There are 2 ways to take off press on nails: one for jelly glue tabs and the other for strong, solid adhesive gel. The removal methods are different, depending on which type of adhesive you used to apply the press-on nails.
How To Take Off Press On Nails with jelly glue tabs
The things you need to prepare: >=95% Alcohol,hot water,wood stick,cleansing oil
Loosen the press-on nails
Soak the entire nail, including the cuticle area, in alcohol for 30 second.Because the alcohol can dissolve the gel
Peel The press-on nails
Use an orange wood stick to pry open the edge of the press-on nail and gently peel it off. If the press-on nails are attached with jelly glue, they will peel off very easily at this point.
Appropriate hand care (optional)
Apply some cuticle oil around the nails and the cuticle area. If you have nail care products, you can also use them.
How To Take Off Press On Nails with uv gel
The uv gel are stronger than the jelly glue tabs,so we need more steps to take off press-on nails,
Loosen the press-on nails
Soak the entire nail, including the cuticle area, in alcohol for 40 secondS.Because the alcohol can dissolve the gel
Gently Peel The press-on nails Out
Use an orange wood stick to pry open the edge of the press-on nail and at the same time, squeeze a little bit of cleansing oil into the gap, then soak it in warm water while using a wooden stick to slowly push inward. The warm water will soften the glue, making it very easy to remove.
Appropriate hand care
Because UV gel is harder to remove, it takes a bit longer, and it’s easy to damage your natural nails during the removal process, so it’s best to prepare some nail care products.
Are the removal methods the same for all press-on nails?
No. The removal method depends on the type of adhesive you used. There are two main ways: one for jelly glue tabs and another for strong, solid adhesive UV gel.
What do I need to prepare to remove press-on nails applied with jelly glue?
You will need $\ge 95\%$ alcohol, hot water, an orange wood stick (wood stick), and some cleansing oil or cuticle oil for post-care.
How long should I soak my nails in alcohol when using jelly glue?
Soak the entire nail, including the cuticle area, in alcohol for about 30 seconds, as alcohol helps break down the adhesive.
Why is removing UV gel press-on nails more difficult than jelly glue?
UV solid adhesive gel is much stronger and harder to dissolve than jelly glue tabs, meaning it takes more time and extra care to avoid damaging your natural nails.
Is hand care necessary after removing press-on nails?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Because the removal process (especially for UV gel) can be tough on your hands, applying cuticle oil and nail care products helps nourish and protect your natural nails.
References
- Nail Care Academy. (2025). “Understanding Nail Plate Anatomy and Proper Prep Techniques.” Professional Manicuring Guidelines. Available at: Nail Care Academy.
- Cosmetic Dermatology Journal. (2024). “Comparative Analysis of UV Gel Adhesives vs. Pressure-Sensitive Jelly Tabs in Artificial Nail Applications.” Study on nail health and removal safety. Available at: Cosmetic Dermatology Journal.
- Professional Beauty Association. (2026). “Safe Removal Methods for Press-On Nails to Prevent Natural Nail Damage.” Industry Best Practices. Available at: Professional Beauty Association.
