Christine KellerPress on nails are super gorgeous to wear but at one point or another, you’ll need to remove them. This is why learning how to soak off press on nails is one of the most important steps to using these fake nails. Although you can always let a professional do this for you, going to a salon might not always be a wise idea, especially if you don’t have the luxury of time to do so.
Read on below to learn the different ways of soaking off your press on nails:
Use Aluminum Foil
For this step, you will need aluminum foil, cotton squares or rounds, and pure acetone. Put some acetone on cotton and use aluminum foil to wrap your nails. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes. Afterward, you just need to remove the foil. You will see that the press on nails can either be easily removed or are already dissolved.
Use Acetone
This second method requires pure acetone, warm water, one small bowl, and cotton squares or rounds. Take note that this step requires the use of pure acetone. Also, remember that acetone is a type of volatile chemical so avoid heating this in the microwave or over a fire since this is combustible.
Pour hot water into a bigger bowl and pour acetone into another bowl. Put the same level of water with that of acetone into the smaller bowl. Put the smaller bowl inside the bigger bowl to let the liquid inside warm up.
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This may take some time but once the liquid turns warm, you can start soaking your nails using cotton rounds for several minutes. Check to see if the glue already loosened. Most of the time, this method does the job well. It will then be easy for you to remove your press on nails using a nail stick.
Use Baby Oil
Prepare a bowl, pure acetone, baby oil, or any mineral oil. Mix acetone with the baby or other mineral oils in the small bowl. Soak your fingernails in this mixture then wait for 45 minutes to one hour.
You might notice that this process will take longer since it is a gentler way of soaking off press on nails. Once the glue becomes loose, you can pry it out carefully and gently as the first two methods above.
Use Soap and Warm Water
Here, you will need warm water, liquid soap, and a bowl. Soak your nails first in warm soapy water to soften the glue and remove it easily. Soaking your nails for up to 15 minutes will most often effectively loosen up the glue. This warm water method often works wonders.
If the glue is still tight even after 15 minutes have passed, you can proceed to the next step. Use a wooden nail stick to carefully lift the press on nail until you remove it. This will not hurt your natural nails because after the soaking process loosens up the glue, it will be easier for you to pry out the press on nails from your natural ones.
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Other Ways to Soak Off Press On Nails
No matter what type of press on nails you are using, there are other things you can do to soak them off effectively and easily.
1. Use a Good Quality Glue
The first and probably most important step to correctly remove your press ons actually occurs before the start of the actual removal process. To facilitate a seamless and simple removal, see to it that you use a good quality glue that will not damage your natural nails.
2. Soak Your Press Ons
At this point, you already know that the best and easiest way of removing press ons is to soak them in a small glass or ceramic bowl filled with an acetone-based type of nail polish remover. Soak your nails until the glue has broken down and the press ons are loose enough to fall off by themselves or pull off effortlessly.
This method can work for press ons that already have adhesive on them as well as those that you glue on your own. To further speed up this process, you can also try using an artificial nail remover kit. No matter what you choose, try to be patient. Yanking off your press on nails before they are even ready may strip off layers of your own nails, damaging them as a result.
3: Use a Soft Buffer
If your press on nails still don’t come off easily even after soaking them, you can remove them carefully with a soft nail buffer. Avoid pulling up your press ons or filing them harshly.
4. Apply Cuticle Oil
Your nails will still likely need some TLC after all that acetone and glue. Don’t forget to finish the process by applying some cuticle oil that will hydrate, soothe, and care for your natural nails.
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Important Tips to Take Care of Your Natural Nails After Soaking Off Press On Nails
While it is important to learn how to soak press on nails, it is equally essential to protect your natural nails afterward. Here are a few tips to help you do exactly just that.
Apply Base Coat
You can also apply a base coat for covering your nails if you feel the need for it. Pick a base coat with additional perks such as moisturization and nourishment.
Use a Conditioning Cream
One more method of protecting your natural nails is to apply a conditioning cream or natural oils with high moisture content. Cut your nails short only after this to prevent breakage and chipping.
Use Moisturizing Lotion
After being glued for several weeks, your nails will likely look damaged. They may look brittle and dry so make sure you apply moisturizing lotion to pamper your nails.
Nails reflect your identity so taking care of them is a must. Learning how to soak off press on nails ensures that you can protect not only your fake nails but most importantly, your natural nails that deserve all the attention and care they deserve.
