To remove your press-on nails, soak them in a warm water and soap mixture to loosen the adhesive.
Here's a more detailed guide:
Steps for Removing Press-On Nails
-
Prepare a Soaking Solution: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a generous amount of liquid soap (dish soap or hand soap works well) and a small amount of oil (olive oil, cuticle oil, or baby oil) if available. The soap and oil help break down the adhesive.
-
Soak Your Nails: Immerse your fingertips completely in the warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes. The warm water softens the glue, making removal easier.
-
Check for Loosening: After soaking, gently try to wiggle one of the press-on nails. If it feels loose, proceed to the next step. If not, soak for another 5-10 minutes.
-
Gently Remove the Nails: Once the press-on nails feel loose, gently pry them off. You can use an orange wood stick or a cuticle pusher to help lift the edges. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your natural nails.
-
Repeat if Necessary: If any nails are still stubborn, repeat the soaking process until they loosen enough to be removed without force.
-
Remove Glue Residue: After removing all the press-on nails, you might have some glue residue left on your natural nails. Gently buff the residue away with a nail buffer. Avoid excessive buffing, which can weaken your natural nails. You can also soak your nails in acetone-free nail polish remover for a few minutes to help dissolve the remaining glue.
-
Moisturize: After removing the glue residue, wash your hands and apply a moisturizing lotion or cuticle oil to rehydrate your natural nails and skin.
Important Considerations:
- Never force the press-on nails off. This can damage your natural nails. Patience is key.
- Avoid using acetone if possible, as it can dry out your nails and skin.
- Take breaks during the removal process to allow your nails to recover slightly.
- Proper application of press-ons initially (avoiding too much glue) will make removal easier.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove your press-on nails without causing damage to your natural nails.
