Fake nails have become the hottest trend in the fashion industry in recent times. Press-on nails are something you see all around your social media handles. People are going all crazy to get their custom designs and nail art in various shapes and sizes when it comes to press-ons.
If you are someone who loves wearing long and sexy press-on nails regularly, but also needs to wear contact lenses every day, you might have a question popping into your mind: How will I wear and remove contacts with press-ons? Today, we are here to solve your dilemma – read on.
Is it Hard to Wear and Remove Contacts with Press-On Nails?
If you are a fan of long fake nails and have used press-on nails for your DIY manicures ever, you surely know what problems you face with long press-ons. Many simple tasks appear challenging with them like typing, texting, and even zipping your jeans or hooking your bra. While press-on nails are designed to ease your manicures without compromising on accentuating your entire look, there are some inconveniences associated with them when it comes to household chores. From cooking your daily meals to even picking up small flat objects, long nails tend to be troublesome, and it’s a fact.
One such important daily task that can become uncomfortable with long nails is wearing and removing contact lenses. Imagine you just did an amazing manicure on a Sunday evening and need to wear your contacts for going back to work on a Monday morning. Now you will think you either have to wear your nerd glasses in the office or need to remove your beautiful press-ons. You have to swallow either of the hard pills because you don’t want to prick your contact lenses with your claw-like nails, nor do you want to stab your eye.
Let’s face it – it can be quite hard and cumbersome to wear and remove your contacts with press-on nails, but there are always hacks and tricks to ease your work. Today The Nails Girl will guide you on how to put on and take off your contacts with long and sexy press-ons without harming any of the three – your nails, your lenses, or your eyes.
Risks of Applying and Removing Contact Lenses with Long Nails
Applying and removing contact lenses with press-on nails can not only be difficult but can also cause some risks of accidents or infections.
1) Long press-on nails can poke or stab your eyes causing pain.
2) There can be germs, moisture, and residue buildup between the press-ons and the natural nail bed.
3) Bacteria buildup under the nails can transfer to the lens surface or in the eye and cause infections.
4) While applying, it can be difficult for long nails to reach the contact lenses in the case.
5) While removing, long nails can disrupt the view of the lens in the eye.
6) You may scratch your eyeballs with your nail tip which can cause serious harm to the iris or the retina.
Owing to these risks, you need to learn how to put on and take out contacts while wearing long press-on nails.
How to Put In Contacts with Press-On Nails
It is difficult but not impossible to wear your contact lenses if you are careful with them while having your press-ons. All you need to do is follow some steps and develop a habit of it to make it easy for you every day.
1) Cleanse your hands and nails thoroughly. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water while working with your contact lenses. Scrub under your nails with a brush to remove any residue or buildup. Dry the hands and nails completely before going ahead.
2) Carefully take the lens out of the case without using your fingernails. Instead of scooping it out and risking it being pricked with the nail tip, use the pad of your fingertips to slide the lens out.
3) You’d usually position the lens on the tip of your finger but now that you have long press-on nails, place the lens on the pad of your index finger away from the free edge of your nail.
4) Rinse your lens with saline solution to remove debris or deposits before placing them in your eye.
5) Use the other hand to open your eyes widely and don’t blink them. Here, use your thumb and index finger to hold the upper and lower eyelid.
6) Hold the finger carrying the lens parallel to the eye to avoid the lens poking in. Slide your lens gently in the eye placing it on the iris and use your index finger to adjust the position. Be very careful not to stab your eye with the nail.
7) Blink your eyes to adjust the lens till it feels comfortable.
8) Follow the same steps for the other eye and make sure both lenses feel comfortable and you can see clearly.
After practicing this application process, you will form a habit and it will become easy for you to do this on an everyday basis without risking your eyes or lenses or even your press-ons.
Hacks to Take Out Contacts with Press-On Nails
Taking out contact lenses with long press-on nails can be a little more tricky than it is to put them on. Remember to always start with clean and dry hands and nails. Be ready with everything you need – lens case, saline solution, and some patience – and do it in a well-lit room in front of the mirror. Use any of the below techniques that you feel are best suited to you.
 1) Pinching or Rolling
A few of the most common techniques are the ones that do not require you to have an additional tool for the removal.
The most common technique to remove contact lenses is by pinching. Use your thumb and finger to gently pinch your eye and lift the lens off. It doesn’t require you to touch the lens within the eye so you can minimize the risk of stabbing your nail in the eye or tearing the lens with it.
Similar to pinching, you can remove the lens by holding your eye wide open, looking upwards, and rolling the lens with the pad of your index finger to push it downwards and take it off.
2) Lens Tweezer
This is a small yet useful tool you can easily find on Amazon. It comes in a compact box with a set of an applicator, a lens case, a solution bottle, and a tweezer.
You can use the tweezer from this pack to easily remove your contact lenses using the ‘no-hands’ method. This is the safest option because one, you don’t touch your hands or nails to the lens or eyes directly making it germ-free, and two, it keeps your eyes safe from getting stabbed by your long nails. Only make sure to clean the tweezers before using them with the saline solution.
If you are planning to keep wearing long press-on nails but need to put on and take off your lenses every day, it is best to invest in this tool as it is very useful and long-lasting, you can easily carry your entire set on the go.
3) Q-Tip Applicator
If you don’t want to invest in a contact lens case box, you may find an easy alternative to the tweezers using a cotton earbud or Q-tip. Just fold the Q-tip in half from the middle and use it as a tweezer to pluck the lens out of your eye. This is also a safe option for germ-free, painless removal of contacts with long press-on nails. It is also more affordable and hygienic compared to the tweezer set.
The only concern could be if some lint comes off the earbud and enters your eyes or the lens surface. So make sure this doesn’t happen; you may put a drop of saline solution on the Q-tip before entering it in the eye. Also, this isn’t as travel-friendly as is the lens case but you will easily find earbuds anywhere and everywhere in the world!
The Final Word
Wearing and removing contact lenses with press-on nails can be a breeze with the right techniques. While it may seem daunting at first, following simple hacks can make the process smooth and hassle-free. While there are risks involved, such as damaging the lenses or scratching your eyes, following a routine can help mitigate these risks. The techniques provided for taking out contacts offer practical solutions, ensuring that your press-on nails do not hinder your daily routine. With these hacks, you can enjoy the convenience of press-on nails without compromising on your eye care routine. Remember to always be gentle and patient when handling your contact lenses, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you’re unsure.
