Press-on nails have plenty of perks — not only are they available in a wide range of cool, on-trend designs, they also tend to be less expensive and less time-consuming to apply than getting a fresh set of acrylics or a Gel-X manicure at the salon. However, one of the downsides of applying press-ons is having to deal with mishaps like getting nail glue stuck to your skin. Before you try to pry it off (which you should never do!), follow these steps from Julie Kandalec, celebrity nail artist and founder of Julie K Nail Artelier in New York City, on how to get nail glue off your skin safely. What Exactly Is Nail Glue?First things first, it can be beneficial to understand exactly what nail glue is. Though it is often compared to household super glue, nail adhesive actually acts differently than regular super glue. “Both adhesives are made from cyanoacrylates — a family of strong, fast-acting adhesives with industrial, medical and household uses,” explains Kandalec. “But nail adhesives are designed to dry fast and clear, are waterproof — and, of course, are designed to bond to the nail. Not all adhesives can do that.” Nail glues also often contain beneficial ingredients that can help strengthen your nails and prevent fungal infections. That said, these adhesives should be reserved for the nail bed. If you do end up with nail glue on your hands, there are a few ways to safely remove it, detailed below. What Can You Use Nail Glue For?You can use nail glue to apply press-on nails (most press-on nail kits actually come with a tiny tube of nail glue) and to temporarily reattach false nails that may have fallen off in between appointments. Nail glues are the only types of glue that are recommended for use on the natural nails — even if you’re in a pinch, it’s best to avoid using household glues because they have not been tested for use on fingernails or skin. How to Safely Remove Nail Glue From Your SkinHow to remove the nail glue depends on the amount you have on your skin. But no matter how much, it’s imperative to use acetone to effectively remove it all. “If there is a small amount on the skin, acetone will break the bond of the adhesive,” says Kandalec. Simply soak a cotton round in acetone and place it on the affected area for a few minutes so the build up can dissolve. We like this bottle of 100% pure acetone from Amazon, which comes with an accompanying nail file. If you have a lot of nail glue on your skin, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to follow. “First soak the area in warm water — warmth will allow the adhesive to come off more easily,” Kandalec explains. “Then, soak a cotton ball or cotton swab in acetone and apply it to the area, allowing it to dissolve the glue. Once the area has gotten unstuck, use a soft nail file or padded nail buffer to smooth out the nail glue left on the skin.” We like using this Onsen Secret Japanese Nail File Set because they’re soft, double-sided and come in a pack of six with subtle, understated patterns. 
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