In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to remove your Press-on Tips easily and gently using Soak-Off Remover Wraps. Step by step, you’ll learn how to avoid damaging your natural nails and achieve a beautiful, clean result every time.
Ready to remove your Press-on Tips the right way?
Products used in this guide:
1. File down your product
The first thing you need to do when you start removing your tips is file off the top layer of product. The amount of product you need to file off depends on which products you have applied to your tips. If you are wearing a strengthening product such as Polygel, Liquid Builder Gel, or another strengthening product, you should file off 80% of the product before you begin the soak-off process. If you have only applied Gel Polish on top of your tips, you should file off the Top Coat and the upper layer of colour.
A good rule of thumb is: The more product you file off, the less time our Gel Remover will need to work. However, be careful not to file all the way through your Base Coat and into your natural nail! Take your time, and feel free to take small breaks along the way to check how much product you have removed. It is better to be a little too cautious than too eager!
If you only have Gel Polish on top of your tip, you can, for example, use the 100-grit side of a 100/180 grit file or an electric nail file with a Sanding Band with a grit of 120 or higher. If you are wearing a strengthening product, we recommend using a ceramic bit, such as Ceramic Fine Flame ST 3/32, with your electric nail file. Alternatively, you can use a Sanding Band with a grit of 100-180 if you feel more comfortable with that.
It is difficult to say which bit is best for product removal, as it depends on your skill level. If you are completely new to using an electric nail file, we recommend starting at a low speed with a Sanding Band bit, as it mimics a handheld nail file. If you are a little more experienced, you can try a fine ceramic bit and work your way up from there. Take your time in the beginning so you can learn the technique and avoid damaging your beautiful nails.
2. Soak Off
Once you have filed off the top layer of the product, start by applying nail oil around the edge of the nail. This helps protect your cuticles from the drying effects of the acetone in our Gel Remover.
When you are ready to apply your Foil Wraps, thoroughly soak the cotton side with our Gel Remover and place it over each nail. It is important that the Foil Wrap is positioned so the entire nail is in contact with the soaked cotton side. Close the Foil Wrap around the nail by folding the sides tightly around your finger, then folding down the top so the Foil Wrap fits snugly around your nail.
3. Wait 15 minutes
Once you have applied your Foil Wraps, leave them on for 15 minutes. The loosened product may harden again if it is not pushed off straight away. That is why it is best to remove one Foil Wrap at a time, to prevent the product from hardening again while you are removing it from another nail.
After 15 minutes, you can open your Foil Wraps and check whether the tip has loosened enough for you to gently push it off. If not, soak your nails again. Then you can re-wet your Foil Wraps and apply them to the nails once more. Start with a few extra minutes, then check again.
For an extra treat, place a warm towel over your hands while the Foil Wraps are on. It gives you the full at-home spa experience! The warmth from the towel will also create the best conditions for the Gel Remover to work effectively.
To warm the towel, place it on a radiator for a few minutes or pop it in the tumble dryer if you already have laundry on the go.
4. Push off the product
After 15 minutes, you can gently push the product off using an orangewood stick or our cuticle pusher. It is important that you do not press too hard on the nail plate, but instead make sure the product has loosened enough to be easily removed with gentle motions. Handle your nails with care so they can continue to grow long and beautiful!
5. Remove any residue
Once you have gently pushed off the product, there may still be a little residue left on the nail. If a lot of product remains, soak your nail again. If only a small amount of residue is left, you can use the 220 side of the 180/220-grit file for a gentler removal.
Finally, simply buff your nails with our buffer. This will leave you with a beautifully clean nail plate – ready for a new product or to shine as gorgeous natural nails!
Remember: never rip or pull the product off your nails! Be patient with the process so you don’t compromise the condition of your nails.
6. Apply Nail Oil
Wash your hands thoroughly, then apply nail oil. Massage the oil into the cuticles and under the nails for the best possible care.
Nail oil gives your nails the nourishment they need to stay strong and healthy. It helps prevent dryness, supports healthy growth, and keeps your cuticles soft and well-conditioned – so your hands always look beautiful and well-groomed.
