Removing press-ons the wrong way is how nails get damaged. Ripping them off pulls up layers of your natural nail. The right way takes about five minutes, uses warm water, and leaves both your nails and the press-ons ready for next time.
What you need
- A bowl of warm (not hot) water
- A few drops of hand soap or a little oil, such as coconut or cuticle oil
- The cuticle stick from your Glossora box
- A towel
How to remove press-ons glued with nail glue
- Soak for 5 minutes. Add soap or a few drops of oil to warm water and soak your fingertips. The warmth softens the glue and the oil helps it release.
- Test one nail. Slide the cuticle stick gently under the side edge. If it lifts easily, carry on. If not, soak for two to three more minutes.
- Lift from the side, never from the tip. Work the stick along the side and towards the free edge. Rocking from the tip bends the nail and stresses your natural nail.
- Never force it. If a nail resists, it simply needs more soaking time.
How to remove press-ons applied with adhesive tabs
Tabs release faster. A one to two minute soak is usually enough, then roll the press-on off from the side. Peel any leftover tab from your natural nail and from the press-on.
Aftercare for your natural nails
- Gently buff away any glue left on your nail; do not scrape hard.
- Wash your hands and massage in cuticle oil or a rich hand cream.
- Give your nails a few hours, or a day, before your next set if they feel soft from soaking.
Because press-ons need no UV lamp, no drill and no filing down of the nail plate, they are much gentler than salon gel or acrylic. We compare them in detail in press-on nails vs gel extensions vs acrylic.
How to clean press-ons so you can reuse them
- Soak the press-ons themselves in warm soapy water for a minute.
- Use the cuticle stick to lift old glue from the inside. It usually comes away in a thin film.
- Buff the inside very lightly with the file so new glue grips well.
- Dry them completely before storing.
How to store your set
Every Glossora set comes in a keepsake case. Store the nails in order from thumb to pinky, for both hands, so the next application is quick. Keep the case away from direct sun, especially for chrome and cat-eye designs. Stored like this, a set can be worn 3 to 4 times.
Mistakes to avoid
- Peeling or biting them off. This removes layers of your natural nail.
- Soaking in acetone. It is unnecessary for press-ons and can ruin hand-painted art.
- Very hot water. Warm is enough; hot water dries out your skin.
- Prying from the tip. Always work from the side edges.
Designs you will want to wear again and again, like Café Serica, The Twice French, Smoky Goldleaf and Still Glowing, are worth this little bit of care. Browse more minimal and nude press-on nails.
