Reduce, reuse, and recycle — that’s what they say about everything from clothes to take-out containers. So can you reuse press-on nails? Most press-on nails can be reused with gentle and careful removal. If you’re wearing the Lilac St. Press-On Nails, the answer is a resounding yes!
In this post, we’ll cover press-on nail reusability in detail, so you can get the most out of your sets. You’ll learn the benefits of reusing your nails and the common pitfalls. Lastly, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide for how to reuse your press-ons.
Table of Contents
Can Press-On Nails Be Reused?
Yes, press-on nails can be reused! You can use them again if you haven’t damaged your press-on nails while removing them. Press-on nails are usually made of either plastic or acrylic polymers. The more flexible the material, the better it can retain the design and structure even after days of wear. All Lilac St. Press-On Nails are made of ABS plastic, specifically selected for its flexibility and durability. The designs stay pristine and can withstand most daily activities!
Pros and Cons of Reusing Press-On Nails
There are plenty of benefits to reusing your press-on nails and very few drawbacks.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Save money by using the same set several times |
Need to be conscientious of daily use to avoid wear and tear |
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Reduce waste to be more eco-friendly |
Extra careful when removing your press-ons |
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Enjoy a design you love more than once |
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Reused press-on may offer longer wear the second time around |
Factors Affecting Reusability of Press-On Nails
From the nails themselves to how you apply them, here are the factors that’ll most impact your press-on nails' reusability.
Durability
It’s important to choose press-on nails that are specifically promoted as durable and ideal for reuse, without appliques or intricate design elements that can get damaged easily.
Adhesion Method
The way you apply your press-ons will impact how easy they are to remove and re-wear. A proper application with nail glue will result in long-lasting nails, but it also increases the risk that you’ll damage your nails after removal. On the other hand, applying a very small amount of glue or using nail tabs will make for a less durable manicure but will make it easier to reuse your nails.
Correct Size
Using oversized press-on nails is a common mistake that can make reuse harder. If the nails are too large, it’ll be very difficult to remove them gently without damaging the edges. Always measure your press-on nails against your natural nails before applying glue, and consider filing down the edges if they’re too large.
Lifestyle
Generally, most press-on nails should hold up to the average lifestyle. That said, some hobbies, chores, and work can be damaging to press-on nails. Consider wearing gloves while working on your car, gardening, or cleaning to prevent as much wear and tear as you can.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reusing Press-On Nails
First of all, remove the press-on nails with warm water soak. Simply soak them in a mixture of warm water, dish soap, and oil for 15-20 minutes to loosen the adhesive.
If this method doesn’t work, you can instead try soaking your nails in a blend of warm water and acetone (in a plastic bag to avoid breathing in fumes). Keep in mind that this method is a little riskier, as the acetone can break down the press-on nails themselves.
Carefully, using a cuticle stick, loosen the edges of the press-on nail. Then, slide the stick under the press-on to pop it off. Avoid scraping the edges of the press-on nails, as you could easily leave scratches or marks that take away from the design.
Don’t attempt to pry off the press-ons, as that could damage your natural nail.
Use a nail file to buff away the excess glue from your nails. Be careful and don’t use too much pressure, or you may damage our nail plate.
Dry the recently removed press-on nails with a cloth or a paper towel. Then, use a nail file to gently buff away the excess glue from the back of the press-on. This can be difficult to do with a full-sized buffer, but a small file held on an angle will work.
You can also use a cotton bud dipped in a bit of acetone to loosen the adhesive even further — be careful and only use it on the back of the press-on nails. It’s okay if you haven’t removed the adhesive completely. A little texture can result in a better fit once you reapply.
Pro tip: If your press-on nails sustain some damage, you can use a nail file to remove scratches.
If you’re not planning to re-use your press-on nails immediately, put them somewhere safe to dry. Consider disinfecting them by soaking them in alcohol for 5-10 minutes, as well.
Once clean and dry, they can go in any small container, including the original packaging they arrived in.
Pro tip: If you want to change your look for the next time you wear your press-on nails, you can apply nail polish and let it dry before putting them away.
Step 6: ReapplyIf you want to re-apply your press-on nails soon after soaking them off, wait at least an hour or two for the moisture to evaporate from your natural nails.
The actual process of reapplying is simple:
- Buff your nails to take off the shine.
- Wipe your nails with a pad soaked in alcohol.
- Apply glue to both the press-on nail and your natural nail.
- Line the press-on with your nail at a 45-degree angle, and then press it down for around 30 seconds.
- For best results, apply one press-on nail at a time, alternating hands. Save your thumb and index finger for last.
Check out our guide if you want to learn how to apply press-on nails in more detail.
How Many Times Can You Reuse Press-On Nails?
As long as you take your press-on nails off carefully and keep them in great shape, you can reuse them indefinitely! In practice, we find that most people can get around 2-3 wears out of a single set of press-on nails if they use brush-on glue. If you use nail tabs and only wear press-on nails for a few days at a time, you will be able to enjoy even more repeat uses.
Is Reusing Press-On Nails Hygienic?
According to doctors, the main hygiene risks of press-on nails are related to moisture collecting inside the gaps under the press-on, causing bacteria to grow. This can occur with any kind of press-on nail, whether you’ve worn it before or not. The key to avoiding this is to keep your press-on nails dry after you’ve removed them. You can also soak them in alcohol for extra peace of mind. When applying, ensure that they’ve completely adhered to your nails if you plan on more than a few days of wear.
Bottom Line
Reusing your press-on nails is easy as long as you don’t damage them during removal. To reuse, just carefully soak them off, buff away any excess adhesive, and apply them the same way you did the first time. Our Lilac St. Press-Ons were created with your ability to reuse them in mind, with stunning designs you’ll surely want to wear again and again!
