How to remove reusable press on nails

Press-on nails are a great way to achieve a professional-looking manicure in minutes. Whenever I'm in a rush and don't have time to get a manicure, they literally save the day! The only downside is that removing press-on nails can be a struggle.

If like me, you love press-on nails but find the removal process a bit of a challenge, we're here to help. Below, we asked celebrity manicurist and KISS Nails brand ambassador, Gina Edwards, to share tips on how to remove press-on nails easily, without damaging your natural nails.

How to Apply Press-On Nails So They Look Natural

Step 1: Soak Your Nails

"If you used nail glue to apply your press-on nails, you'll want to soak them in an acetone-based nail polish remover mixed with a little baby oil, to prevent dry skin," says Edwards. "Soak them for about five minutes and check them regularly."

On the flip side, if your press-on nails have a sticky adhesive backing, it's best to soak your nails in a bowl of warm soapy water before removing them, this will help to loosen the adhesive. To start, pour warm water in a bowl and add a few drops of hand soap. Then place your fingertips in the water and let your nails soak for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Apply Cuticle Oil

To help loosen the press-on nails and moisturize your natural nails, apply a few drops of cuticle oil to the areas just under the press-ons and let the oil soak in. After a few minutes, check the nails to see if they are loose enough to take off.

"Avoid prying off the nails before they are ready," says Edwards. "You'll know it's time to remove them if you feel a light release between the press-on and your nail bed."

Step 3: Use an Orangewood Stick to Loosen the Press-On Nails

"Slowly take an orangewood stick or KISS Glue Off around the edges of the press-on nails to loosen them," says Edwards. "KISS Glue Off is a favorite of mine, it has an applicator tip that helps to remove press-on nails effectively."

Make sure you take your time and have patience. "Work softly and slowly, this will help to prevent damage," explains the manicurist.

Step 4: Peel Off Any Leftover Adhesive

Once you've removed the press-on nails, use an orangewood stick to gently peel off any adhesive, then apply nail polish remover on a cotton ball to remove any sticky remains.

Step 5: Give Your Nails Some TLC

After you've removed your press-on nails, you'll want to give your natural nails a little TLC. "Push back your cuticles and use a 240 grit buffer to lightly smooth the surface of your nail," says Edwards. "A good hand mask does wonders as well — add your favorite natural oil so it all soaks in."

To remove press-on nails, start by soaking your nails in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes to help loosen them. When you remove your fingers from the water, try to peel off your nails. If they won’t come off, apply a few drops of cuticle oil and let it soak in for a few minutes before trying again. You can also use a cuticle pusher to get underneath your nails and slowly work them off. For stubborn nails, rub some acetone nail polish remover into them with a cotton pad, since the acetone will help dissolve the adhesive. Once you’ve removed your press-on nails, peel off any leftover adhesive with a cuticle pusher or your other fingernails. For more tips, including how to repair your nails if they’re damaged, read on!

Did this summary help you?YesNo

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 434,537 times.

Press on nails are a great way to have beautiful and long lasting nails without having to go to a salon. They are also a great option for people who have busy lives and don’t have time for a manicure.

However, there is one question that many people ask: can you reuse press on nails? The answer is yes, but there are some things that you need to keep in mind.

Keep on reading to find out how to reuse press on nails and give you some top tips on how to remove false nails.

What are press on nails?

Contents show

What are press on nails?

Benefits of using press on nails

Can you reuse press on nails?

Can you use isopropyl alcohol to remove nail glue from your press-on nails?

Can you reuse acrylics?

How to care for your press on nails whilst they’re on your nails

How to remove press on nails without damaging them, so you can reuse them?

Are all press on nails reusable?

How many times can you reuse press on nails?

Importance of investing in good quality press on nails if you want to reuse them!

Remove the dried up glue from the press on nails

Use sticky tabs to adhere your reused press on nails

Summary

Press on nails are a type of false nail that can be applied at home. They come in a kit with pre-cut nails in various sizes, and a tube of adhesive.

To apply press on nails, first select the nail size that best fits your own nails.

Then, apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of the press on nail, and press it into place on your natural nail.

Hold for a few seconds to allow the adhesive to set. Repeat with the remaining nails. Press on nails can last for up to two weeks, and are much less expensive than professional manicures.

Benefits of using press on nails

The style of your nails can say a lot about you. They can be an expression of your personality, or a way to make a fashion statement.

But if you don’t have the time or money for a professional manicure, press-on nails are a great alternative.

Press-on nails have come a long way since the days of Halloween costume fake fingers.

You can now find press-on nails in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes. They are also much easier to apply than they used to be.

Most high-quality press-on nails come with adhesive tabs that make them stay put on your natural nails, for days, as they’re more durable.

And if you’re worried about them looking fake, there are now many brands that offer realistic-looking options.

So if you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to change up your look, press-on nails may be the perfect solution, and you can get them from handy retailers like Amazon.

Can you reuse press on nails?

While press on nails are not meant to be reused, it is possible to do a removal process with proper care.

The first step is to remove the nails carefully, taking care not to rip or tear the nails.

Once the fake nails are removed, gently buff the surface of the nail to remove any nail glue residue, or use an alcohol wipe or dish soap to break down the adhesive.

If the nails are still in good condition, you can apply a new layer of nail glue and wear them again.

However, if the nails are damaged or worn, it is best to discard them and start fresh with a new set at the nail salon.

There are even some reusable press-on nails, which have been designed with reuse in mind, although they tend to use a weaker glue, so they’re easier to remove without the need for harsh chemicals.

Can you use isopropyl alcohol to remove nail glue from your press-on nails?

It’s happened to the best of us – you’re enjoying your new press-on nails, and suddenly one pops off.

Whether it’s because you accidentally hit it on something or you simply didn’t apply enough glue, losing a nail can be frustrating.

Thankfully, it’s usually fairly easy to reattach the nail. However, if you’re having trouble removing the old glue from your nail bed, isopropyl alcohol can be a helpful tool.

Simply soak a cotton ball in alcohol and gently rub it over the glue for 10-15 minutes.

The alcohol will dissolve the glue, making it easy to remove. You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove all of the glue, with a little patience, but eventually, your nails will be good as new!

Can you reuse acrylics?

It’s tempting to want to reuse acrylics or gels for later use, especially if they were done professionally and look great.

Unfortunately, it’s not recommended to do so. Acrylics are made with a mixture of polymers and monomers.

Once the two substances are mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction called polymerization.

This reaction is what makes the acrylic harden and take on the shape of your nail.

However, this reaction is also irreversible, which means that the mixed polymers and monomers can never be separated again.

As a result, trying to reuse an acrylic nail would be ineffective and could potentially damage your nails.

So while it may be tempting to save some money by reusing your old acrylics, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get a new set done instead.

How to care for your press on nails whilst they’re on your nails

When you first apply your press on fake nails, it is important to wait a few minutes for the adhesive to set. Once the nails are firmly in place, you can go about your normal activities. However, there are a few things that you should avoid doing with your press on nails.

Firstly, try not to use your hands for any tasks that may put stress on the nails, such as opening cans or picking up heavy objects.

Secondly, avoid using nail polish remover or acetone-based products, as these can dissolve the adhesive and cause the nails to fall off.

Lastly, be careful when applying lotion or sunscreen, as this can also loosen the adhesive. Apply cuticle oil, the whole time they’re on your nails, to keep them hydrated and protected.

How to remove press on nails without damaging them, so you can reuse them?

Most people think that removing press on nails is a difficult and time-consuming task.

However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be quite easy to remove them without damaging them.

The first step is to soak your nails in warm water for 10 minutes, or olive oil.

This will help to loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove the nails. Next, use a sharp manicure scissors or nail clipper to gently lift the edge of the nail.

Once you have a small opening, you can use tweezers to carefully peel the nail off.

If there are any stubborn areas, you can use a cotton swab dipped in acetone-free nail polish remover to help loosen the adhesive from the artificial nails.

Finally, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges, and clean them in soapy water, so they’re ready for another use.

Are all press on nails reusable?

While press on nails have been around for many years, there has been some debate about whether or not they are reusable.

The truth is, it depends on the type of press on nails you purchase. Some press on nails are made with stronger adhesives and can be reused multiple times.

However, other press on nails for your nail bed, are only meant to be worn for a single occasion.

If you’re unsure about whether or not your press on nails are reusable, it’s always best to check the instructions that came with them.

That way, you can be sure that you’re using them correctly and not damage your nails in the process.

How many times can you reuse press on nails?

When it comes to press on nails, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The number of times you can reuse them will depend on the quality of the nails and how well you take care of them. 

However, if you are constantly changing your nail design or color, then you may need to replace them more frequently.

Additionally, if your nails are damaged or break easily, then they will need to be replaced sooner.

Ultimately, the lifespan of your press on nails will depend on how often you wear them and how well you take care of them.

Importance of investing in good quality press on nails if you want to reuse them!

You may be wondering if it is worth your while to invest in high-quality press on nails. After all, they are not exactly cheap.

However, there are several good reasons to invest in good quality press on nails. First of all, they will last much longer than cheaper nails.

This means that you will be able to reuse them multiple times, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Secondly, high-quality press on nails will provide a much better fit than cheaper nails. This is important because a poor fit can cause the nails to pop off or become uncomfortable to wear.

Finally, good quality press on nails will usually come with a design that is more attractive and polished than cheaper nails.

This can give your hands a more sophisticated and stylish look. So, if you are looking for an affordable way to get great-looking nails, investing in good quality press on nails is a wise choice.

Remove the dried up glue from the press on nails

Removing press on nails can be a bit of a process, and it’s often tempting to just leave the old glue on the nails and apply new adhesive before putting them back on. However, this can cause the nails to become damaged and difficult to reuse.

The best way to remove the dried glue is with acetone or nail polish remover, with a cuticle stick and some hot water.

Simply soak a cotton ball in the acetone and hold it against the nail for a few minutes. The glue should then come right off. If you’re having trouble getting all of the glue off, you can try using a nail file to gently scrape it away.

Once you’ve removed the glue, be sure to wash your nails with soapy water to remove any residue before applying new adhesive. With a little effort, you can easily remove the dried glue from your press on nails and reuse them again and again.

Use sticky tabs to adhere your reused press on nails

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to apply your press on nails, sticky tabs are the way to go. Sticky tabs are small adhesive pads that you can use to attach your nails without the need for glue.

Simply peel off the backing and stick them onto your nails. Press on the nails for a few seconds to secure them in place.

You can find sticky tabs at most beauty supply stores or online. The tabs will allow you to adhere the nails to your real nails.

Summary

Are press on nails reusable? There you have it! These are just a few tips on how to reuse press on nails.

With a little effort, you can get multiple uses out of a single set of nails. Just be sure to take care of them and remove the dried glue before reapplying them.

And if you’re looking for an easy way to apply your press on nails, sticky tabs are the way to go.

Makeup Muddle

Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. In addition to Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!

How do you remove reusable fake nails?

How do you remove press on nails without ruining them?

What is the easiest way to remove press on nails?