Can You Swim With Press-On Nails?

Woman on summer vacation sitting in Swimming Pool, close on hands
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Summertime means hot weather, vacations (or staycations), BBQs, and generally having fun in the sun — including swimming in the sea, or if you’re lucky, your own pool.

These are things that we all love to enjoy as the temperature rises. But if you have press-on nails, then you may be wondering, can you swim with press-on nails?

Yes, you can swim with press-on nails. You just want to be careful spending too long in hot water and excess chlorine.

In this article, we’ll discuss this pressing question!


Contents

Can You Swim With Press-On Nails?

IMPress Press-On NAils

You can jump in the pool while wearing press-on nails. However, you should be mindful of how much time you spend in the water and whether or not the water is hot (like in a hot tub) or chlorinated.

You can jump in the pool while wearing press-on nails. However, you should be mindful of how much time you spend in the water and whether or not the water is hot (like in a hot tub) or chlorinated.

Taking a shower or short bath won’t generally affect the nail glue, and neither will salty ocean water. But prolonged exposure will degrade the adhesive bond that’s formed between your natural nail bed and the press on itself, which is a potential pathway for bacteria and nasty fungal infection.

The majority of branded press-on nails are made to withstand the stress of water exposure and are designed to be long-lasting.

If they are submerged in water for a long time, though, the glue will begin to fall apart. But a daily swim or splash on your vacation shouldn’t have a significant impact on the adhesive.


Will Chlorine Ruin Your Press On Nails?

Chlorine, as we’re sure you know, is a chemical that’s used in swimming pools to keep the water from being contaminated with bacteria. However, too much chlorine exposure will not only dry out your skin and hair, but it can also damage your nails if you swim in it too much.

This is due to the fact that chlorine can degrade the press-on nail itself, as well as cause the nail glue to deteriorate (this is the same for swimming with acrylic nails). In addition, the high levels of chlorine found in pool water can soften and weaken even your natural nails with prolonged exposure.

Therefore, if you regularly swim in chlorinated water, apply a good top coat on your nails to provide an extra layer of defense — whether you’ve decided to wear press-on nails or not.

If you regularly swim in chlorinated water, apply a good top coat on your nails to provide an extra layer of defense –, whether you’ve decided to wear press-on nails or not.

Also, thoroughly washing your hands in soap and water after chlorine exposure will help to keep your skin soft and reduce the chance of any damage it could cause by soaking into your skin.


What About Using Gorilla Glue?

Don’t even attempt to substitute Gorilla Glue, Krazy Glue, or any other glue not designed for nails for your press-on nail glue. Doing so may make your nails come off altogether, with no guarantee that they will grow back from the damage you will cause.

Don’t even attempt to substitute Gorilla Glue, Krazy Glue, or any other glue not designed for nails for your press-on nail glue. Doing so may make your nails come off altogether, with no guarantee that they will grow back from the damage you will cause.

When Gorilla Glue comes into contact with any kind of water, the substance will bubble and expand, which will make your press-on nails lift off. However, bits of glue could still stick to your natural nail bed, and will leave space for bacteria and fungus to grow.

Simply put, just avoid Gorilla Glue at all costs, especially if there’s a chance of it coming into contact with your delicate skin. You’ve seen the viral TikTok videos, so you know the score! And the same thing goes for Super Glue.


Luxe Luminous Press On Nail Recommendation

If you want to choose a quality press on nail products for your pool party, then KISS imPRESS claims on its website that its brand of press on nails is totally waterproof and should stay put while you’re wearing them — whether you’re hitting the pool, the beach, or the waterpark.

The affordable on-trend brand offers the latest styles that won’t break the budget, including classic and medium-length to ovals and everything else in between.

This KISS imPRESS Press-On Manicure Nail Kit  offers the next generation in press-on nail technology.

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The brand’s PureFit technology offers a secure super hold via its dual layer adhesive, which conforms to your natural nail and rarely budges, so that water can’t get in and loosen the grip.

This results in a natural-looking nail that is not only waterproof but doesn’t require glue at all!


Come On In, The Water’s Fine!

You can swim in the water with press-on nails, assuming the glue is dry, any polish is dry (including gel), and you’re not spending too much time in hot, chlorinated water. It’s always good to choose a brand that advertises as waterproof, though, just to be safe.

So go for a dip! You’ll still have 10 beautiful nails when you get out!

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).