The biggest advantage of press-on nails over gel or acrylic? You remove them yourself, without acetone, without a drill and without your natural nails suffering underneath. That only works well if you take your time, though. Pull a nail off dry and a layer of your own nail can come with it. Here's the smart way.
Removing press-on nails: what you need
Not much: a bowl of warm water, a little soap and the cuticle pusher from your box. That's all. Make sure you have a few minutes, so you don't have to rush.
Step 1: soak your hands
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a little soap. Let your fingertips soak for a few minutes. The warm water softens the adhesive tabs, so the nails come off more easily. Put something on to watch and it feels almost like a little spa moment.
Step 2: lift the nail from the side
Feel a corner coming loose? Then gently slide the cuticle pusher under the side of the nail and move it slowly back and forth. If you feel resistance, your hand simply goes back into the water for a while. Never pull a nail off dry, even if it's half loose. Patience is your best tool here.
Step 3: remove any adhesive tab residue
Is there still a bit of adhesive tab left on your natural nail? Carefully roll it off with your thumb. If something sticks, a drop of oil helps. You don't need acetone, and your nails stay smooth and healthy.
Step 4: store your set properly
The lovely thing is that your set is then ready for next time. Rinse the nails clean, let them dry properly and put them back in the box. With fresh adhesive tabs you can wear the same set three to five times, as long as you remove and store it carefully. The full application and removal routine is on our How it works page.
When do you take them off?
After one to two weeks, or sooner if you fancy something new. Notice a nail starting to lift? That's a good sign to replace them, rather than leaving them on for a few more days. Is something coming loose regularly? There is often a simple cause behind it, usually preparation or pressing time, and the How it works page walks you through it.
Why this is gentler than the salon
Salon gel nails are usually removed by filing or soaking in acetone. With press-on nails that doesn't happen, because you stick them on with an adhesive tab instead of curing them onto your nail.
Tips for when things get tricky
If a nail is stubbornly stuck, don't force anything. Let your hands soak for a few extra minutes and then try again from the other side. Warm water works best, not boiling water. In a hurry? Then it's better to leave it and try again calmly later.
Frequently asked questions
How long does removal take?
Allow a few minutes of soaking and then loosen the nails calmly. The first time you'll want a bit more time, after that it gets quicker by itself.
Can I pull press-on nails off dry?
No. Pull them off dry and a layer of your own nail can come with them. Soaking and lifting from the side with the cuticle pusher is the safe way.
Can I use my set again?
Yes, three to five times if you remove the nails carefully and store them in the box.
What if a nail breaks during removal?
That rarely happens if you're patient. That's why every set comes with 5 spare nails in the same size.
Looking for a new set?
Have a look at our handmade soft gel press-on nails and choose your next look. You'll see the delivery time for your country at checkout.
