails safely. Improper removal can cause natural nail damage such as thinning, breaking, and infection. It is necessary to take the time to remove press-on nails appropriately in order to keep your natural nails healthy.
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Steps for safe removal of press-on nails
Step 1: Soaking in Warm Water and Soap
The first step in removing press-on nails safely is to soak them in warm water with soap. Soaking the press-on nails in warm water and soap helps to remove the glue that holds them in place. This step is important because it makes nail removal considerably easier and less harmful to natural nails.
Fill a basin halfway with warm water and add a tiny quantity of mild soap, such as hand soap or dish soap, to make a warm water and soap solution. Combine the water and soap until it forms suds. Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes in the solution. To keep the water heated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Soak your nails in warm water and soap solution for 10-15 minutes for best results. This should be enough time to weaken the glue and make removing the press-on nails simpler. If your nails are very resistant, or if the glue has been on your nails for a long time, you may need to soak them for a bit longer. It is essential not to soak your nails for too long as this might weaken your natural nails.
After soaking your nails for 10-15 minutes, you should be able to gently push the press-on nails off from the outside edge.
Step 2: Gently Push off the Nails
After soaking your nails in warm water and soap for 10-15 minutes, carefully push off the press-on nails starting with the outer edge. This step is important because it allows you to remove the nails in a controlled way, reducing the chance of damaging your natural nails.
Begin by carefully moving the edge of the press-on nail away from your natural nail to remove the nails starting from the outside edge. Starting from the outside edge and working your way in, gently push the nails off using the pads of your fingers. If the nails remain trapped, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently pull them free.
Here are some recommendations to avoid damaging your natural nails throughout this process:
- When removing the nails, be careful. Excessive force might harm your natural nails.
- Work gently and systematically, beginning with the outside edge and working your way inward.
- If your nails are trapped, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently pull them free.
- Metal tools should be avoided since they might harm or damage your natural nails.
Step 3; Using a Cuticle Pusher or Orange Stick
If the press-on nails remain stuck after soaking in warm water and soap and carefully pulling them off from the outside edge, using a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently peel them off will assist. This step is important because it lets you to remove the residual glue without damaging your natural nails.
To gently peel off the nails with a cuticle pusher or orange stick, insert the pointed end of the instrument beneath the edge of the press-on nail and slowly push the tool towards the middle of the nail. Apply mild pressure and work your way around the press-on nail until it is entirely removed.
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when using a cuticle pusher or orange stick to avoid damaging your natural nails:
- When pulling off the nails, be cautious with the tool. Excessive force might harm your natural nails.
- Work gently and deliberately, covering the whole surface of the press-on nail.
- To avoid scraping or injuring your natural nails, use a plastic cuticle pusher or orange stick instead of a metal one.
- If the press-on nails remain stuck and cannot be removed using a cuticle pusher or an orange stick, it is preferable to seek professional help.
Step 4: Moisturizing Nails and Cuticles
It’s important to moisturize your nails and cuticles after removing press-on nails to help restore hydration and prevent them from harm. Because press-on nails can dry out your nails and cuticles, it’s essential to care for them after removal to maintain them healthy.
After removing press-on nails, apply cuticle oil or a nourishing hand lotion to hydrate your nails and cuticles. Here’s how to moisturize your nails and cuticles step by step:
- To remove any remaining residue of the press-on nails, wash your hands with soap and water.
- Apply cuticle oil or hand cream to your cuticles and nails.
- To aid absorption, gently massage the oil or cream into your nails and cuticles.
- Allow the oil or cream to penetrate the nails and cuticles for a few minutes.
- Wipe away any excess oil or cream using a cloth.
Step 5: Things To Avoid
Certain techniques and products for removing press-on nails should be avoided since they might cause harm to your natural nails. These treatments and products can be harsh on your nails, stripping them of natural oils and leaving them dry and brittle. To guarantee the safe and healthy removal of press-on nails, it is essential to be aware of these procedures and materials and to avoid them.
List of methods and products to avoid;
- Acetone is a chemical included in many nail paint removers that can be damaging to your nails. It can dry out and weaken your nails, increasing their susceptibility to breaking.
- Nail polish remover may also be harsh on your nails and should be avoided while removing press-on nails. It can dry out and weaken your nails, increasing their susceptibility to breaking.
- Picking or pulling at the nails: Picking or pulling at the nails can cause natural nail damage and should be avoided. Instead, remove the press-on nails with a gentle pressing motion.
- Using metal tools: Using metal instruments to remove press-on nails, such as tweezers or pliers, can cause harm to the natural nails and should be avoided. Use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick instead.
Potential damage caused by these methods or products;
- Acetone and nail polish remover can dry up and weaken your nails, increasing their susceptibility to breaking.
- Picking or tugging at the nails can create natural nail damage such as tears or ridges.
- Metal tools can produce scratches or dents in natural nails, making them more brittle and prone to breakage
We hope this article has been helpful in learning how to safely remove press-on nails.