How do you take off fake nails at home

How to Remove Press-On Nails Without Damaging Your Real Nails

July 20, 2022

I’ve recently become a press-on manicure stan. As someone who admittedly never lets her unmanicured nails see the light of day, I find that press-on nails look very natural and are a lifesaver when I need a fresh manicure ASAP. Whenever I'm done wearing my press-ons, though, I’m always faced with the same question: How do I take them off without damaging my nails? To help me figure it out, I chatted with celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards. Keep reading to learn the right way to remove all types of press-on nails.

How Do You Take Off Press-on Nails at Home?

Use a Good Glue

The first step in correctly removing your press-on nails actually happens before the removal process begins, explains Edwards. To ensure a seamless removal, you want to make sure you’re using a good glue that won’t cause damage to your nails. For instance, the Kiss Brush-On Nail Glue is made for easy application and removal. Plus, it’s formulated with aloe vera to help keep your nails moisturized and protected.

Soak Your Nails

“The best way to remove press-ons is to soak them in a small ceramic or glass bowl filled with acetone-based nail polish remover,” says Edwards. Soak until the glue breaks down and the nails become loose enough to effortlessly pull them off or until they fall off on their own. This method works for press-on nails that you have to glue on yourself and the ones that have the adhesive already on them. 

To speed up the process, Edwards says you can also use an artificial nail remover kit. Whatever you choose, remember to be patient. If you yank off your press-ons before they’re ready, it could strip layers off your natural nails and damage them.

Use a Soft Buffer 

If you’re soaking your nails and notice that they’re still not easily coming off, Edwards recommends using a soft nail buffer to carefully remove them. “Never, ever pull up the false nails or file harshly,” she says.

Apply a Nail Strengthener

It’s likely that after all that glue and acetone, your nails are in need of a little TLC, so be sure to follow up with a nail strengthener. We love the Essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener because it strengthens nails to their original resiliency in just three days.

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Once your nail is wrapped up, Gyimah says to give it a squeeze. "There should be a bit of acetone dripping out when you squeeze — that is how you know you have enough on the cotton ball," she says. Soak each nail for a minimum of 10 minutes to ensure the acrylic is breaking down properly. 

If you want to take things a step further, Amy Le suggests placing a hot towel on top of your wrapped foils. "The warm acetone works faster," she says. (Just do not under any circumstances microwave acetone, as it is flammable.) You might have to repeat this step if it seems like the acrylic has not softened. Be patient! Having to wait is better than having a weak, damaged nail later on.

If you don't have remover clips and are also out of foil and cotton balls (times are tough, we hear you), try this second method. Pour acetone into a small bowl and submerge your fingers. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes to break down your acrylics. "While your fingers are submerged, use your thumbs to rub the other four fingers — it helps break down the product faster," says Johnson. 

Much like the warm towel trick, Mytien Le advises putting a heating pad or warm bottle underneath the bowl to slightly heat the acetone. This acrylic removal method might be quicker and more effective than using a cotton ball and foil, but be warned that your skin will be parched. Still, Le prefers it to the foil method. "It does dry out your hands, but it's a lot easier, and you can always rehydrate [the skin and nails] afterward," she says. 

Gently Push the Acrylic Off Your Nails

"As you're soaking your acrylics, you'll notice they'll start to melt and become really gooey and gross-looking," says Mytien Le. That's your cue. Take your cuticle pusher or orange stick and carefully push the acrylic off your nail, starting from the cuticle area to the free edge. "The acrylic should come off easily without using too much pressure on your nail bed," says Monserrat Rodriguez, nail artist and owner of Shears and Laque nail salon in Rancho Cucamonga, California. If it doesn't easily come off, repeat the previous step of soaking your nails in acetone.

Shape, File, and Buff Your Nails

After you've successfully removed the acrylic, Mytien Le suggests using a buffer to lightly buff the top of the nails, removing any residue and smoothing the nail. "Then, of course, wash your hands hard," she says.

Hydrate Your Nails

Your nails will likely feel very dry after this entire process, so rehydrating them is crucial. Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and around the front side of your finger towards the free edge of your nail bed, says Gyimah. This will help moisturize the ara. Amy Le likes using marula oil from Drunk Elephant or The Ordinary's "B" Oil. We like the Best of Beauty-winning Naturally London Hydrating Cuticle Oil. 

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil

The Ordinary "B" Oil

Naturally London Hydrating Cuticle Oil

Strengthen and Repair Your Natural Nails

"Once the acrylics are off, I like to give my nails a break for a few weeks or at least a few days," says Mytien Le. Consider taking some time away from more acrylics, gel extensions, press-ons, or even regular polish to give your nails time to breathe. Some signs that your nails might need a sabbatical, as New York City-based dermatologist Dana Stern, M.D., previously told Allure, include ridges and splits in your nail, thirsty cuticles, discoloration, peeling, and keratin granulation, which are those white patches and rough spots that may appear on the surface of your nails. 

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