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The risks and realities of picking off your press on nails

Ever thought about taking or picking off those press on nails, especially when you've used liquid glue? Well, it's like this: not the best idea for your natural nails.


Doing so can have several detrimental effects on your natural nails. Let's break down the risks and realities of picking off your press on nails:

  1. Brittle nails: Picking off press on nails can make your natural nails more brittle. The forceful removal can weaken the structure of the nails, making them prone to breakage.

  2. Nail damage: The act of picking off the nails can cause significant damage to the surface of your natural nails. This damage can manifest as peeling, cracking, breaking of the nails or even separation of the nail from the nail bed itself.

  3. Painful process: Removing press on nails forcefully can be painful. The pressure applied during the picking process can cause discomfort, and in some cases, it may lead to soreness or even injury to the nail bed and surrounding skin.

  4. Layer removal: Picking off press on nails can also remove layers from your natural nails. This weakens the overall integrity of the nails, making them more susceptible to damage and sensitivity that can take weeks or even months to recover.

  5. Residue woes: Liquid glue used in press on nails can leave behind stubborn residue on your natural nails. Picking off the nails may not effectively remove all the glue, leading to a textured and uneven surface.

  6. Uneven surfaces: Forceful removal can create an uneven surface on your natural nails. This unevenness makes it challenging to apply a new set of press on nails or regular nail polish evenly, affecting the overall appearance.

  7. New set challenges: The uneven surface, potential thinning, and liquid glue residue left behind can complicate the application of a new set of press on nails. This will make achieving a smooth and flawless look more difficult.

  8. Long-term consequences: Continuously picking off press on nails can have long-term consequences for the health of your natural nails. It may lead to persistent issues such as nail thinning, increased fragility and a compromised overall nail condition.

To avoid these problems, it's important to follow proper removal procedures.


Follow this guide on how to remove your press on nails safely. Patience and gentle techniques are key to preserving the health of your natural nails and help ensure a smooth transition between sets.


As always, if you encounter difficulties or have concerns, seeking the assistance of a professional nail technician is advisable.

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