Acrylic nails can make your hands look elegant and beautiful, but it can be hard to remove them without damaging your natural nails. In this article, we will discuss some simple and effective ways to remove acrylic nails quickly at home.
Tip 1: Use acetone and cotton balls
The most common way to remove acrylic nails is to use acetone and cotton balls. Acetone is a powerful solvent that dissolves the acrylic, making it easier to remove. Here’s how to do it:
- Clip your acrylic nails as short as possible with a nail clipper. This will make the removal process easier and less painful.
- Place some petroleum jelly around your cuticles and skin to prevent it from drying out.
- Soak your cotton balls in acetone and place them over your acrylic nails. Wrap your fingertips in aluminum foil to keep the cotton balls in place.
- Leave the cotton balls on for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the aluminum foil and cotton balls. Use a cuticle pusher to gently push the acrylic nails off from your natural nails.
- Wash your hands with soap and water to remove the remaining acetone.
Tip 1.1: Use nail polish remover containing acetone
If you don’t have acetone, you can use nail polish remover that contains acetone. However, nail polish remover is not as effective as acetone, and it may take longer to remove the acrylic nails.
Tip 2: Soak your nails in warm water
Soaking your acrylic nails in warm water can also help remove them quickly. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a bowl with warm water.
- Place your fingertips in the bowl and soak for about 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, use a cuticle pusher to gently push the acrylic nails off from your natural nails.
- If the acrylic nails don’t come off easily, soak them for a few more minutes and try again.
- Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any remaining residue.
Tip 2.1: Add dish soap to warm water
Adding a few drops of dish soap to the warm water can help break down the glue that holds the acrylic nails in place.
Tip 3: Use dental floss
If you don’t want to use acetone or soak your hands in water, you can use dental floss to remove acrylic nails. Here’s how to do it:
- Insert the dental floss between your natural nail and the acrylic nail.
- Gently move the floss back and forth until the acrylic nail starts to lift off from your natural nail.
- Repeat the process with the other nails.
Tip 3.1: Use dental floss and acetone together
You can also use this method with acetone to make it easier to remove the acrylic nails. Soak your fingertips in acetone for a few minutes, then use the dental floss to remove the acrylic nails.
Tip 4: Use a nail drill
A nail drill or an e-file can be an effective way to remove acrylic nails quickly. However, this method should only be used by professionals or those with experience using a nail drill. Here’s how to do it:
- Select the appropriate drill bit for acrylic nails.
- Gently buff the surface of the acrylic nail until it starts to lift off from your natural nail.
- Be careful not to damage your natural nails or cuticles.
- After removing the acrylic nails, apply cuticle oil to moisturize your natural nails.
Tip 4.1: Use a low-speed nail drill
Make sure you use a low-speed nail drill to prevent damage to your natural nails or cuticles.
Tip 5: Go to a professional nail salon
If you’re not confident in removing your acrylic nails at home or if you want to avoid damaging your natural nails, it’s best to go to a professional nail salon. A professional can quickly and safely remove your acrylic nails using the proper tools and techniques.
Tip 5.1: Save money by going to a cosmetology school
You can save money by going to a cosmetology school for your acrylic nail removal. Students at cosmetology schools are supervised by licensed professionals, and they often offer lower prices than traditional nail salons.
Conclusion
Removing acrylic nails can be tricky, but with these simple tips, you can quickly and safely remove them at home. Remember to always take great care in handling your natural nails to prevent damage.
Common questions and their answers:
- Q: Can I use a nail clipper to remove acrylic nails?
- A: Using a nail clipper can cause damage to your natural nails and is not recommended.
- Q: Can I use regular acetone from a drugstore?
- A: Yes, you can use regular acetone from a drugstore, but make sure it contains at least 50% acetone for the best results.
- Q: How long does it take to remove acrylic nails?
- A: It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour to remove acrylic nails, depending on the method you use and the thickness of the acrylic.
- Q: Can I reuse the aluminum foil?
- A: No, it’s not recommended to reuse the aluminum foil as it can harbor bacteria.
References:
“How to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 16 June 2020, www.healthline.com/health/how-to-remove-acrylic-nails-at-home.
“How to Remove Acrylic Nails Without Damaging Your Real Nails.” InStyle, Meredith Corporation, 3 June 2020, www.instyle.com/beauty/nails/how-to-remove-acrylic-nails.