Caleb Foster
Acrylic nails are a long-lasting alternative to gel nails, but their durability makes them challenging to remove. The standard removal method involves a lengthy acetone soak, which can be damaging to nails and skin. As a result, people have sought quicker, less harmful alternatives, such as the dental floss hack that went viral on TikTok. However, professional nail technicians do not recommend this method, as sliding dental floss under the acrylic nail can rip off layers of the natural nail, causing long-term damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal method | Slide a piece of dental floss (either regular floss or single-use picks) between the acrylic nail and your natural nail at the base, then move it toward the tip of your nail. |
| When to use this method | When the nails are lifting slightly around the edges. |
| Pros | Faster than the acetone method, which can take about 20 minutes. |
| Cons | May cause damage to the nail bed and rip off layers of your natural nail, leading to weak and brittle nails. Not recommended by professionals. |
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What You'll Learn
Wait until nails are lifting slightly before using dental floss
While it is possible to remove acrylic nails with dental floss, it is not recommended by professionals. The most common way to remove acrylic nails is to soak them in pure acetone, which breaks down the chemical bond between the acrylic and your natural nail. Acetone can be very drying to your nails and skin, however, so it is important to be careful when using this method.
If you would prefer to avoid using acetone, you can try the dental floss method, but it is important to wait until your acrylic nails are lifting slightly before attempting this. Acrylic nails typically start to lift within two weeks, which is a sign that your natural nails are growing underneath and the bond between the acrylic and your natural nail is loosening.
Once your acrylic nails have started to lift, you can use dental floss to manually loosen the bond between the acrylic and your natural nails. To do this, take a piece of dental floss and sandwich it between the acrylic and your natural nail at the base, then slide it toward the tip of your nail. Work slowly and carefully, and be sure to hold the base of the nail in place with another finger so that it doesn't wiggle uncomfortably as you floss.
It is important to note that the dental floss method can be damaging 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 weak and brittle nails. Therefore, it is recommended to proceed with caution and consider seeking professional help if you are unsure about the process.
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Use a floss pick to pry up the bottom edge of the nail
While the most common method for removing acrylic nails involves a prolonged soak in acetone, some people have turned to dental floss as an alternative. This method has gained popularity on TikTok, but professional nail technicians do not recommend it as it may damage the nail bed.
If you still wish to proceed with the dental floss method, it is important to wait until your acrylic nails are lifting slightly around the edges. This usually occurs within two weeks as your natural nails grow underneath.
To use a floss pick to pry up the bottom edge of the nail, follow these steps:
- Use a floss pick or a cuticle stick to gently lift the edge of the nail closest to your cuticle. Work slowly and carefully to avoid causing any damage.
- Insert the floss pick between the acrylic nail and your natural nail, prying and loosening as much of the acrylic nail as possible.
- With your opposite hand, sandwich the floss between the acrylic and your natural nail at the base, then slide it toward the tip of your nail.
- Continue to work slowly and gently, moving the floss back and forth in a sawing motion. Apply slight pressure away from your cuticle, working the floss along the underside of the acrylic nail.
- Repeat this process for each nail, taking your time to avoid any potential harm to your natural nails.
While the dental floss method may be faster than the acetone soak, it is important to understand the risks involved. Nail artists and professionals generally advise against using dental floss for removal, as it can cause extreme harm to your natural nails, potentially leading to weak and brittle nails.
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Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your nails
When removing acrylic nails, it is important to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your natural nails. While it can be tempting to rush the process, taking your time will help ensure that you do not accidentally rip off layers of your natural nail, which can lead to weak and brittle nails.
To start, use a floss pick or a 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 slowly work your way towards the tip of your nail to loosen the bond between the two. It is important to be gentle during this step, as forcing the floss can cause damage. Work slowly and carefully, applying slight pressure away from your cuticle to protect your natural nail.
If your nails are particularly long, consider clipping them down first to make the removal process easier. However, be cautious when clipping, as acrylic nails are securely bonded to your natural nail, and clipping too close can potentially crack your natural nail underneath, leading to long-term damage. Instead, use a nail clipper to cut into the edge of the nail, working your way across until the tip of the acrylic nail is removed.
Once the nail is loosened, continue to work slowly and gently as you move the floss back and forth in a sawing motion. This back-and-forth motion will help to safely separate the acrylic nail from your natural nail. Remember, the goal is to minimise any potential damage to your natural nails, so take your time and be as gentle as possible.
While the dental floss method can be a quick alternative to the traditional acetone soak, it is important to be mindful of the risks. Acetone can be drying to your nails and skin, but it is still the most common and recommended method for removing acrylic nails. If you choose to use dental floss, proceed with caution and work slowly to avoid any damage to your natural nails.
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$5.5
Buff and apply oil to restore nails after removal
Buffing your nails is an important step in the manicure process. It helps to remove the shine from your nails, giving the polish something to grip onto. To buff your nails, start by cutting and filing them to your desired shape. Then, hold the buffer parallel to your nail, with the large grit side facing down. Gently buff your nails in an X shape, using only downward or upward strokes. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can damage your nails—6 to 8 strokes per nail should be enough. Repeat this process for each nail, then switch to the finer-grit side of the buffer to polish them. Use unidirectional strokes and polish each nail in an X shape to smooth and brighten them. Four to six strokes per nail will be sufficient. Finally, use the smooth side of the buffer to shine your nails. Move the buffer in tiny circular motions with light pressure until you achieve a glossy look.
After buffing, you can apply a cuticle oil to restore moisture to your nails and improve their health and appearance. Cuticle oils are moisturizing products that are commonly made from vegetable oils and may contain vitamins and citric acid. They can help protect your polish and are especially useful if your nails and cuticles are feeling dry. Simply dab a small amount onto your nails and cuticles and rub it in.
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Soak nails in acetone for easier floss removal
Soaking your nails in acetone is a great way to make the floss removal process easier. Acetone is a chemical solvent that breaks down the bond between the acrylic and your natural nails. It is the primary ingredient in nail polish remover.
To start, prep your cuticles by applying cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to the base of your nail beds and fingers. This will prevent your cuticles from drying out. Next, pour about three inches of acetone into a bowl and place your hand in it, making sure to fully submerge your fingertips. Cover your hand with a towel to prevent evaporation. Soak your nails for 20 to 40 minutes, or until the acrylics begin to noticeably loosen.
Once the acrylics start to loosen, you can use dental floss to gently remove them. Work slowly and carefully, and apply slight pressure away from your cuticle as you work the floss along the underside of the acrylic nail. Continue until the acrylic nail comes off, and repeat for each nail.
After removing your acrylic nails, wash and moisturize your hands. Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap to remove any residue, then dry them thoroughly and apply moisturizer to your nails, cuticles, and skin.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clip your acrylic nails as short as possible with a nail clipper. Then, with your opposite hand, sandwich the floss between the acrylic and your natural nail at the base, then slide it toward the tip. Work slowly and carefully, and apply slight pressure away from your cuticle as you work the floss along the underside of the acrylic nail.
Soaking nails in acetone is the most common way to remove acrylic nails, but acetone is very drying to your nails and skin. The dental floss method is faster and doesn't require the use of acetone.
Professional nail technicians do not recommend using dental floss to remove acrylic nails. It is not proven to be effective and may cause damage to the nail bed. When you slide the floss under the acrylic nail, you may end up ripping off layers of your natural nail, which can lead to weak and brittle nails.
Yes, the best way to remove acrylic nails is by visiting a nail technician. If you can't do that, the next best method is to soak the artificial nails in 100% acetone for about 20 minutes. This can be done more sustainably by opting for a longer soak without using cotton balls or acetone.
