Press-on nails are a fun and easy way to switch up your look at home — but they need careful removal to keep your natural nails healthy.

Removing press-on nails is simpler than removing acrylics, but doing it correctly matters. Ripping or forcing them off can damage your natural nails.

Below, you’ll find step-by-step methods, safety tips, and aftercare advice to keep your nails in good shape.

This gentle option is great if you used adhesive tabs or light glue to attach your press-ons to your natural nails.

The ideal temperature should be like a hot bath — warm, but not so hot that it’s uncomfortable.

  1. Fill a bowl with warm water and a splash of dish soap.
  2. Soak your fingertips for about 10–15 minutes. This helps soften the adhesive.
  3. Gently wiggle each press-on from the base using fingertips or a wooden cuticle stick.
  4. Repeat soaking if nails feel tight, then gently slide them off.

Although you might be able to reuse the press-on nails after removing them, they also might get damaged in the process. Keep this in mind if you want to reuse your press-ons later.

This is also a gentle option that can help keep your skin and nails moisturized. You can use any skin-friendly oil — examples include coconut or olive oil, or a quality cuticle oil.

  1. Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water.
  2. Soak your fingertips for about 10–15 minutes, as in the previous method.
  3. Apply oil around the edges of your press-ons.
  4. Wait a few minutes, then carefully lift the press-on with a wooden stick.
  5. Repeat soaking if it’s difficult to remove.

This method can often help you preserve your press-ons so that you can reuse them.

Most commercial nail glue removers contain acetone. An acetone soak is the most effective way to remove strong nail glue.

For best results, use 100% acetone — not an acetone-based polish remover, which can be diluted with other ingredients.

  1. Work in a well-ventilated area. The fumes from acetone are very strong.
  2. Soak cotton balls in acetone and apply to each nail.
  3. Wrap your fingertips in aluminum foil or nail clips to keep them in place.
  4. Soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. Check them occasionally to see if they’re ready.
  5. Gently push off the press-on with a cuticle stick. Don’t pry them off, as this can damage your nail.

Note that acetone will likely ruin the press-ons, so they can’t be reused. Acetone can also be harsh on your skin and nails, so be sure to moisturize your skin after soaking.

To preserve the health of your nails, keep the following in mind:

  • Never pull, pry, or bite off press-ons. This can strip layers off your natural nail.
  • Avoid metal tools, which can scratch your nails. Rather opt for wooden or plastic tools.
  • Don’t rush. Working slowly keeps you from damaging your nails.
  • Don’t use press-ons too often. Give your nails a break in between.

Lastly, it’s important to seek medical treatment if you think you have an infection in your nails. Watch out for redness, pain, swelling, or pus.

If a nail won’t budge, try:

  • Soaking it for longer in your chosen method (soapy warm water or acetone)
  • Making your soapy water hotter — just don’t use water so hot that it’s uncomfortable
  • Using a different oil, if you’re using the oil method

If you have stubborn remnants of glue residue after removing your press-ons, try:

  • Gently filing or buffing your nail to smooth the surface
  • Using a swab of nail polish remover to loosen the remnants
  • Soaking your nails for 10 minutes in warm water

And if you want to reuse your press-ons, stick with the soap/oil method to avoid damaging the plastic.

Your nails may seem less healthy after removing press-on nails, especially if you use the acetone method.

To keep your nails as healthy as possible:

  1. Remove your press-ons carefully to avoid splitting your nails
  2. Buff softly after removal to smooth ridges
  3. Moisturize your cuticles and nails regularly
  4. Use a strengthening treatment on your nails
  5. Give your nails a break between sets to recover

Read more about how to strengthen nails.

Generally, press-on nails can be removed at home with little to no problems. But if you run into certain problems, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor or another healthcare professional.

Consult a medical professional if:

  • You notice redness, swelling, or pus around your nails — signs of infection.
  • Your nails feel painful or overly sensitive.
  • You see deep ridges, splitting, or tissue damage.
  • You develop an allergic reaction (burning, rash).

Learn more from our Nail Health Chart.

Removing press-on nails at home doesn’t have to damage your natural nails — using soaking methods with warm water, oil, or acetone applied gently does the trick.

Always go slowly, use gentle tools, and care for your nails after removal. With good aftercare, your nails can stay healthy and strong — ready for your next manicure.