Many individuals may be apprehensive about giving themselves a home manicure. Attempting to remove acrylic nails without professional assistance can be particularly intimidating. We’ve all heard the horror stories of painfully ripped off acrylics and damaged nail beds, and no one wants to experience that. However, if a salon visit isn’t feasible and you need your acrylic nails gone quickly, it’s entirely possible to safely remove them at home. It’s essential to know which methods are effective and safe to ensure your natural nails remain undamaged. No one wants crusty, broken nails during the summer!
There are various DIY approaches to removing acrylics at home, from hot water to dental floss and even sliding a credit card under them (definitely avoid that one). The truth is, you need to use acetone to remove your acrylic nails. It’s the only method that ensures minimal damage to your natural nails. Acetone also guarantees a thorough job and a pain-free process. So, let’s delve into how to actually remove acrylic nails at home in a way that your natural nails will appreciate later.
How To Remove Acrylic Nails
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Trim Down & Buff
To initiate the removal process, begin by trimming the excess length off your acrylics and buffing off the polish. Although it may be disheartening, it will make removing the nails much easier and allow the acetone to soak in.
What You Will Need:
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Acetone nail polish remover
Instructions:
Step 1: Use strong nail clippers to trim your acrylic nails as short as possible without damaging your natural nails and nail beds.
Step 2: If you have regular polish on top of your acrylics, remove it with acetone nail polish remover. For gel polish, use the coarse side of the nail file to remove the shiny top coat.
Step 3: Gently file your nails until the shine of the nail is entirely gone. Be cautious not to over-buff the acrylic, as it can weaken and damage your natural nails. Leave a thin layer of acrylic covering the entire natural nail, and the acetone soak will take care of the rest.
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Acetone Method #1: Foiling
Using acetone at home may be daunting, as it’s a strong chemical with a potent scent that can leave your nails feeling brittle and dry. However, despite gentler options being promoted, they are not safe methods to remove acrylics and can be painful and ineffective. When approached carefully, using acetone is safe and the best option overall.
There are two methods to remove acrylic nails with acetone, one being the foil method, which is used in nail salons and minimizes skin-to-acetone contact. Though a bit intricate, with patience and careful steps, this approach will safely remove your acrylics.
What You Will Need:
- Pure acetone
- Cotton balls
- Tin foil
- Hot towel
- Nail file
- Cuticle pusher
Instructions:
Step 1: Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on top of your acrylic-covered nail bed. Wrap it tightly in a piece of tin foil. If doing this alone, work on one hand at a time for minimal room for error.
Step 2: Squeeze the foil-covered nails to ensure enough acetone is absorbed. Let each nail soak for at least 10 minutes. To speed up the process, place a hot towel on top of the foil-wrapped nails as warm acetone works faster.
Step 3: Remove the foil and gently buff off remaining acrylic, then use a cuticle pusher to scrape off any excess. If some pieces remain, rewrap them for a few more minutes. Patience is essential!
Source: Shutterstock
Acetone Method #2: Bowl Soaking
This method is less labor-intensive but exposes your skin to a higher level of acetone. Taking proper after-care steps is key.
What You Will Need:
- Pure acetone
- A bowl
- Warm water
- Nail file
- Cuticle pusher
Instructions:
Step 1: Run the bottle of acetone under warm water (optional but speeds up the removal process).
Step 2: Pour the acetone into a bowl and submerge your nails completely, letting them soak for about 30 minutes. Gently rub your nails with your thumb as they soak to help loosen up the acrylic.
Step 3: As the acrylic starts to melt, gently scrape it off the nail bed with a cuticle pusher. Once most of it is removed, pat your nails dry and use the nail file to eliminate any remaining pieces.
Source: Olive & June
Hydrate Your Nails
After the removal process, your nails may feel very dry. But there’s no need to worry. You can restore them with the right moisturizing products:
What You Will Need:
- Warm water
- Gentle soap
- Cuticle oil
- Nail strengthening treatment (if needed)
Step 1: After removing your acrylics, wash your hands with warm water and gentle soap to remove excess acetone from your skin.
Step 2: Apply cuticle oil to moisturize the nail beds.
Step 3: If your nails feel weak or damaged, use a nail strengthening treatment a few times per week. Consider using gel nails or press-on nails until your nails regain strength.
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