Giving oneself a manicure is difficult enough, but trying to remove your artificial nails without the help of a professional nail tech at home? The majority of people wouldn’t even consider it (and most manicurists would typically discourage you from doing so in the first place).
However, as we’ve seen over the years, salon access isn’t always assured. When your acrylics have grown out and are in severe need of removal, you may be unable to contact a specialist. You might have to physically take affairs — and a nail file — into your own hands in certain situations. If you’re going to undertake all of that, you need at the very least have some direction, which we’re pleased to provide.
But, before you grab for the acetone, keep in mind that removing your artificial nails will take some time. Set out an hour in your day, turn on some music or Netflix, and take a big breath – patience will be required. If this is your first time doing something like this, we recommend doing it carefully so you can get it just perfect.
Despite what you might think, our nail experts claim that removing acrylics at home isn’t impossible. It’s a little more difficult than removing your gel nail polish, but it’s doable. Oh, and you won’t have to compromise your nails’ health in the process (though you might want to lighten off on the elaborate manis once you’re done).
Let us show you how to properly remove acrylic nails at home while causing the least amount of harm to your natural nails. This step-by-step technique is the most straightforward way to break things down for anyone who isn’t a professional nail technician.
Option 1: Soak in Acetone
An acetone soak is one of the most frequent and reliable procedures to remove artificial nails. This is the same procedure that is done in salons. Simply follow the steps below to learn more about what it includes.
You’ll need the following items:
Aluminum foil, nail clippers, nail file, acetone nail paint remover, petroleum jelly, cotton balls
How to do it:
Cut your acrylics as short as possible with a nail clipper. The less nails you have to deal with, the better! After that, file and buff the tops of your nails to remove any nail paint that may have been put over your acrylics. Apply petroleum jelly to the base of your nail beds and your fingers to prepare your cuticles for the acetone soak. Apply acetone nail polish remover on a cotton ball and lay it on top of and around your nail. Then cover the nail in aluminium foil and soak it for a few minutes. For each nail, repeat the process.
Allow around 20 minutes for your foil-wrapped nails to dry (now would be the perfect time to start your watchlist binge). When the timer goes off, carefully lift one of your nails using the aluminium foil. If the acrylic doesn’t start to peel off easily after five to ten minutes, soak your nails for another five to ten minutes, or until the acrylic flakes off easily.
Option 2: Soak without acetone
We’ve got you covered if you’re wondering how to remove artificial nails without acetone. Try the nail-removal method described below.
You’ll need the following items:
A bowl, nail clippers, tweezers, or a cuticle stick, acetone-free nail polish remover
How to do it:
Begin by trimming your nails to the shortest length feasible. Then carefully pry and lift the edges of your acrylics with tweezers or a cuticle stick. Gently is the key word here. Put your fingers in a dish of acetone-free nail polish remover, being sure to pour enough to completely immerse your nails. Soak them for 30 to 40 minutes, or longer if necessary. Pull the acrylics away from your genuine nails with your tweezers as the nail starts to loosen. Although this method takes longer, it does not leave your nails and cuticles as brittle and dry as acetone does.
Dental floss is the third option.
Another option for removing artificial nails without acetone is to use dental floss. You heard that correctly—dental floss! More than simply healthy teeth and gums may be achieved with this little length of string. If you want to get rid of artificial nails quickly, this is the way to go. However, because this approach might harm your natural nails, it’s best done after your acrylics have started to come free.
You’ll need the following items:
Cuticle stick, dental floss, and a helping hand
How to do it:
Grab your cuticle stick and use it to carefully raise the edges of your acrylics. You may not need to do anything for this stage if your acrylic nails have already started to come free. Then enlist your roommate, partner, or a friend’s assistance. The majority of this removal will need the assistance of another individual. Have them place a piece of dental floss beneath your acrylic nail once the edges have been raised. Using a sawing motion, carefully pull the floss along the nail until the acrylic breaks off. And there you have it!