
Giving yourself a manicure at home is no walk in the park, so removing acrylic nails without reliable nail technology is an even bigger feat. If you’re an acrylic lover, then you know that the process of removing acrylics can be confusing and time-consuming – especially if you’re not sure how to do it.
If you’re not a professional, you’ll likely need to set aside an hour of your day to complete the process to get it right. It’s not impossible; it’s important to take your time and be patient to avoid any nail damage.
Rita Pinto, founder of nail salon Vanity Projects New York, shares that the safest way to remove acrylic nails is to go to a salon and have a trained nail technician remove them without damaging your own nails. “No matter how long your acrylics last, your natural nails will grow out, and in two weeks you’ll start to see your cuticle bed grow out,” she explains.
While removing acrylic nails at home is not usually recommended for the sake of your nail health (and sanity), a trip to the nail salon isn’t always an option. Your manicurist may not have time to visit you when you desperately need them.
Learning how to remove them safely will minimize any damage and help keep your nails healthy. The future, according to the pros, is how to take off acrylic nails at home.
What are acrylic nails?
Acrylic nails are nail extensions and enhancements made by mixing powder and liquid monomers together to form a paste that is applied to the nail. They add length and strength to the nail and create a larger canvas for those who may be naturally lacking in nails. You also get the perfect shape you want and can change it every time you visit your nail tech.
What tools do I need to remove acrylic nails?
The right tools are essential to make the removal process as seamless and safe as possible. Pick up some nail clippers, a nail file or hand drill, nail buffer, cuticle trimmer or cutter to help keep your nails neat and tidy. To remove acrylics, pure acetone will do the job. Do not confuse it with a regular nail polish remover, which is not strong enough to remove acrylics. For the soaking process, use cotton balls, foil nail covers, a nail remover that helps remove dried acrylics from natural nails, and cuticle oil that helps restore hydration.
Step-by-step instructions on how to take off acrylic nails.
Celebrity manicurist Trenneseini says the best way to take off acrylic nails is to cut off the unwanted excess length first. “If they’re that long, it’s not going to cover the tip of your nail,” she says. You’ll need to carefully cut off the excess acrylics, cutting them as close to your real nail as possible.
First, Pinto recommends using nail polish to buff the surface until the shine is completely gone. Removing the top layer after putting the nail in acetone will help the polish soften faster.
Soak a cotton ball with acetone and place it on the nail. Using 100% pure acetone is the key to success. Then take your aluminum foil and wrap it around your nail and the cotton ball. To make the most of your time, do one hand at a time and make sure each nail is covered. You should leave it on your nails for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the acetone to really soak into your nails. Keeping it on for this long will make the removal process easier.
After 15 to 20 minutes, open each nail and push off the excess acrylic nail with a nail removal tool or wooden stick. Pinto recommends using a metal cuticle pusher to gently remove the nail polish, starting from the cuticle down.
Start your nail file and remove all residual acrylic. You also need to perform this operation very easily. Do this until there is no more acrylic on the nail. If there is still a lot of acrylic on it, you can re-soak your nails for five minutes or until the acrylic is completely soaked.
Take your nail polish, nail file and cuticle trimmer with you. You can file your natural nails to the length and shape you want. Then polish your nails by gently rubbing the buffer over them until they feel smooth. You should then clean up your cuticles by trimming and cutting anything that needs it.
Then you’ll want to nourish your nails because acetone and filing can make your nails rough. “Massage cuticle oil into your nails to hydrate, then buff it into your nails with the soft side of the buffer,” Pinto says. Finish with another layer of cuticle oil.
And then you’re done! You can go in and paint your nails if you want, but it’s good for your nail health to let them breathe and give them a break from any lacquer.