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To remove nail glue safely at home, soak your nails in acetone, warm soapy water, or moisturising oils like coconut or olive oil. These methods help soften and dissolve glue without damaging your nails when done gently and patiently. Always follow up with proper nail and skin aftercare.
Nail glue, often made with ethyl cyanoacrylate, is the same powerful adhesive found in super glue.
At Bela Beauty College, we educate our students and clients to treat nail glue like a strong chemical agent—it must be removed with care, patience, and proper tools.
Before diving into removal, here’s what you should NOT do:
What to do instead:
A common question is: How long do fake nails last without damage? With proper application and removal, press-ons or glue-on tips can last 7–10 days without harming your natural nails. Beyond that, damage risk increases—especially if removal is rushed or done incorrectly.
Acetone is the most effective way to dissolve nail glue quickly, but it should be used carefully.
Avoid this method if you’re pregnant, have skin conditions, or extreme nail sensitivity.
If you want to remove nail glue without acetone, this method is safer but slower.
This method works best for:
Using oils is a natural, nourishing way to remove glue, ideal for skin contact or reusable press-ons.
This is a patience-based method, but it’s the best for:
Nail glue often ends up where it shouldn’t—like your fingers, clothes, or countertops.
Never use sharp tools on skin or soft surfaces—it’s not worth the damage.
Glue removal can dry out your nails and surrounding skin. Here’s how to restore them:
Let your nails breathe. At Bela Beauty College, we always emphasise recovery periods between nail sets to avoid long-term damage.
Method | Strength | Best For | Time | Gentle? |
Acetone Soak | High | Strong glue, full sets | 10–15 mins | No |
Soapy Water/Buffing | Light | Minor residue | 20–30 mins | Yes |
Oil Soak | Medium | Skin, reusable press-ons | 30–45 mins | Yes |
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