With summer here and pool days ahead, you may be wondering if your cute press on nails can withstand some time in the chlorinated water. Well, we have the details below on whether or not press ons and pools make a good match.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Press on nails are generally not suitable for spending time in the pool as the water can cause them to lift or fall off faster<\/b>. An occasional quick dip may be okay, but prolonged swimming is not recommended with press on manicures.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover factors like chlorine damage, adhesion issues from water exposure, how long press ons tend to last in pool water, tips for making them last longer if you do decide to swim with them, and alternative nail options better suited for frequent swimmers.<\/p>\n
The high levels of chlorine commonly found in swimming pools can weaken the adhesive used for press on nails (source<\/a>). When the nail glue comes into contact with chlorinated water, the chemicals start breaking down the bonds that hold the artificial nails in place.<\/p>\n Over time, this leads to the press ons becoming loose or even falling off completely while swimming or playing in the pool.<\/p>\n Most nail glue used for press on nail sets is composed of cyanoacrylate. While this adhesive is strong initially, it is not waterproof and has low resistance to the oxidizing effects of chlorine. With regular exposure to pool water, the glue can become etched and degrade quicker than normal wear and tear.<\/p>\n Using a glue formulated specifically for press on nails can help mitigate this issue. But even salon-grade adhesives still carry some risk of damage from prolonged water exposure.<\/p>\n On top of interacting negatively with pool chemicals, the moisture itself further compromises bonding and adhesion (source<\/a>). When press on nails get wet, water seeps in between the artificial nail and natural nail surface.<\/p>\n This creates a slippery barrier making it easier for the press on to detach and peel off.<\/p>\n According to experts, moisture is one of the biggest bonding saboteurs for any type of false nails<\/b>. The soaking effect of spending time in the pool softens the glue and surrounding nail layers. Over time, the weakened glue gives way to the water intrusion and pressure of swimming activities.<\/p>\n Frequent drying and rewetting of the press ons also stresses the adhesive in ways that accelerate loss of bonding effectiveness.<\/p>\n Preventing water from getting beneath press on nails is difficult during aquatic activities. But starting with a flexible, water-resistant glue can slow down bonding breakdown from moisture exposure in the pool.<\/p>\n Let’s be real – press on nails and water don’t exactly mix well. According to nail experts, most press on nail sets will start lifting and falling off after just 1-2 pool sessions lasting 30-60 minutes. The exposure to moisture, chemicals, and general wear and tear take a toll.<\/p>\n So if you’re hoping your press ons will last all summer long as you lounge by the pool, you’ll likely be disappointed.<\/p>\n The adhesive used for press on nails is simply not designed for water submersion. As soon as your nails hit the pool, spa, or ocean, that glue will begin softening and losing its grip. Frequent dunks will hasten this process even more.<\/p>\n before you know it, your beautiful nails will be floating away one by one.<\/p>\n There are a few techniques that can extend the life of press ons in water slightly, like using extra glue or clear polish. But even then, they still may only tack on an extra swim or two. If nice nails that last are a priority, gel or acrylic extensions done by a professional are a much better bet.<\/p>\n While it’s true most press ons won’t hold up long term with frequent water exposure, their longevity depends on a few key factors:<\/p>\n By keeping water exposure to a minimum, using nail prep products to really cement them on there, and being cognizant of how you use your hands, you may get 4-5 wears from a press on set instead of 1-2.<\/p>\n But factoring in the cost, getting a salon service ends up being much more economical in the long run.<\/p>\n As that comparison shows, professional nail extension services are really the only way to go if you want your manicure looking fab all season long, without limitations on wear like with press ons. But for the occasional pool party, a good prep routine can get a press on set through a brief splash session or two.<\/p>\n Applying a protective top coat like a gel top coat or acrylic top coat over your press on nails can help seal in the glue and prevent water from seeping underneath (1). These clear, glossy top coats act like a shield to protect the adhesive bond between your natural nail and the press on.<\/p>\n According to nail care experts at The Beauty Studio (beautystudio.com<\/a>), a top coat can make press on nails last 5-7 days longer by guarding against water damage in the pool.<\/p>\n Using extra nail glue underneath your press on nails is key for pool wear. Water can loosen the factory-applied adhesive over time, allowing press ons to pop off suddenly in water. Applying 1-2 additional tiny drops of nail glue around the edges of each press on before swimming reinforces the bond so water is less likely to undermine it.<\/p>\n Cyanoacrylate glues designed for press on nails specifically, like KISS Glue On Nail Adhesive<\/a>, tend to have the strongest holding power.<\/p>\nMoisture from the Water Compromises Bonding<\/h3>\n
\n
\n With moisture intrusion:<\/td>\n Press on nails can detach in as little as 30 minutes<\/b> of pool time<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n With dry wear:<\/td>\n Press on nails can last 5-7 days<\/b> before needing replacement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Typical Longevity of Press Ons in the Pool<\/h2>\n
Most Fall Off Within 1-2 Pool Sessions<\/h3>\n
Depends on Exposure Time and Bonding Technique<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n Nail Type<\/th>\n Longevity in Pool<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Basic Press Ons<\/td>\n 1-2 sessions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Press Ons with Extra Glue<\/td>\n 2-4 sessions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Gel\/Acrylic Extensions<\/td>\n Several weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Tips for Making Press Ons Last Longer in The Pool<\/h2>\n
Apply a Protective Top Coat<\/h3>\n
Use Extra Adhesive Glue<\/h3>\n
Avoid Long Swims at First<\/h3>\n