Noah Sinclair
Acrylic nails are appealing as they add length and polish to natural nails, but removing them can be tricky. While acetone soaks are a common method, they can damage nails and skin. Acetone-free nail polish removers are an alternative, but they require a longer soak time. Other methods include using dental floss, cuticle oil, or cuticle sticks, but these can also be risky and time-consuming. Ultimately, professional removal at a salon is recommended, but several DIY techniques can be done with care and patience to minimise damage to natural nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safest way to remove acrylics | Heading to the salon for professional removal |
| At-home removal | Possible but not recommended |
| Acetone soak | One of the most common ways to remove acrylic nails without damaging natural nails |
| Acetone-free nail polish remover | Takes around 40 minutes to work |
| Cuticle oil | Requires 40 minutes and works best on nails that have already started to come off |
| Dental floss | Effective but risky, may cause pain and damage by pulling off parts of natural nails |
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What You'll Learn
Removing acrylic nails at home
One of the most common ways to remove acrylic nails at home is by using an acetone soak. This method is also used in salons and can be replicated at home. It is important to note that acetone can be drying, so it is recommended to apply Vaseline or cuticle oil around the edges of your nail before soaking them.
- Start by using a nail clipper to cut any excess length from your acrylic nails.
- File and buff the tops of your nails to remove any nail polish that was applied on top of the acrylics. This step is important as it helps the acetone penetrate the acrylic layer.
- Apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to the base of your nail beds and your fingers to prevent your cuticles from drying out.
- Saturate a cotton ball with acetone nail polish remover and place it on top of your acrylic nail, covering it completely.
- Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the tip of your finger to hold the cotton ball in place and repeat for each nail.
- Let your nails soak for 15-30 minutes.
- After soaking, use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the softened acrylic. If it is difficult to remove, soak your nails for a few more minutes.
- Once all the acrylic is removed, buff your nails to smooth out any rough spots.
- Finish with cuticle oil or moisturizer to rehydrate your nails.
It is important to note that you should not peel or rip off your acrylic nails as it will damage your natural nails and make them weak.
If you do not want to use acetone, there is an alternative method that uses acetone-free nail polish remover. Here are the steps for this method:
- Begin by clipping your acrylic nails as short as possible.
- Using tweezers or a cuticle stick, gently pry and lift the edges of your acrylic nails.
- Pour acetone-free nail polish remover into a bowl deep enough to submerge your fingertips.
- Let your nails soak for 30-40 minutes or until the acrylics begin to loosen.
- Use tweezers to gently pull the acrylics off your nail beds. If they do not come off easily, soak your fingers for a bit longer.
After removing your acrylic nails, it is important to care for your natural nails. Apply cuticle oil and use a hydrating hand cream to keep your hands and nails moisturized.
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Acetone soaks
To begin, cut down the excess length of your acrylic nails with a nail clipper. The shorter the acrylic nails, the better. File and buff the tops of your nails to remove any nail polish applied on top of the acrylics. This step is important because if you don't buff the top coat, the acetone won't be able to penetrate the acrylic layer.
Then, prepare your cuticles for the acetone soak by applying cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to the base of your nail beds and your fingers. This step will help prevent your cuticles from drying out. Next, soak a cotton ball in acetone nail polish remover and place it on top of your nail, covering it completely. Wrap a piece of aluminium foil around the tip of your finger to secure the cotton ball in place. Repeat this process for each nail.
After a few minutes, the acetone should start to dissolve the acrylic. Remove the cotton balls and aluminium foil, and use a scraping tool to gently remove the dissolved product. If the product is difficult to remove, soak your nails for a couple more minutes.
Alternatively, you can submerge your nails directly in acetone for 9 minutes and then use a scraping tool to remove the product. This method may be more effective than the cotton ball method. However, be aware that acetone can be very drying to your nails and skin, so it is important to follow up with a good hand cream or nail oil.
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Acetone-free nail polish removers
Acetone is a common ingredient in nail polish removers, but it can be harsh on nails, leaving them dry and stripped of natural oils. This can cause damage to your nails and cuticles.
If you're looking for a gentler alternative, there are acetone-free nail polish removers available that are effective at removing nail polish without drying out your nails. These removers often contain ingredients such as coconut oil, grapefruit peel oil, and rosemary leaf extract, which nourish and protect the nails and cuticles.
For example, the Cutex Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover is a popular choice, with customers finding it effective, fast-acting, and milder on nails compared to acetone-based removers. It has a pleasant smell, although opinions are mixed on its value for money. Another option is the Hydrating Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover by Dr. Dana, which has a refreshing grapefruit scent and is designed to nourish and protect nails and cuticles while effectively removing polish.
If you're looking for a completely natural option, you can try a DIY method by gently prying and lifting the edges of your acrylic nails with a pair of tweezers or a cuticle stick. Then, submerge your fingertips in a bowl of acetone-free nail polish remover for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the acrylics begin to loosen. Gently pull off the acrylics with tweezers, being careful not to force them.
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Using dental floss
While it is possible to use dental floss to remove acrylic nails, it is not recommended by professionals. Nail artist and ManiMe partner Rebecca Ludwig warns that this method could cause extreme harm to your natural nails. She explains that sliding floss under the acrylic nail can result in accidentally ripping off layers of your natural nail, leading to weak and brittle nails. There is also the risk of the floss catching on your natural nail and possibly ripping your nail bed, which would be incredibly painful and could cause an infection if not properly tended to.
If you do wish to use dental floss to remove your acrylic nails, it is important to wait until the nails are lifting slightly around the edges. You can then use a floss pick or cuticle stick to gently lift the edge of the nail closest to your cuticle. Insert the pick between the acrylic nail and your natural nail, and work slowly and carefully to loosen as much of the acrylic nail as possible. Slide the floss under the loosened edge until the nail comes off. Use the floss end of the pick, moving it back and forth in a gentle sawing motion. As you work, apply slight pressure away from your cuticle, working the floss along the underside of the acrylic nail.
It is worth noting that this method does not have proven effectiveness, and there are other options for removing acrylic nails. The most common method is to soak the nails in pure acetone, which breaks down the chemical bond between the acrylic and the keratin-rich surface of your nail. This process can be time-consuming, typically taking 20 to 30 minutes, and may need to be repeated multiple times. Acetone is very drying to the nails and skin, so it is important to prep your cuticles beforehand with cuticle oil or petroleum jelly and to apply a moisturiser afterward.
Another option is to use acetone-free nail polish remover, which takes a little more time but can be effective. Start by clipping your acrylics as short as possible, then use tweezers or a cuticle stick to gently pry and lift the edges. Pour the nail polish remover into a bowl deep enough to submerge your fingertips and let your nails soak until the acrylics begin to loosen. Use tweezers to gently pull off the acrylics, and if necessary, soak your fingers a little longer.
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Aftercare for natural nails
While acetone is a common way to remove acrylic nails, it can be quite damaging to natural nails. Acetone-free nail polish removers are gentler on the nails and are a good alternative to keep your natural nails healthy.
- Avoid using your nails as tools, as this can lead to cracking. Instead, use the pads of your fingers for tasks like typing.
- Avoid long periods in water, such as long baths, swimming, or washing dishes. Water can cause nails to become brittle and more prone to breaking.
- Avoid picking or peeling nail products off, as this can damage your natural nails.
- Avoid filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the gel polish and can lead to chipping.
- Be careful in the first 24 hours after a manicure, especially if you've applied nail polish. Avoid intense heat during this period, such as saunas, hot baths, and sunbeds. Nail polish takes about 1-2 hours to dry completely, but it's best to be cautious for the first 24 hours.
- Use cuticle oil and moisturising lotion daily to keep your nails nourished, stimulate growth, and prevent lifting.
- Always wear rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or gardening to protect your nails from harsh detergents and chemicals.
- Be mindful of potential stains on your nails. Wear gloves when handling dyes, spices, hair products, and highly coloured foods.
- Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to provide your nails with essential nutrients and hydration.
- Keep your toenails straight and avoid cutting them too short or down the sides to prevent ingrown toenails.
- Avoid wearing high heels for extended periods to prevent postural problems and increased callus formation.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing acrylic nails at home is not recommended, but it is possible. One of the most common ways to remove acrylic nails without damaging your natural nails is an acetone soak. Start by using a nail clipper to cut the excess length from your acrylics. File and buff the tops of your nails to remove any nail polish that was applied on top of the acrylics. Then, prep your cuticles for an acetone soak by applying cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to the base of your nail beds and your fingers. Soak a cotton ball in acetone nail polish remover and place it on top of your acrylic, covering the nail completely. Wrap a piece of aluminium foil around the tip of your finger to cover your nail and the cotton ball, and repeat for each nail.
Soaking your nails in acetone nail polish remover should take around 9 minutes. If your acrylic nails are still difficult to remove, soak for another couple of minutes.
Yes, there are acetone-free methods for removing acrylic nails. One method involves using cuticle oil. Soak a Q-tip or cotton ball in cuticle oil and hold it against each nail for about five minutes. This method should loosen your nails and make them easier to remove. Another method is to pour some acetone-free nail polish remover into a bowl and fully submerge your fingertips for 30 to 40 minutes.
After removing your acrylic nails, it is important to care for your nails to ensure they remain healthy. Keep your nails short and apply a good hand cream or nail oil to moisturise your nails and skin.
