Isla Bennett
Press-on gel nails are a convenient and affordable way to achieve a salon-worthy manicure at home. However, removing them can be a challenge. The key to safe removal is to do it gently and patiently, minimising damage to your natural nails. With the right tools and techniques, you can take off press-on gel nails without sacrificing the health of your natural nails. So, what's the best way to remove press-on gel nails? Let's find out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Acetone, nail clippers, cuticle pusher, nail file, orangewood stick, cuticle oil, hand moisturizer |
| Steps | Soak nails in warm soapy water for 15-30 minutes, gently lift off press-ons with a stick, buff off excess glue, clean nails with acetone, wash hands |
| Tips | Push back cuticles and lightly buff nail surface before applying press-on nails, wear gloves if you work with your hands often, use a small amount of glue on natural nails and a medium amount on press-ons, hold each press-on for at least 30 seconds |
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Soak nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove press-on gel nails. However, it is important to note that acetone can be harsh on your nails and skin, causing dryness, irritation, and even damage to your nail plate, cuticles, and the surrounding skin. To minimise potential harm, it is recommended to use acetone-soaked cotton balls or pads, which help prevent the acetone from coming into direct contact with your skin.
When using acetone-soaked cotton, tear off pieces of cotton that are slightly larger than your nail bed. The cotton should be damp but not dripping wet. Typically, 5 to 10 drops of acetone are sufficient. If using cotton pads, apply acetone directly to the pad. Place the acetone-soaked cotton on your fingernail and wrap it with foil to keep it in place. Repeat this process for each nail.
After applying acetone to all your nails, wait for about 7 to 15 minutes. During this time, the acetone will soak into the gel polish, causing it to soften, bubble, or curl. Once the time is up, remove the foil and cotton from one nail at a time. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish. If the polish is stubborn, soak the nail in acetone again for a few extra minutes before attempting to remove it.
To finish the process, gently buff your nails to smooth out any ridges or uneven edges. Buffing also helps remove any small bits of gel polish that may remain. However, be cautious not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails and make them more susceptible to bending and damage. After removing your press-on gel nails, remember to apply cuticle oil and a good hand moisturiser to nourish and protect your nails and skin.
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Use nail clippers
Using nail clippers is a good way to start removing press-on gel nails. It is recommended to cut your nails short to prevent breakage. Your nails may be brittle after you remove the press-on nails, so cutting them short may help prevent them from breaking or chipping.
If you want to reuse your press-on nails, you can trim the press-on nails until you reach your natural nail/free edge. You can then soak your nails in warm soapy water to help loosen the adhesive. If you used nail glue to apply your press-on nails, you can also soak them in an acetone-based nail polish remover mixed with a little baby oil to prevent dry skin.
However, if you don't want to reuse your press-on nails, you can soak your nails in acetone to dissolve the press-ons. You can then use an orange stick to gently remove the dissolved press-on nails.
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Apply cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is an effective way to remove press-on gel nails without damaging your natural nails. It helps to dissolve nail glue, making the removal process quick and easy.
To use this method, first, prepare a mixture of warm soapy water in a bowl. Soak your nails in this solution for about ten minutes. While they're soaking, use your fingers to rock the press-on nails from side to side. This helps to maximise the amount of water that comes into contact with the nail glue, speeding up the removal process.
After soaking, apply a few drops of cuticle oil around the edges of your press-on nails and anywhere you can reach the underside of the nails. Red Aspen's Cuticle Oil Pen can be useful for precise application. Allow the oil to sit for a few minutes. This will help the adhesive to loosen, and minimise any damage to your natural nails.
Check if the press-on nails are loose by gently rocking them side to side. If they are loose, you can use a nail removal tool, such as an orangewood stick, to gently lift and remove them.
Once the press-ons are removed, you may still notice some nail glue residue on your nails. To remove this, use a cuticle pusher stick to gently scrape it away. If this doesn't work, soak your nails in warm soapy water again, or use an acetone-based nail polish remover.
Cuticle oils, such as Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil or Deborah Lippman Cuticle Oil, are also excellent for nourishing and hydrating your nails and cuticles, keeping them healthy.
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Buff nails
Buffing your nails is an important step in the process of removing press-on gel nails. Here is a detailed guide on how to buff your nails effectively and safely:
Preparing Your Nails for Buffing:
Before you begin buffing, ensure that your nails are clean and free of any nail polish. Use a nail polish remover and a cotton swab to remove any traces of polish. If you have long nails, trim them to your desired length. It is also important to push back your cuticles before proceeding.
Choosing the Right Buffer:
Nail buffers typically have multiple sides, including a file, buff, polish, and shine. If your buffer is not numbered, start with the most coarse side first and finish with the smooth side. A multi-sided buffer will allow you to shape, smooth, and shine your nails.
Buffing Technique:
Hold the buffing side of the block parallel to your nail. Stroke it across each nail in an "X" shape. Avoid buffing side-to-side, as this can create heat and damage your nails. Be gentle and avoid pressing too hard on the nail matrix. Buffing will remove ridges and smooth down the surface of your nails, creating a slightly rough surface for better adhesion.
Polishing and Shining:
After buffing, use the polish side of the buffer to remove any imperfections and make your nails even smoother. Follow the same “X” stroke technique as before. Finally, use the smooth side of the buffer in little circular motions to give your nails a healthy-looking shine.
After-Care:
Buffing can be good for your nails when done correctly and in moderation. However, it is important to note that buffing does remove the shine from your nails, so if you plan to apply nail polish, ensure you remove any excess oil with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can then apply a clear coat and your chosen nail polish.
Remember, when removing press-on gel nails, you may also need additional tools like acetone, nail clippers, and a cuticle pusher, depending on the specific method you choose. Always be gentle and cautious to avoid damaging your natural nails.
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Moisturise hands
To remove press-on gel nails, you will need acetone, which can be harsh on the skin. Therefore, it is important to moisturize your hands afterward.
Begin by washing your hands with cold water to remove any excess glue. Then, apply a quality cuticle oil to your nails and cuticles. Cuticle oil will help to nourish your nails and keep them flexible and tough. You can also apply a drop of cuticle oil under the press-on nails to help create slip when removing them.
Next, slather on a generous amount of hand cream or lotion. You can use a rich hand cream, such as Weleda Skin Food Ultra-Rich Cream, or a simple hand lotion—whatever you have available. For best results, layer the hand cream over the cuticle oil. The longer you leave it on, the better.
If your skin is feeling particularly dry, you can try "nail slugging." This involves applying an occlusive product, such as petroleum jelly, over your hands, preferably layered over cuticle oil. This will help to lock in moisture and repair dry skin.
Finally, remember to keep your hands moisturized in the days following your gel nail removal. Keep a bottle of lotion beside every sink in your house and apply it regularly to prevent dryness and keep your hands soft and supple.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need acetone, nail clippers, a cuticle pusher, a nail file, and a buffer. You may also want to use cuticle oil and a hand moisturiser to keep your nails and skin healthy.
Soak your nails in warm soapy water for 15-30 minutes. Then, gently lift the press-on nails with an orangewood stick. If they don't come off easily, soak them again. Never force them off, as this can damage your natural nails.
Use a buffer to gently buff off any excess glue and remove any glue residue from your natural nail bed. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can damage your nails.
Apply cuticle oil to your nails and use a good hand moisturiser to keep your skin and nails hydrated and healthy.
It's best to wait until your natural nails have grown out and improved in quality before applying new nail polish. In the meantime, you can protect your nails with a buffer.
