Fake nails look great. They are a great addition to your outfit and complete your look. But they can be tricky to remove. You have two options. You can either go to a salon to remove the nail glue. Or, you can try and remove it yourself at home. For the latter, you are probably wondering how to remove fake nails glued on?
Well, do not worry, we have the answer and solution to your problem. What you have to remember is that nail glue bonds instantly. It doesn’t give you much time to position the nail to the finger. This is why sometimes, it can be tricky to apply them at home.
How Long Do Glue-on Faux Nails Last?
Fake nails are glued and can last up to two weeks. But there is a dirty little secret. They last for two weeks only if you size, prepare, and glue them on properly.
The gluing process can be tricky, and we recommend using glue with a brush applicator. This type of applicator will result in the most even and precise placement possible.
Or, you can go to a nail salon and get your fake nail glued on.
Now, the question is, what do you do after those two weeks? Or after the event for which you needed your fake nails has passed?
How to remove fake nails glued on? Read on!
Best Ways To Remove Fake Nails
Remove fake nails without acetone
The best and most common way how to remove fake nails glued on without acetone is with soap and water. Yes, you read that correctly, all you need is some soap and water.
- Start by soaking your nails in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes. Fill a bowl or sink basin with warm water, add some gentle hand soap, and place your hands in the bowl. Your glue-on nails should be completely submerged in the water. Keep your nails in the soap for 15 minutes. The soap and water will soak into the glue and soften it. This will make it easier for you to remove the nails.
- Now, pry off the fake nails gently once the glue has softened. Look for a spot where the nail has already begun to detach, and then gently pry off the nail from that spot. If you cannot find a loose spot, carefully work the tip of a nail file under the edges of the fake nail to loosen it. Do not ever, I repeat, do not ever try to yank the artificial nail off if it doesn’t pry loose easily.
- Now that the false nails are off, and your natural nails have dried out, use a nail buffer to carefully file off any excess glue. When you are satisfied with the result, rinse away the powder with water. Use the “shine” side of the buffer to polish up your nails
- Take off any remaining glue with acetone by soaking a cotton ball in acetone and rubbing it on each fingernail to remove residual traces. Wash your hands with soap and water.
Remove fake nails with acetone
You can always soak up your nails in little pure acetone to soften the glue. The problem is that acetone nail polish remover is harsh on your skin, nails, and cuticles. It is much harsher than soap and water.
Alternatively, you can soak a cotton ball in acetone and rub it on each fingernail to remove traces of nail glue.
If you soak your fingernails in acetone, always finish off by rinsing with soap and water. And then, apply some oil to your nails to moisturize them.
Remove fake nails with rubbing alcohol
By the end of the article, one thing will become clear. Removing fake nails with soap and water is the least harsh method.
Now, rubbing alcohol is not as harsh as acetone, but it is worse than soap and water. With that in mind, this method is faster than soap and water.
- Pour some rubbing alcohol in a bowl that is deep enough to soak your fingertips in
- Place a cotton ball over your nail and tape it down using a strong tape
- Now, soak your fingers in the alcohol for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently pull the tape, lifting the fingernail from the finger. You can wiggle the tape to work the nail loose
- Dip an old toothbrush in the alcohol and gently brush off any remaining glue
- Wash your hands with soap and water, dry, and then apply a moisturizer to your hands and fingertips
How to protect your nails?
As we saw, two of the three possible methods for how to remove fake nails glued on are a bit harsh on your skin. So, how to protect your nails and skin? There are a couple of things you can do.
First and foremost, trim your false nail as down as possible. Trimming your false nail will make the nail polish removal process quicker, simply because there is less material to dissolve. Just be careful, do not trim down into your nail bed. This process works for acrylic nails and dipping powder nails.
Also checkout:
- How To Remove Acrylic Nails With Hot Water – Is it Possible?
- How To Remove Polygel Nails – Safe Ways To Protect Your Nails From Damage
Then, file off the glossy surface of the fake nail extension. Rub the file back and forth across your nails until you remove the glossy surface. Your nails should look matte. It is another trick that will make the removal process quicker and more effective.
If you are using acetone for removing fake nails, rub petroleum jelly on the skin around your nails. It will protect the skin from the harmful effects of acetone. A thin layer close to the nail bed and the skin below the nail will do it. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can apply more petroleum jelly.
If you want to speed up the process and make sure acetone doesn’t evaporate before the super glue has a chance to soften, wrap a piece of aluminum foil around each nail and cotton pad. This method works only when you are using acetone.
What To Do After Removing Artificial Nails?
We mentioned it a few times, but let’s go over how to treat your nails after removing the glue. Here are a few things you absolutely must do:
- Wash your hands in warm and soapy water because any leftover acetone will dry out your skin. Make sure to thoroughly wash any reside
- Rub a natural skin oil over each hand and real nail to restore moisture after removing the glue. We know glue has a tendency to dry out your hands, so give them a breath of fresh moisture with almond oil or olive oil
- Remember to give your nails a breather between manicures. If you are a woman who wears faux nails a lot, you definitely have to take a break between applications. Give your nails a few days to recover before adding any new artificial nails
