How To Remove Your Press On Nails

an in depth written guide using the soak-off method, with extra tips to maintain nail health

What you will need:

- 1 nail buffer (included in kit)

- 1 nail file (included in kit)

- 1 wooden cuticle stick (aka ‘orange stick’, included in kit)

- floss or floss stick (optional)

- 1 small/medium sized bowl

- oil of choice (any oil can be used. commonly preferred options are coconut, olive, or jojoba oils)*

- dish soap

- paper towel or cloth

step 1: fill bowl with warm water, add 1 tsp oil and 2-3 drops dish soap

step 2: soak nails for 15-20 minutes. massage and gently press nail tips into the bottom of the bowl while soaking. this gently opens a gap between the natural and press on nails, allowing the water and oil to seep beneath the press on

step 3: after 15 minutes, use orange stick to gently encourage the press on to lift away from the nail plate. if there is no preexisting lifting, use floss to begin wiggling between the natural and press on nails. if any pain occurs, stop and go back to step 2

step 4: repeat steps 2-3 until press on nails easily ‘pop’ off the natural nail

step 5: once all nails have been removed, wash and dry hands to remove oils. use the nail buffer to smooth any remaining glue that may be adhered to the natural nail plate; avoid over filing as to not damage the nail

step 6: allow your nails to air-dry for at least 1 hour before applying any nail products or beginning the application of a new press on set

- your nails have absorbed a lot of water during the soaking process and this excess water needs time to dry. applying a new set of press on nails will trap moisture and increase the risk of bacterial/fungal growth between the natural & press on nails (and decrease the adhesion, causing premature lifting!)

step 7: press on nails can be reused! see my How To Reuse page for more information

did you know the nail plate is made of 25-100 layers of nail cells called onychocytes?

they are ‘dead’ and mostly comprised of keratin, the same thing your hair is made of!

tips and tricks

dry, brittle, and thin nails are prone to breakage. its necessary to dehydrate and buff the natural nail for safe and proper application, however there are still ways to maintain nail health before, during, and after press on nail use!

  • always remove press on nails slowly, never pry or force them off. forcing the nails off will also peel layers of your natural nail plate, causing your natural nails to be thin and breakable

  • use lotions and oils to keep the skin around your nail (proximal/lateral nail folds) moisturized and less likely to crack/peel/break (this also prevents hangnails, ouch!)

  • avoid nail biting and skin picking

  • while it is true that overall hydration & a balanced diet can improve nail health, just like your skin and hair, genetics and other health conditions can affect your nails too