If you've had acrylic nails, you're likely aware of the number-one cardinal rule: If you're going to remove them, either do it safely or turn to the pros. And if you can't get to a professional, the latter may be your only option. So, if you're wondering how to remove acrylic nails at home, we have good news: It's not difficult, as long as you arm yourself with a few tools and techniques to make sure your natural nails underneath stay strong and resilient. Show
"One of the most commons mistakes when removing acrylics at home is not being patient enough and peeling or popping off a stubborn acrylic," says Sally Hansen Brand Ambassador Hannah Lee. "This can cause damage to the natural nail." If you can't make it to the salon, follow the expert steps below to remove your acrylic nails easily and without damage. Step One: Remove Excess LengthThe first step is to remove most of the length. "Make sure to not clip your actual nail. The best way to clip is with an acrylic nail cutter but if you don't have that, you can use large toenail clippers which typically provides more strength," says Lee. "Start clipping at one side and work your way to the other, never clipping straight on." More From Harper's BAZAARStep Two: Buff The AcrylicNext, grab two nail files, a rough one for the top layer of acrylic, and one with higher grit as you make your way closer to your natural nail. "Keep gently filing until the shine of the nail is gone. This may take some patience," says Lee. Just beware of buffing too much. "Over-buffing the nail to try and get the remaining pieces off can thin out and weaken the nail," she adds. Step Three: Grab the AcetoneThe next step involves, you guessed it, acetone. There are two ways to go about this, says Lee. The first involves warming a bottle of acetone under the faucet, then pouring it into a bowl, and soaking your fingers for 30 minutes. But if you would prefer to have less acetone-to-skin contact, "You can also use the foil method, which is what is typically seen at salons," adds Lee. "Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on top of your nail, then take a piece of tin foil and wrap it around your nail and part of your finger, making sure to fold over the tip to seal in the cotton ball." Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle OilNow 15% Off Step Four: Check Your ProgressCheck your nails after 30 minutes. If enough of the acrylic has dissolved, you can gently buff away the excess with the finer grit nail file. "If there is still product that can't be buffed off, soak for five more minutes and try again," she says. Step Five: HydratePro tip: Have a bottle of Sally Hansen Vitamin E Cuticle Oil nearby, because "acetone is very drying" for your nails and skin. "I would start by applying it once a day, or if you notice your skin is extra dry, up the applications," says Lee. How to Care For Your Acrylics and Nails"To care for your acrylics, make sure to not use then as tools like opening cans. You can also get a gel overlay to help them last longer. If you prefer, you can also use a regular top coat, and apply it every two to three days," advises Lee. "Try to avoid water, so when you are doing the dishes, make sure to wear gloves." We love the Sally Hansen Double Duty Base and Top Coat. Oh, and because acrylics can weaken the natural nail over time, it's never a bad idea to add a nail strengthener to your beauty routine, too. Jenna Rosenstein is the Beauty Director at BAZAAR.com. While attending NYU, she held internships at Women’s Wear Daily, Bloomingdale’s, Harper’s BAZAAR (as Glenda’s intern!) and Allure, the latter of which she parlayed into her first job as the Beauty Assistant. She left Allure three years later as the Senior Beauty Editor, spent a few months at Refinery29 in the same title overseeing branded content, before finally landing back at BAZAAR to oversee all digital beauty content. When she's not testing every lipstick known to mankind, getting zapped by new lasers, or interviewing experts and celebrities, you can find Rosenstein re-watching Star Wars movies, reading books about new discoveries in science and health, and playing with her Bombay cat named Maddie. While applying acrylic nails is an easy idea to glamorize your look by adding length to your nails, removing them can be quite cumbersome. In This Article
Acetone is your best savior when it comes to removing acrylic nails at home. This strong liquid-based chemical dissolves the acrylic nails and helps you remove them easily. You must be wondering how such a strong ingredient can be safe on your skin. Acetone should not come in contact with your skin very often, but apart from a little dryness, and in some rare cases, a slight redness, it is relatively safe for use. Make sure to take the necessary safety measures, and you will be fine. If you want to know more about how to soak off acrylic nails, check out this video. How To Remove Acrylic Nails With An Acetone Soak-OffHere are a few methods that you can try to take off acrylic nails expertly using acetone. Method 1 – How To Take Off Acrylic Nails Using Acetone And Warm Water The first method involves dipping your nails in acetone. Here’s how to do it. Things You Will Need
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Method 2 – How To Remove Acrylic Nails Using Acetone And Aluminum Foil Things You Will Need
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Check out this video to know more about how to take off acrylics using this method: Method 3 – How To Remove Acrylic Nails With Acetone And Plastic BagsWhile it may not be environment-friendly, this is an easy way to remove your acrylic nails without much trouble. Things You Will Need
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If you have sensitive skin or want to avoid using harsh products like acetone, you can try out methods that use everyday items to remove fake nails, instead of acetone. Check them out below. How To Remove Acrylic Nails Without AcetoneMethod 1 – Removal Of Acrylic Nails Using Acetone-Free Nail Polish It will take a little time, but if you plan to avoid acetone, your regular nail polish can also help you get acrylics off. Things You Will Need
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Quick Tip: Normal acetone-free nail polish remover tends to evaporate after some time. Hence,keep adding nail polish remover from time to time. Method 2 – How To Remove Acrylic Nails With An Electric File/Nail Bit Shutterstock This method requires some great skills and is preferred by professionals. But there is no reason you cannot master this method at home. Let us show you how. Things You Will Need
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Quick Tip: An electric nail file requires practice and precision for expert handling. Ensure you are equipped to handle this method on your own, or you might damage your natural nails. Method 3 – How To Remove Acrylic Nails Using Nail Filers Another way of getting rid of acrylic nails is to file them away. It can be time-consuming, but your skin does not come in contact with chemicals. Things You Will Need
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Quick Tip: This procedure can be a little harsh on your nails, follow it up with cuticle oil. Method 4: How To Take Off Acrylic Nails With Hot Water (Without Acetone) This is one of the easiest and gentlest methods to soak off acrylic nails. It is also the safest method. Things You Will Need
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Quick Tip: As you have to soak for long, the water will start getting cold. Keep pouring warm water now and then to maintain a constant warm temperature. Take a look at this video to know more. Method 5 – How To Remove Acrylic Nails Using Dental Floss Head to your bathroom closet and get your dental floss out. Apart from your oral hygiene, these strong threads are an excellent way of removing acrylic nails. However, this cannot be done by you alone, so make sure you have someone to help you out with it. Things You Will Need
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Quick Tip: This method can be a little uncomfortable or painful, depending on your threshold. Prepare yourself accordingly and have patience. Method 6 – Removal Of Acrylic Nails Using A Laminated Business Card If you are in a hurry to take your acrylic nails off, this is one of the fastest ways to do it. All you have to do is fish out a laminated business card from your purse. Things You Will Need
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Quick Tip: You can use a debit/credit card instead of a laminated business card for this method. Important Tips And Precautions To Be Followed While Removing Acrylic Nails
Once your acrylics are removed, you may find your nails looking dry and unhealthy. But a little TLC can fix that, so do not skip the following steps. How To Care For Your Nails After Removing Acrylics
Acrylics are a fun way to jazz up your nails, but they can take a toll on your natural nails. If you are an acrylic junkie, remember these nail care tips to prevent nail damage and keep them in optimal health. How To Protect Against Acrylic Nail Damage In Future
Follow these tips diligently to enjoy healthy and shiny nails without worrying about acrylic damage. Now that you know all the tips and tricks to take acrylics off at home, do not hold yourself back from rocking those killer designer acrylic nails. Go ahead and get your faves without worrying about painful, stressful, and expensive removal methods. Just remember to follow up with a generous dose of strengthening nail treatments. Acrylic nails can add length to your nails and glamorize your overall look. But they are difficult to remove. However, the above-mentioned simple tips will answer all your questions on how to remove acrylic nails at home. Using acetone, you can remove your acrylic nails easily. Following these tips and precautions while removing acrylic nails can also help you prevent nail damage. Take cues from the listed TLC to maintain the optimal health of your nails. Finally, by following the listed tips, jazz up your nails with acrylics without worrying about damage. Frequently Asked QuestionsDoes olive oil remove acrylic nails? Yes. You may use olive oil instead of cuticle oil to loosen the glue between acrylic and natural nails. Then, soak your nails in a bowl of warm water, acetone, and olive oil for 10-15 minutes to melt the acrylic. How do you remove acrylic nails with baking soda? You may soak your nails in a solution of baking soda and toothpaste in warm water for 15-20 minutes to loosen the glue of acrylic nails. Key Takeaways
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Sakshi Bahal has a Masters degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team... more How can you take off acrylic nails at home without acetone?If you don't want to use harsh chemicals to remove your acrylic nails, another option is to try using warm water. You can even add a few drops of soap into the mix. You will need to soak your nails in the warm water for 20 minutes before you try to remove them.
How can I soak my acrylic nails off without damaging my nails?Pour acetone into a small bowl and submerge your fingers. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes to break down your acrylics. "While your fingers are submerged, use your thumbs to rub the other four fingers — it helps break down the product faster," says Johnson.
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