Isla Bennett
Sculptured nails, also known as acrylic nails, are artificial nails placed over natural fingernails as a cosmetic enhancement. While it is best to leave nail removal to professionals, there are times when you might need to remove them at home. This can be done in a few different ways, but generally, it involves cutting and filing the nails, soaking them in acetone, and then removing the softened sculptured nails.
Removing Sculptured Nails at Home:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Ensure your hands are clean and that you have everything you need, including nail clippers, a coarse file, acetone or acetone-free nail polish remover, cotton pads/balls, foil, petroleum jelly, tweezers, cuticle oil, and lotion. |
| Nail Clipping | Clip your nails as short as possible to reduce the amount of acrylic to remove. Avoid cutting the nail all at once; instead, clip from both sides towards the middle until the tip is removed. |
| Filing | File away the top coat, nail polish, or any colour to prevent a mess. You can also use a coarse file or emery board to remove gel polish. |
| Soaking | Soak your nails in acetone or acetone-free nail polish remover. You can use a bowl and submerge your nails, or soak cotton pads/balls in the solution and place them on your nails, wrapping them with foil. |
| Soaking Time | For acetone, soak for about 20-30 minutes. For acetone-free nail polish remover, soak for 30-40 minutes. |
| Removal | After soaking, the acrylic should soften and can be gently removed. Use tweezers if needed. Be careful not to force the removal as it can damage the natural nail. |
| Post-Care | Wash and moisturize your hands, and apply cuticle oil. |
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What You'll Learn
Clip nails short
To remove sculptured nails at home, you will first need to clip your nails down to the desired length. The shorter you clip them, the less acrylic you will have to deal with later in the process.
Manicurist Adriana Gutierrez recommends clipping one side of the nail first, then repeating on the other side. Repeat this process until your cuts meet in the middle and the tip is completely off.
When clipping your nails, avoid cutting the nail all in one go, as you would with a natural nail.
After clipping your nails, you will need to remove any remaining polish with a nail buffer or file. You should be left with a smooth surface.
Next, you can move on to soaking your nails in acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover.
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File nails
Filing sculptured nails at home is no different than filing them at a nail salon. You can use either an e-file or a regular nail file. An e-file is an electronic file that is stronger and faster than a regular nail file. However, if you are using a regular nail file, it will take more effort and time to achieve the same results as an e-file.
If you are filing down acrylic nails, you should use a coarse nail file. Before you begin, make sure your hands are clean and that you have everything you need. Start by clipping your nails down to the desired length. The more you clip, the less acrylic you will have to file down.
When filing your nails, you need to go over the tops and sides of the nail to complete the shape and ensure the nail is smooth. Start on one side of the nail and smooth it down, following the natural curve of the nail. Do the same on the other side, and then go to the middle and use the file on the top of the nail.
If you are using an e-file, you will need to decide what tip/bit you want to use. This will depend on the thickness of the acrylic and how much you are trying to file. If you want to remove the acrylics, you can use a larger and tougher bit to cut through the acrylic until you get the nail down to a shorter length.
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Soak in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is a common method to remove sculptured nails at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools, including pure acetone, a glass bowl, cotton balls or pads, aluminium foil, nail clippers, a nail file, and cuticle oil or petroleum jelly. Having everything ready beforehand will ensure a smooth and uninterrupted process.
Trim and File
Start by using the nail clippers to cut your nails as short as possible. The more you trim, the less acrylic there will be to remove. Be careful not to cut too close to your natural nails to avoid damage. Then, use the nail file to gently buff and file the top layer of your nails, removing any nail polish that was applied on top of the acrylics. This step is important as it helps the acetone penetrate the acrylic more effectively, speeding up the removal process.
Now, you will prepare for the acetone soak. If using cotton balls or pads, soak them in acetone until they are fully saturated but not dripping. Place the soaked cotton on top of your nail, ensuring it covers the entire nail surface. You may need to gently press down to ensure it adheres. Alternatively, you can pour the acetone directly into a bowl and place your fingertips in it to soak.
Wrap and Wait
Once the cotton balls are in place, wrap your fingertips with aluminium foil. This creates a seal that traps heat, aiding in the removal process. Now, sit back and relax for about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, the acetone will break down the acrylic, making it easier to remove.
Remove and Moisturize
After soaking, gently lift the aluminium foil and cotton from one of your nails. The acrylic should be soft and flaky. If not, soak your nails for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Once soft, gently scrape or flake off the acrylic. Do not force the removal as it may damage your natural nails. Finally, wash and moisturize your hands, and apply cuticle oil to nourish your nail beds.
Remember, while this method is a common at-home solution, it is always best to leave nail removal to professionals. Taking your time and being gentle throughout the process will help minimize potential damage to your natural nails and cuticles.
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Moisturise
Moisturising is an important step in the process of removing sculptured nails at home. After removing sculptured nails, your hands and cuticles may feel dry. To prevent this, you should moisturise your hands with a hydrating cream or lotion at least once a day. You can also apply cuticle oil to your cuticles to keep them soft and moisturised. This can be done before, during, and after removing sculptured nails.
It is recommended to use a moisturising product designed for the hands and nails to ensure your nails remain strong and healthy. These products should be ingredient-conscious, avoiding those with alcohol or other drying agents. A nourishing nail strengthener can also be used as a 14-day treatment to help restore your nails.
In addition to moisturising, it is important to take care of your natural nails after removing sculptured nails. This includes buffing the tops of your nails to remove any residue and filing your nails into a rounded shape. Allowing your nails to rest and heal is also crucial, especially if your nail bed shows signs of damage.
Overall, moisturising is a key step in removing sculptured nails at home to ensure your hands, cuticles, and nails are left feeling soft and healthy.
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Apply cuticle oil
To apply cuticle oil, start by soaking your fingertips in a bowl of warm water for 1-2 minutes. Then, using your fingertips, massage your cuticle oil into the bed of each nail, focusing on gently massaging your cuticles with the oil to soften them. Take your time with this step and enjoy the process of showing your nails some love!
Next, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Be careful when using metal instruments to avoid damaging your nail beds or cutting your skin. Massage each cuticle to work off the dead skin and be sure not to apply too much pressure.
Using cuticle clippers, carefully clip off your hangnails and any leftover cuticles that did not rub off. If you want, you can then clip and/or file your nails down to your preferred length and shape.
Finally, wash your hands with warm water and gently pat them dry with a clean hand towel. You can then paint your nails if you wish.
You can make your own cuticle oil at home with natural ingredients. Try mixing coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil. Allow the mixture to cool, then add 1-2 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Pour the mixture into a sterile dropper bottle.
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