How to Take Off Acrylic Nails: Easy Steps for Safe Removal

Capturing every lady’s heart with its attractive and gorgeous looks, these acrylic nails have started to rule the fashion world. Who doesn’t love them? Although with the introduction of gel nails, nail stickers, or dip powders, acrylics are preferred mainly by almost everyone. The reason is its long-lasting quality. Also, nail care should be your priority, as nails hold a critical position.

But more than just getting acrylics installed on your natural nails,  you need to make sure how you are going to remove them. Because despite having acrylics, your natural nails grow at their standard rate. And after two weeks, it becomes mandatory for you to either refill them or remove them and get a fresh manicure.

Well, now the toughest question is, how to take off acrylic nails? If you are thinking it is very easy and I will just remove them on my own by pulling them off, my dear friend you are wrong! Because this is the most unsafe method of removing the acrylics, moreover, it is going to harm your natural nails giving you a lot of pain.

After getting the acrylics, it is advised to remove them only at a salon by a professional nail tech because this is the most secure method for acrylic nail removal. But in today’s world, when everyone is in a rush, and everything needs to be done urgently, visiting a salon now and then is typical. Or if you are too busy and visiting the salon is not in your favor, in that case, take the situation into your hands and handle it like a pro.

To make your acrylic nail remover ready, we are presenting some tips and solutions for safe removal at home. But remember, it is always better to visit a salon for the removal process and take the situation into your hands only when you desperately need it. And always take off acrylic nails gently, and never be in a hurry.

How to Take Off Acrylic Nails at Home?

We are going to make the removal of acrylic nails at home pretty simple and doable. By following the steps used by professionals you are sure to learn the removal process faster.

Also Read: How To Prevent Hangnails and Heal Cuticles [Preventive Tips]

Take Off Acrylic Nails: With the Use of Acetone

Tools You Will Need to Remove Acrylic Nails

  • Nail polish remover, acetone based
  • Nail clippers
  • Cotton balls and aluminum foils
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Nail files

Steps to Follow

  • Start by cutting the acrylic nails using nail clippers as short as possible. The shorter the nails, the easier the process.
  • Next, buff the nails and remove any nail polish on the acrylics.
the image shows, cutting of the acrylic nails
cutting the acrylic nails
  • Ready your cuticles for an acetone soak. Apply some petroleum jelly at the base of the nail beds and all the fingers.
  • Now, it’s time to soak the cotton ball in acetone and place it at the top of your acrylics and also around it.
the image shows, soaking of the acrylics in acetone solution
soaking the nails in acetone solution
  • Wrap the nail in aluminum foil for about 20 to 25 minutes. Repeat this process for each nail.
the nails are wrapped in aluminium foil
wrapping of aluminum foil
  • After the time duration, gently remove the foil, if the acrylic nail comes out without any force or pain, your job is done, and if not let the soaking continue for an extra 5 to 10 minutes until the acrylic falls off.

Watch this short video to get the instructions on YouTube:

Take Off Acrylic Nails: Without the Use of Acetone

If you are worried that acetone is going to make your nails and skin dry and harsh, well, you are right. Although acetone is considered the ideal option for acrylic nail removal, it is also hard on your skin.

the image shows, acrylics removed without the acetone dipping
removal without acetone

Not to worry because many other products are less harsh than acetone for acrylic removals, such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and propylene carbonate.
Though with the use of these non-acetone nail polish removers, the process may take more time.

Tools Required

  • Acetone-free nail polish nail remover
  • Tweezers and a bowl
  • Nail clippers

Steps to Follow

  • Cut your nails as short as possible to make the removal easier with the help of nail clippers.
  • Use a pair of tweezers to lift the edges of the acrylic gently.
  • Pour the non-acetone nail polish into a bowl enough to make your nails submerge in it.
  • Let the nails soak in the bowl for about 30 to 35 minutes.
  • Now use the tweezers to pull off the acrylics from your natural nails. If the acrylics still don’t come off, submerge them for another 10 to 15 minutes.
  • This process is time-consuming since the nail polish remover is acetone-free, and the other chemicals are less hard. Therefore, it takes time for the proper removal.

Also Read: DIY Cuticle Remover | 9 Methods to Manage Your Cuticles at Home

Use of Warm Water for the Removal of Acrylic Nails

the image shows, washing of the hands with soap and warm water
removal using warm water and soap
  • The use of warm water is also favored for the removal of acrylic nails.
  • Mix some soap solution in the warm water bowl and soak your nails in it for about 30 minutes.
  • During this time, try moving the acrylics to loosen them.
  • After soaking enough, use a pair of tweezers to gently pull off the acrylic nails.
  • Remember never to be in a hurry; always carry out the process as gently as possible for smooth removal.

Taking Care of Nails After the Removal of Acrylics

1. Apply a Strengthening Topcoat: For the first 1 to 2 weeks after removing the fake nails, apply a topcoat to help it heal your damaged and brittle natural nails.

the image shows, the application of top coat
application of top coat

2. Moisturization is a Must: To help your nails heal faster and better, moisturize the nails and the cuticles daily with cuticle oil or vitamin E to help retain moisture.

the image shows, moisturized hands and nails
moisturization is a must

3. Take Some Time Off: Once the acrylic nails are removed, consider giving your nails some time to breathe in the fresh air and retain their moisture. Do not go for acrylics or any other fake nails immediately.

4. Be Ready to Keep Them Short: It might sound difficult, as you have been wearing acrylics for a long time, but keeping the nails short is what the situation demands. Keeping them short will prevent the risk of breakage and will help them heal properly.

the image shows, short nails
keeping the nails short

Also Read: Why is My Gel Polish Peeling Off? Know the Reasons, Prevention Tips & Easy Fixes

Reference Link

How to Take Off Acrylic Nails-FAQ’s

How Should I Care For My Natural Nails After Removing My Acrylics?

* Well, we have explained the whole process in detail in this article. Go through it and grab every piece of information.
* You can keep your nails short to avoid any breakage, use a strengthening top coat for healing, and hydrate the nails regularly to help gain moisture.

How Long Can I Go In Between Acrylic Nails?

* An acrylic set usually lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks before they start to come out on its own.
* But if you regularly visit the salon and get refilling done, it can last for about 6 to 8 weeks.

Can I Just Quickly Remove My Acrylic Nails at Home?

* Ah! Yes! You can do that. But remember, it is not that fast a process as the acrylics are stuck on your natural nails, so any sort of hurrying might damage your natural nails.
* In this article, you will find all the accessible methods to quickly remove acrylics at home.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Acrylics Removed?

* Acrylics or press-on nails both have their advantages. Acrylics are more durable, whereas press-on nails are cost-effective and provide less damage to natural nails.
* Also, acrylic and press-on nails both are considered fake nails.

Does Vinegar Remove Acrylic Nails?

* Vinegar helps in the removal of acrylic nails but is a little time taking.
* For a smooth and healthy removal of the acrylic nails with the help of vinegar, mix vinegar and lemon juice, in equal parts, in a bowl and dip your fingers in it for some time.
* Now remove it gently with the tweezers to ensure proper removal.