Acrylic nails are the king of manicures. No matter what comes and goes, a king is always a king! An avalanche of nail trends goes viral on the Internet every now and then. From polygels to gel-x, all different manicure types have ruled the trends time and again. But acrylics have still remained a timeless classic and always will.
The reason acrylic nails have always been a fan-favorite of celebrities and nail-fluencers is their versatility. You can carry acrylics from neutrals to dramatics and it will always look fabulous. A fresh set of acrylics can take your look from 0 to 10 in like zip zap zoom! But what happens after a few weeks of having them?
Acrylics start looking bulky and undone once they grow out. They may even become unmanageable if they’re too long or the shape is pokey. Many of us are guilty of popping them off at this stage. But this is where we all fail. Despite getting the urge to peel off the lifting acrylics being natural, it is not ideal. To prevent damage to your natural nails, you need to remove your acrylics properly. Either get the removals done by your manicurist or learn to DIY them.
This guide will help you with how to remove acrylic nails at home.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home
Acrylic nail extensions are one of the classiest and most loved types of their kind. Acrylic nails use a unique nail enhancement technique that involves using a concoction of liquid monomers and powdered polymers also known as acrylic powders. This mixture, as it dries, builds a rock-solid layer on the top of your nails resulting in extensions that last for weeks. However, when your natural nails start growing out, the thick layer of acrylics becomes heavy and bulky. Oftentimes, the nails might even pop off or become loose. This is when you should consider proper acrylic removals because if not, it can seriously damage your natural nails.
It is a common myth that acrylics are damaging but the fact is that not removing them correctly and not looking after your natural nails between acrylic applications is what actually damages your natural nail surface. Have you ever wondered how to remove acrylics at home without damaging your natural nails? Today we are going to take a deep dive into understanding acrylic removals at home along with the needed tools, products, and techniques. We will also talk about nail aftercare for you to look after your natural nails post-removal.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails with Acetone
Tools Needed
- a false nail trimmer
- a nail buffer
- a 100/80 grit nail file
- 100% pure acetone
- a cuticle pusher
- lint-free wipes
- soak-off clips or aluminum foil wraps
Steps to Remove Acrylic Nails with Acetone at Home
It is always advisable to get your acrylic extensions removed professionally at a nail salon. Using acetone at home could be unsafe. But if you still wish to DIY your acrylic removals at home using acetone, here are some steps you should follow for safety and efficiency.
- Always remember to work in a clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated space. Set up all your tools at a desk preferably near a window for light to come in and fumes to go out easily.
- Start by cutting down the excess length using a false nail trimmer. Here, you might lose your natural nail length to some extent but this is the safest way to prevent pulling and tugging while acrylic removals. Leave a little free edge and cut the rest of the product off.
- Now, using a nail file, remove the top shiny layer of your polish. Salon gel applications are usually sealed with a glossy top coat and this is not a soak-off product. Avoid going too harsh with the gritty side of the file. Just remove as much product as possible without abrasive filing.
- Next, soak a lint-free wipe in 100% pure acetone. You may alternatively use cotton balls at this step if you don’t have lint-free wipes. Place this soaked wipe on your fingernail and wrap it using a foil sheet. Having a set of soak-off clips makes the wrapping process easier. Make sure the wipe or cotton ball is drenched, not damp, in acetone. Do this for all the nails and then keep them soaked for at least 10-15 minutes.
- If your acrylics are soaked in acetone properly, chances are that most of the product will loosen and start popping off. However, if it seems that the acrylic isn’t softened to remove, repeat the previous step for a few more minutes.
- Once soaked well, as you see the melted and gooey acrylic residue, start pushing it off using a cuticle pusher. Even an orangewood stick can be used for this. Move from the cuticle area towards the free edge with gentle pushing to flake away the residue. Avoid using too much pressure. If some of the acrylic doesn’t come off easily, consider soaking again and repeating the entire process.
- After having successfully removed most of the acrylic from your nails, go on with a nail buffer to remove the residue, if any. You should end with smooth and matte natural nails with no product layer.
- Clean your nails and hands. Hydrate them well with hand cream and cuticle oil.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails without Acetone
Tools Needed
- nail clippers
- nail file
- nail buffer
- acetone-free nail polish remover
- cotton balls
- aluminum foil wraps
- an orangewood stick
- soaking container
Steps to Remove Acrylic Nails without Acetone at Home
We don’t disagree with the belief that acetone is damaging. It is true. Particularly 100% pure acetone can damage not only your nails but the surrounding skin as well. Besides, the fumes of the chemical can be harmful to your respiratory health too. So, if you have brittle nails, sensitive skin, or you are just not a fan of using acetone, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy acrylic manicures.
The good news is that you can remove acrylic nails at home without acetone. Here’s how:
- The first step is, again, to trim your nails using a nail clipper or a tip cutter. It is ideal to work on short nails even when not acetone-soaking your acrylics.
- Now, using an orangewood stick, gently pry off the lifted acrylic layer. You may alternatively use tweezers if you are confident in your strokes to prevent accidents. It is ideal to work on grown-out acrylic extensions in this case so that some of the product is loosened. The key here is to be as gentle as you can.
- Next, make a soak with your regular polish remover. Use a container to pour in some acetone-free nail polish remover. You may even skip a remover and make a warm soapy water soak using shampoo or dish soap. This is safer for weak nails or dry skin.
- Soak your fingernails in any of these liquids and keep them submerged for at least 30-40 minutes. Yes, it takes this long when you try to remove your acrylics without acetone. That’s why you have to ensure that the skin on your fingertips is as away from the remover or soap as possible.
- Once you notice the acrylic layers peeling off, again use an orange stick to gently pull them off from the nail surface. Repeat the soaking if needed.
- Finally, file off the residue using a nail file. Buff the surface and indulge in aftercare.
How to Remove Grown-Out Acrylic Nails without Soaking
If you’re looking to neither use acetone nor a liquid remover, here are some hacks to remove acrylic nails. Yes, these are ‘hacks’ mostly derived from viral Internet content. You need to be sure and try it for yourself before relying on these practices. Here’s what you can do to remove grown-out acrylic nails without soaking:
- Dental Floss: This is best if your acrylics have already started lifting from the cuticle area. Use an orange stick in these lifted spaces to lift the edges further ahead from all sides. Now, ask your friend to help you insert a piece of dental floss underneath the lifted edge near the cuticle. Gently moving the floss in a sawing motion, target the base of the acrylic from all sides until it pops off. Be very gentle and avoid working under the natural nail layer. Stop immediately if you feel any pain.
- Cuticle Oil: Use this method if you want removal and nourishment at the same time. Again, work on the acrylics that have begun to loosen their grip from the natural nails. Dip a Q-tip in some cuticle oil and press it against each nail for 5 minutes. This will loosen the fake nail further ahead ultimately popping it off. You may even use a cotton ball soaked in cuticle oil and wrap it using foil for better removals.
The above methods only work if your acrylic manicure is at least 3 weeks old. When the extensions grow out, the bonds become weak and there is even more space on the nail bed to work on. Avoid these hacks with a fresh set to prevent pain, damage, and accidents.
How To Care For Your Nails After Removing Acrylics
No matter what removal method you opt for, your nails will surely become dry and brittle due to chemical exposure and wear and tear. Hence, they’ll need some TLC afterward. Here’s how you can care for your nails after removing acrylics:
- Swear by cuticle oil! Keep your nails, cuticles, and the surrounding skin soft and moisturized by applying cuticle oil every day. Nicely coat your nails and cuticles in the oil twice a day for at least a week. Make a habit of always using it in your PM routine for the best nails ever.
- Give your nails a refreshing break from products. Not just professional manicures, it is advisable to avoid press-on nails and even nail polishes to let your nails recover well.
- Consider applying some nail strengthener if you notice any cracks or brittleness. This will prevent further ridges and breaking.
Wrapping Up Acrylic Removals
Removing acrylic nails can be a great way to refresh and reset, giving you the chance to experiment with new looks or simply enjoy the beauty of your natural nails. It is a straightforward process when you have the right approach and tools. Whether you choose to remove them at home with common items like acetone and foil or opt for some Internet viral hacks, patience and care are key to protecting your natural nails during removals.
Following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to safely remove acrylic nails without causing damage or discomfort. Remember, it’s okay to take a break between manicures. Letting your nails breathe and applying nourishing products can make a big difference in maintaining their health. And once your natural nails start feeling strong and healthy, you’ll be ready to try out your next stunning nail art!
