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How to Gently Remove & Reuse Your Press-On Nails: A Girlie Guide to Safe, Easy Removal

Oct 29

3 min read

Ela

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Press-On Nails Design: Eclipse Bloom

Graphic Visuals by Scratchu Official


Hey, besties! So, you’ve been rocking those gorgeous reusable press-ons, and now it’s time to give them a break. Whether you’re switching up your style or just letting your natural nails breathe, we’ve got your back on how to remove them safely—without damaging your natural nails and your press-ons (so they can be reused!). Grab your tools, get comfy, and let’s make this as fun as our girlie chats! 💅🏻✨


What You’ll Need to Remove your Press-On Nails:

  • A bowl (big enough for your fingers to soak comfortably)

  • A cuticle pusher (one with a gentle tip and a sharp end) ~ it should be provided in your press on nail tool kit! 

  • Optional: A bit of soap for that warm water soak


Got it all? Perfect! Let’s dive in.


Step 1: Prepare Your Cozy Nail Spa Bowl 🛁✨

Start with a bowl of warm water (not too hot, though—we don’t want to scald those precious hands!). Adding a drop of soap is totally optional, but it can help loosen the sticky gel tabs on your press-ons. Give it a little swirl, and we’re ready to go.


Step 2: Create a Little Gap with Your Cuticle Pusher 

Press-on Nails Removal

Creating a small gap between the Press-on and Nail plate (Image credits: Scratchu Official)


Here’s where we start to gently work on lifting your press-ons:

  • Grab your cuticle pusher and use the sharper end to find an edge of your press-on nail—typically on one of the sides.

  • Carefully nudge it under the edge of the nail to create a slight lift.

    Pro tip: Avoid digging too close to the cuticle area, as that’s the thinnest part of your press-on. Keeping away from this area will prevent any accidental bending or damage to the shape of your press-on nails.


Step 3: Soak Your Fingers to Loosen Things Up 💧🫧

Once you have a small opening, it’s time to soften the sticky gel tab holding your press-ons in place.

  • Place your fingers in the warm water bowl and soak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You’ll want to give the gel tab a chance to soften, making removal super easy and stress-free.

  • Check-in: Every so often, use your cuticle pusher to gently push at the press-on nail to see if it’s loosening up. If it’s still holding on tight, give it another dip in the warm water and keep soaking until it starts to release. (You’ll know it’s working when the press-on feels easier to wiggle!)


Step 4: Gently Lift & Remove the Press-On 💅🏻

When the gel tab has fully softened, you’ll notice the press-on is ready to come off with just a little help.

  • With the cuticle pusher, carefully lift the press-on nail from your natural nail plate. This part should feel easy—no force needed! If the gel tab is still giving resistance, don’t worry; just dip back into the warm water for another round.

  • Patience is key, girl! The longer the soak, the easier the removal.


Step 5: Clear Off Any Leftover Gel Tabs for a Fresh Finish 🌈

To make sure your press-ons are ready to reuse:

  • Use the sharper end of your cuticle pusher to carefully lift any remaining gel tabs left on the false nail or your natural nail plate. Try a gentle twisting motion to work it off completely.


Sticky gel tabs removal (video credits: Scratchu Official)


Step 6: Sanitize Your Press-Ons ✨

  • Wash your press-ons with soap and rinse thoroughly with water. 

  • Let them air dry completely, and they’ll be all set for storage until your next fabulous set!


If you're a visual learner like me, no worries! Just click here to watch the full removal video!


A Few Extra Tips to Keep Your Nails Looking Gorgeous:

  • Avoid prying or tugging too hard at any stage—press-ons love a little gentle treatment, and it keeps them in perfect shape for reuse.

  • Moisturize those nails and cuticles after removing your press-ons! A drop of cuticle oil or a rich hand cream will keep your natural nails healthy and hydrated.


And there you have it, girl! Removing your reusable press-ons doesn’t have to be a hassle. By following these easy steps, you’ll keep your press-ons looking as fabulous as ever, ready for your next nail adventure.


Happy nail care, beauties!

Oct 29

3 min read

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6

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