Can You Reuse Press On Nails? Expert Guide

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Can you reuse press-on nails?

Great news, the answer is yes, with a capital Y!

However, there are a few things you need to know to make your press-ons last through multiple wears.

Why Bother Reusing Press-Ons?

First off, let’s talk about why you’d want to reuse press-on nails.

Well, for starters, you save money. I mean, who doesn’t like that?

Secondly, if you’ve got a design you’re obsessed with, why say goodbye after a single use? Also, let’s not forget about sustainability.

Every set you reuse is one less set that ends up in the landfill. So, it’s a win-win-win.

press on nails
credit: @madinaileditt

How to Reuse Press On Nails

Here is a handy video tutorial, or you can follow the steps below.

YouTube video

Clean ‘Em Up

Alright, let’s get to the nitty-gritty.

When you take off those press-ons, you’ll notice adhesive residue on the back. It’s crucial to get rid of this gunk.

Soak your nails in warm, soapy water for about 10-15 minutes and then gently scrub off the adhesive with a soft toothbrush.

If that doesn’t work, you can also try using a bit of acetone. Just be super careful not to ruin the design on the front!

Storage is Key

After cleaning, dry those beauties thoroughly.

Moisture is your enemy here, peeps.

Once they’re dry, store them in a cool, dry place. A lot of people like to put them back in the original packaging, which is a pretty smart move if you ask me. It keeps the shape intact and makes them easy to find for next time.

press on nails storage
image: @nailsbyhanin 

Nail Prep Matters

When you’re ready to rock those press-ons again, prep your natural nails properly. Make sure they’re clean, dry, and buffed.

Apply a base coat if you like, although it’s not mandatory. Some folks swear by it to make the press-ons adhere better, but your mileage may vary.

The most important part is to use a high-quality nail glue for reapplication. The better the glue, the longer your nails will stay put.

press on nails
image: gieos.room via Instagram

Know When to Say Goodbye

Now, as much as we’d love to keep reusing our fave designs forever, press-on nails do have a lifespan. After a few wears, they might start to lose their shape or the design might wear off.

At that point, it’s best to retire them. But hey, two or three uses out of one set is pretty awesome, right?

So there you have it!

With a bit of TLC, you can absolutely get more bang for your buck by reusing your press-on nails.

Just remember to clean, store, and prep them well, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a press-on nail superstar!

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Author
Jessica has finished her education in nail design a couple of years ago and since then has been working in her own nail studio based in Holbrook, Arizona (US). She's our resident color expert and her favorite nail design styles are ombre and marble nails.

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