Caleb Foster
Removing acrylic nails can be a tedious and time-consuming process that may damage your nails if not done properly. While it is recommended to have them removed by a professional at a salon, it is possible to remove them at home with the right tools and a lot of patience. The most common method for removal is an acetone soak, which can be done by covering the nails with acetone-soaked cotton balls and wrapping them in foil.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended Action | Visit a salon |
| Tools | Nail clippers, nail file, acetone, cotton balls, aluminium foil, cuticle oil, tweezers, floss, cuticle pusher, nail drill, sanding bit, orange stick, petroleum jelly, glass or ceramic bowl, moisturizer, hand cream |
| Time | 9-30 minutes |
| Process | Cut nails, file nails, soak nails in acetone, use cuticle pusher, buff nails, apply cuticle oil or moisturizer |
| Risks | Damaging natural nails, drying out skin |
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What You'll Learn
Using acetone
While it is not recommended, you can remove acrylic nails at home using acetone. The process is tedious and time-consuming, and any errors can damage your nail beds. If you choose to remove your acrylic nails with acetone, the following steps can help guide you through the process.
First, cut down your acrylic nails as much as possible using sharp nail clippers. Leave about two centimetres of the nail above your nail bed for safety. Next, use a nail file to file away any regular polish on top of your acrylics and to remove as much of the top coat and acrylic layer as possible. This helps the acetone penetrate faster.
Now you are ready to apply the acetone. You can either soak your nails in a bowl of acetone for 15 to 30 minutes, or you can soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and firmly place them on your nails. If using the latter method, wrap aluminium foil around each fingernail to hold the cotton in place. Let your nails sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
After soaking the acrylic nails, use a cuticle pusher to push off the softened acrylic. If the acrylic is resisting, rewrap and soak your nails for another 10 minutes. Once all the acrylic is removed, buff your nails to smooth out any rough spots. Finally, wash your hands and apply cuticle oil or moisturiser to rehydrate your nails.
It is important to note that acetone can be very drying to your hands and nails. To combat this, you can apply Vaseline around the edges of your nails before soaking them in acetone. Additionally, have your favourite moisturiser or lotion on hand to apply liberally to your hands after removing the acrylic nails.
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Nail clippers
Removing acrylic nails at home is not recommended, as it can be a tedious and time-consuming process that may damage your natural nails. However, if you are unable to go to a salon, you can use nail clippers to remove your acrylic nails.
Before you begin, gather your tools: nail clippers, a coarse nail file or nail drill, acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover, cotton balls, foil, a cuticle pusher, and cuticle oil or hand cream.
First, use sharp nail clippers to cut down your nail extensions, leaving about two centimetres of the nail above your nail bed for safety. Next, use a nail file to file away any regular polish on top of your acrylics. If you have gel polish, use the coarse 100-grit side of your file to file off the shiny topcoat. Then, use the coarse side of the file to remove as much of the acrylic as possible. Filing off as much of the acrylic as you can will reduce the amount of time you need to soak your nails in acetone.
After filing, soak your nails in 100% acetone for at least nine to ten minutes. You can place an acetone-soaked piece of cotton over each nail, then wrap each fingertip in foil, or submerge your nails completely in a bowl of acetone. Check your nails every 20 to 30 minutes. If enough of the acrylic has dissolved, gently push or scrape off the softened acrylic with a cuticle pusher. Repeat this process for each nail until the acrylic has been completely softened and removed.
Finally, apply cuticle oil to your nails to nourish and hydrate your nail beds, as acetone can be very drying.
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Cotton balls
To start, you'll need to trim your acrylic nails down. This makes the removal process easier and safer, as shorter nails are less likely to get caught or pulled on. Next, use a coarse nail file to buff the top layer of the acrylic nails gently. This step helps the acetone penetrate the acrylic and makes removing it easier.
Now, you can prepare the cotton balls. Soak the cotton balls in acetone by saturating them completely. Ensure they are fully drenched but not dripping. You can also gently separate the cotton balls into smaller portions, enough to cover each nail entirely.
After preparing the cotton balls, place one on top of an acrylic nail. Make sure that the entire nail surface is covered by the soaked cotton. You may need to press down slightly to ensure the cotton adheres to the nail. Repeat this process for all your acrylic nails, applying the soaked cotton balls to each one.
Once all your nails are covered, wrap each fingertip in small pieces of aluminium foil. The foil holds the cotton balls in position, ensuring complete coverage, and creates a seal that traps the heat, accelerating the acetone's dissolving action.
After applying the acetone-soaked cotton balls and foil, wait for approximately 20-30 minutes. During this time, the acetone will start to break down the acrylic, making it soft and easier to remove.
After the waiting period, the acrylic should be soft enough to be gently pushed off with an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher. Remove one foil to check the progress. If the acrylic has not softened sufficiently, you may need to repeat the process.
Finally, follow up with a good hand cream or nail oil, as acetone can dry out your nails and skin.
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Aluminium foil
Firstly, you will need to clip your nails to help the acetone dissolve the acrylics more easily. Be careful not to file or damage your natural nail. Next, soak 10 cotton balls in 100% pure acetone. You can also use cotton wool or pads. Ensure that each cotton ball is completely saturated. While the cotton soaks, cut out 10 squares of aluminium foil. Each square should be large enough to wrap around your finger completely.
Now, place a cotton ball soaked in acetone over your nail, ensuring it is fully covered. Then, wrap your nails with the aluminium foil to secure the cotton in place. You can also use nail polish remover clips instead of foil. Squeeze your wrapped nail gently. If you have used enough acetone, a small amount should drip out when you squeeze.
Leave the cotton wool and foil in place for at least 10 minutes. You can place a hot towel on top of your wrapped nails to warm the acetone, which will help it work faster. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and gently but firmly pull the cotton ball and acrylic away from your natural nail. The acetone will have loosened the acrylic, and it should come away without much resistance. If the acrylic is still firmly stuck, rewrap your nails and soak them for another 10 to 20 minutes before attempting to remove them again.
Once the acrylic is removed, buff your nails to smooth out any rough spots. Finish with cuticle oil or moisturiser to rehydrate your nails, as acetone can be very drying.
Always ensure the room is well-ventilated when using acetone, as it is highly flammable and produces potent fumes.
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Flossing
Although it is possible to remove acrylic nails with dental floss, it is not recommended by professionals. The floss can lift the acrylic nail improperly, causing long-lasting damage to the nail plate.
If you are considering using the flossing method, it is important to wait until the acrylic nails are lifting slightly around the edges. With your opposite hand, you then sandwich the floss between the acrylic and your natural nail at the base, then slide it toward the tip of your nail.
TikTok users report that the flossing method is much faster than the traditional acetone soak method, which can take 20 to 30 minutes. However, nail artist Rebecca Ludwig warns that the speed of the flossing method is not worth the risk of damage to your natural nails. When you slide the floss under the acrylic nail, you may end up ripping off layers of your natural nail, which can lead to weakness and brittleness. In a worst-case scenario, the string could catch on your nail and rip your nail bed, causing extreme pain and vulnerability to infection.
The traditional method of removing acrylic nails involves first clipping the ends of the nails to your natural nail length. Then, use a coarse file to remove any polish that would prevent acetone from permeating the fake nail. Soak the nails in acetone for around 20 minutes, until soft. You can then use a larger acrylic nail or dental floss to slide between the fake nail and the real nail to remove it.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is recommended to get acrylic nails removed at a salon, you can remove them at home by following these steps:
- Use a nail clipper to cut 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.
- Soak your nails in acetone for 9 to 30 minutes.
- Use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the softened acrylic.
- Buff your nails to smooth out any rough spots.
- Finish with cuticle oil or moisturizer to rehydrate your nails.
If you do not want to use acetone, you can use a nail drill or an electric filer to remove acrylic nails. However, it is important to be careful while using these tools as improper use can cause damage to your nails.
Acrylic nails typically last two to three weeks before needing to be filled. You should fully remove acrylic nails after four weeks. However, this may vary depending on how fast your nails grow.
Removing acrylic nails can be a tedious and time-consuming process. It is important to be patient and gentle to avoid damaging your nails and cuticles. It is also recommended to set up a clean, well-ventilated work area and cover the table to avoid stains.
