Ava Monroe
Removing acrylic nails with shellac on top can be done at home, but it requires careful attention to avoid damaging your nails. The first step is to trim your nails down to your natural nail. Next, file the nail polish to roughen the surface, so that acetone can penetrate the polish more effectively. Then, soak your nails in an acetone bath for 10 to 20 minutes. Finally, carefully scrape off the remaining polish with a wooden or metal cuticle pusher. It is important to moisturize your nails after removing the acrylics and shellac with cuticle oil or hand lotion to promote nail health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | If you have acrylic nails, clip them down to your natural nail length. If you have shellac, skip this step. |
| Step 2 | File the nail polish to remove the glossiness and roughen the surface so that acetone can penetrate. |
| Step 3 | Soak cotton balls/wool in acetone or nail polish remover and place them on your nails. |
| Step 4 | Wrap your nails and the cotton with foil. |
| Step 5 | Leave the setup for 5-30 minutes, depending on the product used. |
| Step 6 | Remove the foil and cotton. |
| Step 7 | Scrape off the softened polish with a wooden or metal cuticle stick/pusher. |
| Step 8 | Buff and file your nails to the desired shape and apply strengthening nail polish. |
| Step 9 | Moisturize your nails with cuticle oil, coconut oil, or hand lotion. |
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What You'll Learn
File the surface of the polish
When removing acrylic nails with shellac on top, filing the surface of the polish is an important step. Filing the surface of the polish helps to roughen it up, so that acetone can penetrate more deeply into the polish, making it easier to remove. This step can be done by using a nail file to buff the nails, as if you are giving yourself a manicure. Be sure to only file the top layer of the polish, removing the glossiness and shine, and do not file down to the nail plate as this can damage your nails.
It is important to note that if you have acrylic nails, you should first clip your nails down to your natural nail length before filing the polish. However, if you only have shellac on your nails, you can skip the clipping step and move straight to filing.
Once you have finished filing, you will then need to soak your nails in acetone to remove the polish. To do this, soak a cotton ball or piece of cotton wool in acetone and place it on top of your nail. Then, wrap your finger in foil to keep the cotton in place and allow the acetone to penetrate the polish. Leave the acetone on your nails for around 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the product used and the severity of your shellac.
After the allotted time has passed, remove the foil and cotton and use a cuticle pusher or wooden cuticle stick to gently scrape off the remaining polish. Be careful not to force or dig into the nail, as this can damage the nail bed. If there is still some polish left, you can repeat the acetone step until your nails are completely free of shellac.
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Soak nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove acrylic nails with shellac on top. However, it is important to note that acetone can be drying to your skin and nail beds. If you wish to proceed with this method, follow the steps outlined below:
Firstly, if you have acrylic nails, trim your nails down to your natural nail length using nail clippers. If you have shellac on top, you can skip this step. Next, use a nail file to gently buff the surface of the polish. This step is crucial as it helps roughen the surface, allowing the acetone to penetrate and dissolve the polish more effectively. Be careful not to file too vigorously, as you do not want to damage the nail plate or your natural nail underneath.
Now, you will prepare the acetone bath. Pour pure acetone or a nail polish remover with an acetone content of 60% or more into a small bowl. Place this small bowl into a larger bowl filled with hot water to heat the acetone and enhance its effectiveness. Soak a few cotton balls or cotton wool pads in the acetone and place them over your nails. You can also use tin foil to wrap your fingertips, securing the cotton in place and helping to retain heat.
Let your nails soak in this acetone bath for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Check your nails during this time, and if you notice the shellac starting to lift and crumble, you can proceed to the next step. Remember to work on one finger at a time for more precise and effective removal.
After soaking, carefully remove the foil and cotton. Use a metal cuticle pusher or a wooden cuticle stick to gently scrape off the softened polish. Be gentle and avoid forcing any product off to prevent damage to your natural nails. If some of the shellac is being stubborn, repeat the acetone bath step for a few more minutes before trying again.
Finally, it is essential to moisturize your nails and hands after this process. Apply cuticle oil or coconut oil to the nail beds to promote nail health and repair. You can also use a good quality hand cream or try a hand mask to restore moisture to your skin.
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Scrape off softened polish
After soaking your nails in acetone, the polish should be nice and soft, ready to be removed. Start scraping it off with your cuticle stick, gently working your way across the nail. Use a gentle hand, as you don't want to damage your natural nail bed. Work slowly and carefully, ensuring you get all the little bits of softened polish. If you encounter any stubborn spots or areas that seem resistant to your efforts, don't force it. Simply soak those areas again with acetone and then try scraping once more. The key is to be patient and gentle throughout this process. Take your time with this step, ensuring that you remove all the acrylic and gel polish. Soaking your nails in acetone again can help loosen any remaining bits. Take note that your nails might look a little fluffy or white after this step, but that's normal and they will regain their natural shine with a bit of buffing and some nourishing oil.
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Moisturise nails
After removing acrylic nails, your natural nails may feel soft and weak. This is because of the technique nail artists use when applying acrylics; a machine is used to file and dehydrate the bottom of the nail, and if the technician drills too much, it can cause weakness.
To strengthen your nails after removing acrylics, it is important to moisturise them regularly. A daily regime of hydrating hand creams and oils can significantly improve nail flexibility and prevent brittleness. This routine helps repair the nail's natural barrier, making them less prone to damage and breakage.
Cuticle oil is a great way to keep your cuticles and nails nourished. Applying cuticle oil before the soak-off process can speed up removal and help reduce dehydration of the nail plate, which is essential in preventing brittleness. After removing your acrylics, you can also use cuticle oil to keep your cuticles and nails hydrated and healthy.
There are also nail-strengthening products available, such as Rejuvacote from Duri, which can be applied every day for two weeks and used as a top coat. You can reduce application to once a week for a couple of months, and you will start to see your nails come back to life.
Additionally, drinking lots of water can help keep your hands and nails hydrated and promote overall health.
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Buff and file nails
Buffing and filing your nails is an important step in removing acrylic nails with shellac on top. It is recommended to file the face of the polish as if you are buffing your nails. The goal is to roughen the surface of the polish so that the acetone can penetrate more deeply. It is important to note that you should only file the top layer of shellac and be careful not to go through the nail plate.
When filing, use a nail file to score or file the top of the gel polish to break the seal. You want to remove the glossiness of the polish, creating a rough surface for the acetone to adhere to. Be sure not to file too aggressively, as this can damage the nail surface. A gentle touch is important to maintain the health of your natural nails.
After filing, you can proceed to the next steps of the removal process, which typically involve soaking your nails in acetone and then scraping off the softened polish. However, before scraping, always check if the shellac has started to lift from the nail. If it has, you can carefully remove the foil and cotton pad and proceed with scraping.
Once the shellac has been removed, it is essential to moisturize your nails. This can be done with cuticle oil, coconut oil, or a good quality hand cream. Moisturizing helps with nail repair and ensures your nails stay healthy and strong.
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