Option #1: Nail Polish Remover
The first thing that likely comes to mind when trying to figure out what to do if you get nail glue on your skin is to use nail polish remover—and rightly so. Here’s how.
How To Remove Nail Glue Using Nail Polish Remover
What you’ll need: Cotton swabs, nail polish remover, and a toothbrush.
To remove nail glue from your skin, you’ll want to use an acetone-based nail polish remover. This will be most efficient in dissolving the glue. Dip a cotton swab into your acetone remover, then press the swab onto the affected area. Allow it to soak in the acetone, applying more as needed. Do this until the glue begins to dissolve. When the glue starts to dissolve, use a clean toothbrush to gently rub away the glue residue.
Editor’s Tip: Acetone can be very drying to your skin. While using a cotton swab will help you pinpoint exactly where you apply acetone, chances are you’ll still get some nail polish remover on areas of skin that don’t have nail glue on them. Replenish moisture in your hands with a hydrating lotion when you’re done.
Option #2: Petroleum Jelly
Alternatively, tried-and-true multitasking petroleum jelly can help you get nail glue off your skin without acetone.
How To Remove Nail Glue Using Petroleum Jelly
What you’ll need: Petroleum jelly, soap, and water.
Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the affected area of skin. Rub the petroleum jelly in circular motions, massaging it onto the dried nail glue. Continue to do this for a few minutes until you notice the nail glue begin to loosen. After the petroleum jelly has broken up the nail glue, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to get rid of any residue.
Option #3: Soap And Water
If you act fast, soap and water can be used as a nail glue removal method. This method will take the longest, but if you don’t have any other useful ingredients it will save you a trip to the store with nail glue stuck to your hands.
How To Remove Nail Glue Using Soap And Water
What you’ll need: A bowl, soap, and water.
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water mixed with soap. Dip the affected area into the mixture and allow it to soak for several minutes. Depending on how quickly you noticed and reacted to the nail glue on your skin, this can take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes. Simply keep an eye on the glue until you notice it dissolving. When you notice the glue starts to dissolve, gently peel the glue away from your skin. As always, follow up with a hand cream to restore moisture to your skin.
If you’d like to have a specific glue remover for a wide range of materials, Loctite Glue Remover may be just what you’re looking for.
Loctite Glue Remover is easy to use, and specially designed for removing glue stains and spillages as well as unsticking bonded fingers. Stained objects should be covered with the Glue Remover and left for several hours. Bonded fingers, however, can be gently pried apart after just a few minutes, so you won’t be stuck for long!
Soak Your Nails
“The best way to remove press-ons is to soak them in a small ceramic or glass bowl filled with acetone-based nail polish remover,” says Edwards. Soak until the glue breaks down and the nails become loose enough to effortlessly pull them off or until they fall off on their own. This method works for press-on nails that you have to glue on yourself and the ones that have the adhesive already on them.
To speed up the process, Edwards says you can also use an artificial nail remover kit. Whatever you choose, remember to be patient. If you yank off your press-ons before they’re ready, it could strip layers off your natural nails and damage them.
Use a Soft Buffer
If you’re soaking your nails and notice that they’re still not easily coming off, Edwards recommends using a soft nail buffer to carefully remove them. “Never, ever pull up the false nails or file harshly,” she says.
Apply a Nail Strengthener
It’s likely that after all that glue and acetone, your nails are in need of a little TLC, so be sure to follow up with a nail strengthener. We love the