How To Remove Fake Nails In A Flash

A set of fake nails (or press-on nails as we also call them) can be a true gift to anyone who doesn’t feel like shelling out the cash (or giving up the time) that a real manicure calls for.

But while they do definitely serve as a simple, fun and time-saving solution, removing fake nails can be a whole other story.

How do you get them off?! And will doing so damage your natural nails?! Not if you follow these steps. Here’s our guide to removing fake nails quickly and easily…

Step 1: Soak to loosen

Press-on nails tend to ‘click’ off when they’re ready, but if you’re wanting to change out your colour or guide them to the exit early, a soak will get you started.

The style of soak you’ll need will depend on the types of press-ons you’re wearing. For nails that came with pre-applied sticky adhesive backing, try soaking them in a bowl of warm, soapy water. Let them sit for about 10 minutes or until you feel the adhesive start to loosen.

For fake nails that you applied your own nail glue to, mix a bit of baby oil with some acetone-based nail polish remover. Might we suggest the Burt’s Bees® Nourishing Baby Oil ($19.95 at Adore Beauty) and the Manicare Nail Polish Remover –  Express ($6.49 at Chemist Warehouse)?

The two ingredients together will work to dissolve and weaken the glue without drying your fingertips out completely; win. Soak for about five minutes, checking regularly for whether you’re feeling any loosening.

Step 2: Apply cuticle oil

Considering we’re obviously trying to get this removal process done without causing damage to our precious natural nails, cuticle oil is a must. After patting dry post-soak, apply a couple of drops of your fave hydrating formula to the cuticle area (where the press-ons start, trying to get slightly underneath the fake nail if possible).

The cuticle oil actually serves two purposes. Not only will it help to moisturise your real nails beneath, but it’ll also aid in loosening and lifting the press-ons. Leave it to sink in for a few minutes, then check if the fake nails are ready to release. Try not to pull, pick or pry; you’ll feel the gap building between the fake and real nail when the time is right.

FYI, we recommend the Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse). It’s rich in nourishing, soothing vitamin E as well as conditioning, calming aloe.

Step 3: Dislodge the nails

Once they’re ready to lift, you can do so with your fingers, but if you’re devoted to doing everything possible to limit damage, try a cuticle stick (AKA an orange stick) instead. Luckily, most press-on nail packs come with one included, so you might already have one on hand. But hey, if not, the Manicare Cuticle Sticks ($3.49 at Chemist Warehouse) are winners.

Use your cuticle stick around the edges to slowly (and patiently; again, no pulling) remove the press-ons from your natural nails. Take your time here – as anyone who has ever removed fake nails before they were ready will know, an overzealous or early pull can cause a bit of pain and the potential ripping of a nail. Both are precisely what we’re trying to avoid, so proceed with caution.

Step 4: Clean up residue

There’s bound to be a bit of nail glue left behind; not ideal, no, but it’s just part of the deal with press-ons. The same cuticle stick will be your best bet here. Use it to gently peel away the leftover adhesive, and then go over the area with some nail polish remover on a cotton pad to clear any remaining residue.

Step 5: Nourish those nails

Your natural nails will no doubt be crying out for a little TLC once the press-ons are good and gone. We advise committing to a buff and shine before slipping on a hand mask. Sounds like a task for The Body Shop Nail Polishing Block ($10 at The Body Shop) and the Skin Republic Nail + Cuticle Hand Mask ($6.99 at Chemist Warehouse) to us.

And that’s you done! You’re raring and ready to go for your next manicure, whether it be one gracing your natural nails or another snazzy set of press-ons.

Main image credit: @paintlabco

Have you ever worn press-on nails? Did you have any issues removing them?