Long nails and contact lenses: Two essential beauty items that don’t seem to go together. If you’ve ever tried to slip in a contact lens with freshly painted nails, you know the struggle. But how do you learn to handle contacts with long nails, without making a mess of your mani or scratching your eye? Enjoy this must-read article on how to stay glamorous and safe when wearing contact lenses with a long nail.

Why This Guide Is for You

This is not just a how-to article but a book chock-full of honest, workable advice for all those who love their long nails without sacrificing sass for vision. Let’s tackle everything that matters—hygiene, technique, even a few pro tricks you won't get anywhere in most of the articles or blog posts out there.

Start with Clean Hands and Tools

First things first, hygiene is key. Contact lenses are sensitive and easily harbor bacteria, particularly if you have longer nails which catch dirt. These are the most basic things you can do:

• Wash your hands well with soap and water, and then dry them with a lint-free towel.
• Avoid scented or oily soaps that could leave an oily residue. Because your nails are part of your hands, clean your nails as well! Use a soft nail brush to brush away any residue or dirt from beneath your nails.
• Use a contact lens tool. You may also have heard of these little tweezers or silicone "suction cup" gadgets, which allow you to slide in and out of contacts with no touch.

Master the Right Techniques to Handle Contacts Safely

Long nails make things complicated with contacts without coming into direct contact with the lens itself or your eye. And here’s a trick that does wonders:

The Pinch-Press Method

1. Hold your finger pad (not your nail!) against the lens. Press lightly, not with the nail but with the fleshy part of your fingertip.
2. Gently lift the contact toward your eye by holding it up with your hand over your face for stability.
3. Use your other hand to hold your eyelid steady. This stops you from blinking and keeps your eyes wide open.
4. Look up and place the contact on the white of your eye. Now, shut your eye gently and let the lens slip into place.

The “Pinch-Pull” Technique for Removal

1. Pull the contact down into the lower white of your eye using your clean hands.
2. Gently pinch the lens backwards with the pads of your fingers (not nails).
3. If necessary, be sure to use a tool so that no nail can interfere, but always be gentle.

Use the Power of Your Pads, Not Your Nails

Consider your fingertips to be your new ally. Long nails: If possible, make sure to use the fleshy part of your fingers instead. This area of your finger is easier to maneuver and will prevent you from scratching or tearing the lens.

Tip: Index and middle finger pads are perfect for applying mild pressure without exposing your nails to the lens.

Tools Can Be a Game-Changer: Here’s What You Need

Suction Cup Inserter

A suction cup inserter can be a life-saving tool if you’re not willing to poke too close to your eye with those big nails. These are little silicone instruments that "suck" onto the lens so you can stick it safely on your eye without having to feel it.

Lens Tweezers

Lens tweezers (designed for contacts) are soft-tipped, so they can get your lenses into and out of the case without you touching them with your nails.

Contact Lens Case with Wide Openings

Long nails can be tiresome when fishing for contacts in a small case. Try to find cases that have wide apertures so that your lenses can fit.

Try the “Backward Slide” to Avoid the Blink Reflex

It’s not always the nails, but the blinking reflex that makes contacts difficult to insert. And here’s a little hack:

1. Look straight ahead and keep your eyes wide open. Focusing on your finger or lens should be avoided.
2. Rather than placing the contact directly on your pupil, try to slide it over the lower white area of your eye.
3. Gently hold your eye shut and let the lens fall out naturally.

Overcoming Common Problems: Solutions for When Things Go Wrong

Dry Eyes

Contacts feel rough on dry eyes, whether you have long nails or not. If you have dry eyes:

• Use rewetting drops designed for contact lenses to keep your eyes hydrated.
• Don’t blow air directly in your eyes (such as from a fan or air conditioner).

Lens Falling Out or Getting Stuck

Long nails can also make you a little cautious about touching your lenses, but don’t worry. If a lens slips:

• Stay calm, and look in the mirror. If the lens is on your eye, but has moved out of place, blink or look around to give it a chance to move back in.
• If it’s folded, use rewetting drops to unravel and level it neatly and try inserting it slowly.

Keep Your Lenses (and Nails) in Prime Condition

Oh, and long nails require pampering to remain contacts-safe.

• File your nails regularly. Sharp or jagged edges can accidentally get caught in a lens or scratch your eye.
• Opt for a rounded shape. Nibbed almond or rounded nails will not poke you or scratch your lens like sharp and pointy stiletto nails.

Pro Tips from the Long-Nail Lens Community

Sometimes the right advice comes from other people in the same situation. The long-nail, contact-wearing pros tell you what to do:

“Go for shorter lenses if you can.”

To some, shorter lenses (like the dailies) are less time-consuming and risky. And they’re disposable, so you get a new pair every day.

“Use a standing mirror, not a handheld one.”

Having both hands free for inserting contacts can mean all the difference.

“Do a nail check!”

After each insertion, double-check your nails and the surface to see if nothing’s lodged or scratched.

Why Not Add a Bit of Fun? Quirky Ideas for Nail Designs That Are Contacts-Friendly

In case you weren’t aware, some designs work better than others when you’re dealing with contacts. Those are a few more easy styles to pick out:

• Rounded, minimal shapes. Think almond or oval. They’re less likely to snag or catch.
• Matte polish. Some find matte polish better because they have better control over the lenses.
• Skip rhinestones and embellishments on the index finger for a more fluid application.

Practice, Patience, and a Little Bit of Confidence

Contact lens handling is a wee bit of a conundrum coupled with long nails are a balancing act, but if you have the tools, skills and faith in your abilities, you will never be left behind. Patience is the word — do not rush! Like any skill, it takes time to perfect.

So next time you’re gazing into your contacts with a new mani, take heed: it’s all about skills, tools, and a little patience. Happy lens-handling!