Acrylic nails are a type of popular artificial nail extension that’s applied to natural nails with a liquid monomer and a powder polymer. They are well-known for their durability as well as their ability to lengthen and shape natural nails. However, many people may choose to remove their acrylic nails at home for a variety of reasons, including a desire to change the appearance of their nails, an allergic response to the acrylic, or damage to their natural nails.
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Gather Supplies
A few simple items are required to remove acrylic nails at home. These are some examples:
- A bowl or any other heat-resistant container.
- Acetone in its purest form. Pure acetone is preferred over other forms of nail polish removers because it works more efficiently.
- Cotton balls
- Foil. Wrapped around the fingers to keep acetone in touch with the nails.
- A file for your nails. To allow the acetone to penetrate more easily, file down the top coat of the acrylic nails.
- A cuticle remover. Gently peel the softened acrylic away from the natural nails.
Most beauty supply stores, drugstores, and online stores carry these items.
Check the label to ensure that the acetone is 100% acetone since some nail polish removers have a smaller amount of acetone or other substances that may not perform as well.
To avoid infection, ensure that the nail file and cuticle pusher you purchase have been cleansed and sterilized.
File the Top Coat
Filing the top layer of acrylic nails is a crucial stage in the removal procedure at home. By filing the top coat, you create small gaps that allow the acetone to penetrate the nails more quickly and dissolve the acrylic more efficiently.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly file the top coat:
- To begin, gently wash your hands and nails with soap and water to remove any oils or dirt.
- Using your nail file, carefully file across the surface of the acrylic nails, making sure to only file in one direction and not back and forth.
- Continue filing until you have removed the acrylic nails’ shiny top coat and can see tiny gaps in the acrylic.
- File softly and avoid applying too much pressure, since this might cause natural nail damage.
Tips:
- A fine-grit file should be used since a coarse-grit file might cause damage to the natural nails.
- If your nails are excessively thick, you can file them down with a drill bit fitted with a fine-grit bit.
- Be patient; filing the top coat may take some time, but it’s crucial to do it carefully and slowly.
You may correctly file the top coat of the acrylic nails and prepare them for the next part of the procedure, which is soaking the nails in acetone, by following these instructions and recommendations. Remember that filing the top coat is an essential step in removing acrylic nails at home. It helps the acetone to penetrate the nails more readily, allowing you to obtain the greatest results.
Soak the Nails
Once you have filed the top coat of the acrylic nails, the next step is to soak the nails in acetone. This process is what dissolves the acrylic, making it easier to remove.
- Fill the basin or heatproof container with 100% acetone, enough to completely submerge the nails.
- Place the nails in the acetone dish, making sure that each nail is completely immersed.
- Wrap a strip of foil and cotton ball over each finger, being careful to completely cover the nails. This keeps the acetone in touch with the nails, accelerating the dissolving process.
- Allow the acrylic to soak for 20-30 minutes, or until the nails are soft to the touch.
- Alternatively, you can use soaked cotton balls and wrap them around each finger then cover it up with foil.
Soaking the nails in acetone is a key process in the removal of artificial nails at home. It dissolves the acrylic and makes removal easier, and covering each finger in foil keeps the acetone in touch with the nails, speeding up the dissolving process. It’s worth noting that the average soaking duration is 20-30 minutes, or until the acrylic feels soft to the touch.
Remove the Acrylic
It’s time to remove the acrylic nails once they’ve been soaked in acetone for 20-30 minutes and feel soft to the touch.
Here’s how to use a cuticle pusher to gently peel the softened acrylic off of your natural nails:
- Begin by taking one finger from the acetone dish and unraveling the foil.
- Gently push down on the edge of the acrylic nail using a cuticle pusher, beginning at the base and working your way to the tip.
- Repeat this method on all of the nails, taking care not to apply too much pressure or you can harm the natural nails.
- After removing the acrylic from all of the nails, wash your hands and nails with soap and water to eliminate any remaining acetone.
Tips:
- When pushing the acrylic off the nails, use a soft touch since using too much pressure might harm the natural nails.
- If any of the acrylics does not come out readily, re-soak the nails in acetone for a few minutes before attempting again.
- After removing the acrylics, you may see a white residue on your nails; it is important to hydrate your nails after removing the acrylics.
The final step in removing acrylic nails at home is to remove the acrylic. You may efficiently remove the acrylic without damaging the natural nails by gently pushing the softened acrylic off of the natural nails with a cuticle pusher. When pulling the acrylic off the nails, remember to use a soft touch and not use too much pressure.
Clean Up
After the acrylic nails have been removed, it is critical to thoroughly clean the hands and nails to ensure that all of the acetone has been gone.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to cleaning:
- To begin, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to eliminate any lingering acetone.
- Dry your hands and nails completely.
- Apply a moisturizer to your hands and nails to aid in their recovery following removal.
Tips
- It is essential to make sure that you do not have any medical issues or allergies that might be aggravated by using acetone.
- Keep in mind that acetone might dry out your skin, so be sure to carefully hydrate your hands and nails following the removal procedure.
- Cuticle oil can be used to feed the nails and encourage healthy growth.
When using acetone, it is important to observe all safety measures. Use acetone in a well-ventilated environment and avoid using open flames or smoking while doing so. Keep acetone away from children and pets, and always follow the label’s directions.
After the acrylic nails have been removed, it is critical to thoroughly clean the hands and nails to ensure that all of the acetone has been gone. Moisturizing the hands and nails after removal might help them heal, and it’s critical to observe all acetone safety measures. Always see your doctor if you have any medical issues or allergies that might be aggravated by using acetone.
Removing acrylic nails at home is a cost-effective and convenient alternative to going to a salon.