Sophia Delgado
Removing acrylic and gel nails at home is possible but not recommended, as it can be time-consuming and potentially damaging to your nails if not done correctly. The process involves filing, soaking in acetone, and using various tools to scrape off the product. It is important to be cautious and patient during the removal process to avoid damaging your natural nails. While it may be tempting to peel or yank off the nails, this can harm your nails and is not recommended. Instead, it is best to follow a step-by-step guide and take your time to ensure safe and effective removal.
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What You'll Learn
Filing off the top layer
To file off the top layer, use a coarse grit nail file. You can use the 100-grit side of your nail file to file off the shiny topcoat. File off as much of the acrylic as you can, but be careful not to go too harsh with your file. Leave a thin layer of acrylic to avoid damaging your natural nail.
Keep blowing the dust away to check how close you are to your natural nail. This will help you avoid filing down your natural nail, which could cause damage.
Once you have filed off the top layer, you can move on to the next step in the removal process, which is usually soaking your nails in acetone.
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Soaking nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove acrylic and gel nails at home. However, it is important to exercise caution as acetone is a strong chemical that can be drying and damaging to your nails and skin. Here is a step-by-step guide to safely and effectively remove your acrylic or gel nails by soaking them in acetone:
Prepare the Acetone Soak:
- Start by clipping your nails as short as possible. This will help the acetone penetrate and dissolve the product more easily. Be careful not to cut your nail bed.
- If you have regular nail polish on top of your acrylics, remove it with acetone or nail polish remover. If you have gel polish, use a coarse nail file (100/180-grit) to gently buff off the shiny topcoat.
- Prepare your acetone soak by pouring the acetone into a glass bowl or a resealable plastic sandwich bag. If using a bowl, fill it halfway with acetone. If using a bag, pour in enough acetone to completely submerge your nails.
- It is important to note that acetone is highly flammable and produces strong fumes. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, and keep the acetone away from heat or flames.
Soak Your Nails:
- If using a bowl, soak your nails in the acetone for 9 to 15 minutes. If the product is difficult to remove, you may need to soak for a few extra minutes.
- If using a plastic bag, place your fingertips inside, ensuring your nails are fully submerged in the acetone. Then, put the baggie into a bowl of warm water to help speed up the process. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the Product:
- After soaking, gently file off any softened acrylic or gel product using a 100-180 grit nail file. Be careful not to damage your natural nail.
- If needed, use an orange stick or a plastic tool to help remove excess polish or product from your nails.
Moisturize:
Acetone can be drying, so it is important to moisturize your nails and cuticles after removal. Use cuticle oil, coconut oil, or a rich hand cream/nail oil to nourish and hydrate your nails and skin.
Remember to be patient throughout the process and take your time to avoid damaging your natural nails.
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Using a scraping tool to remove excess polish
The top layer of polish is often a shiny, clear coat. By filing this off, you expose the coloured polish underneath, which will speed up the removal process. It is important to note that you should not file down to your natural nail, as this can cause damage. Instead, file slowly, blowing the dust away as you go, so you can check how close you are to your natural nail.
Once you have filed off the top layer of polish, you will need to soak your nails in acetone. This will help to loosen the remaining polish, making it easier to remove. After soaking, you can use a scraping tool, such as an orange stick or a plastic or metal cuticle pusher, to gently scrape away the excess polish.
If you are removing gel polish, you may find that it starts to peel off after you have soaked your nails in acetone. In this case, you can use the scraping tool to gently lift and remove the polish from your nails. It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging your natural nails.
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Moisturising nails with cuticle oil
After removing acrylic or gel nails at home, your nails and skin will likely feel dry from prolonged exposure to acetone. To mitigate this damage, it is important to moisturise your nails and cuticles with cuticle oil.
Cuticle oil is a moisturising product for your nails and cuticles, most commonly made from vegetable oils, and sometimes containing vitamins and citric acid. Cuticle oils can extend the life of a manicure, and keep your nails flexible so they bend but do not break. They can also increase circulation around your nails, stimulating nail growth, and protecting your nail and cuticle against trauma.
There are many different cuticle oils on the market, so you can choose one that suits your budget and needs. For example, Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream includes Vitamin E and antioxidants, while Opi Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil also contains Vitamin E but is applied with a brush. Dior Crème Abricot is a luxe option that has been around since 1963. If you are looking for a convenient and affordable option, the Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil is a great choice, as it comes in a small, easy-to-carry bottle and has an affordable price.
To apply the cuticle oil, simply dab a few drops onto your cuticles with a cotton ball or brush the oil on, and rub it in.
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Using a nail drill to remove gel
Using a nail drill is an effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. It is also a safe alternative to using harsh chemicals like acetone.
Firstly, you will need a qualified nail drill, such as the MelodySusie nail drill. The right-hand side nail drill bit, with a sharper pattern, is good for faster removal. The left-hand side nail drill bit, with a smoother pattern, is safer.
Choose the sharper bit first and install it in the Scamander Nail Drill. Turn the Scamander Nail Drill to "04" speed (for beginners) to remove the surface of the gel nail polishes and extension gels. Start the removal process in the middle of your nail until the thick part of the gel is removed and the base coat layer is exposed.
Once the thick part of the gel is removed, change to the smoother nail drill bits to remove the rest of the gel safely. Gently remove the remaining polish in the corners and on the nail surface with the top of the drill bit. This type of bit won't hurt your nail surface.
It is important to note that while nail drills are effective, some people may find the process of using them uncomfortable or even horrible. If you have sensitive skin, it is always recommended to do your research and proceed with caution.
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