How to Apply and Remove Press on Nails

Press-on nails are a convenient and stylish way to achieve a polished look without the need for a salon visit. Applying and removing press-on nails is a simple process, but doing it correctly helps avoid damage to your natural nails. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

How to Apply Press-On Nails

Step 1: Wash your hands and push back cuticles.

Step 2: Swipe the nail surface with alcohol cotton or a nail dehydrator.

Step 3: File and shape your natural nails.

Step 4: Match your nail size with the press on nails.

Step 5: Apply a small drop of glue on your natural nail and on the press-on nail. Or you can use a glue sticker.

Step 6: Press down on each nail for at least 30-60 seconds to ensure a strong bond.

Step 7: Clean up the glue and wash hands or apply hand cream.

How to Remove Press-On Nails

Removing press-on nails is straightforward but should be done carefully to avoid damaging your natural nails.

Step 1. Soak Your Nails

Soak your nails in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, use a bowl of acetone for quicker removal (especially for glue-on nails).

Step 2. Gently Remove

For glued press-ons, soak a cotton ball in acetone-based remover or use a specialized glue remover. Apply it to each nail and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Use a wooden cuticle stick to gently lift the edges of the press-on nail.

If the nails resist, soak them longer before trying again.

Step 3. Clean Up

After removing the nails, clean any leftover adhesive with rubbing alcohol or acetone. Follow up by applying cuticle oil to nourish your nails

Tips for Best Results

• Avoid water exposure for at least an hour after applying press-ons to allow the adhesive to set properly.
• Store any leftover press-ons in their original packaging for future use if they are reusable.
• Give your natural nails some time to breathe between applications to maintain their health.