Removing acrylic nails is a hassle, but it can be a breeze with the right tools and instructions. Not everyone has the time to return to the nail salon, and taking your acrylic nails off can be costly. In these situations, you might have to do it yourself.

We’ll provide you with everything you need to know to remove your acrylic nails at home. We’ll also provide tips and tricks for making the process as easy and painless as possible. Whether you’re looking to replace your acrylic nails or you want your natural nails back, read on for our simple guide on how to do it yourself! ADVERTISEMENT

Follow this simple step-by-step process to get rid of acrylic nails quickly.

Since you are no expert at filling your acrylics, you must cut them. Use sharp nail clippers to cut your extensions, and leave about 2cm of the acrylic nail above your natural nail bed for safety. This is the quickest and easiest way to get your nails back to their natural length.

Don’t file your nails along the top edge; just thin out the entire area that the acrylics span in a sawing motion. Remove the most acrylic product you can with a coarse grit file (100/180 Grit).

Using an emery board for this would not work very well. Although a nail drill is an excellent alternative, a 100-grit nail will do since it is coarse enough to file down the acrylics’ surface.

The more acrylic you file away, the less time your nails soak in acetone. 

After filing down your acrylic nails, dip the nails in 100% acetone for as long as it takes to dissolve the product completely. 

There are two approaches here. The first method involves wrapping each fingertip in foil after placing an acetone-soaked cotton ball over each nail. This is the best and safest method. 

You can also soak your fingers in a bowl of acetone. It is less complicated, but the  bowl technique is harsher on your skin and takes longer. ADVERTISEMENT

To avoid dried-out skin on your hand and fingers, only dip the tips of your nails into the bowl. Because acetone is highly volatile and can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems, only use it in well-ventilated areas.

After soaking the nails in acetone for about 20 minutes, gently scrape away the softened acrylic with a cuticle pusher. Repeat this process until you remove the product entirely.

If you still notice a few particles of the acrylic left, try not to be too hard with them. Buff those little stubborn pieces with a soft nail buffer until you are satisfied. Lastly, before moving to the next step, wash your hands. 

After the acrylic nail removal process, your nails will be dehydrated. Rehydrating them is a good idea. Apply the oil to your cuticles, nail bed, and around the top side of your fingers, very close to the free edge of your nail bed. This practice will aid in moisturizing the area. 

Here are some tools that you’ll need before you begin.

Acetone is a solvent used to remove extensions. If you don’t plan to use harsh chemicals, here are some alternative ways to remove acrylic nails without acetone. 

One other way to avoid using isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or other harsh chemicals is to use cuticle oil. 

Cuticle oil heals and nourishes your skin instead of damaging it, so this method benefits your nails.

The steps involved in getting acrylics off with cuticle oil are:

 For a faster approach, use the foil method.

Try this dental floss-based technique to remove acrylic nails if you’re looking for something different!

Once the acrylics are removed, give your nails breathing space. A few weeks or at least a few days away from more fake nails or even regular nail polish can help repair damaged nails. A break is necessary for your nails if they have thirsty cuticles, discoloration, peeling, ridges, splits, and keratin granulations. If your nails are fragile, consider a strengthening treatment.

Keep hand lotion and cuticle oil on hand at all times — you’ll want to use both judiciously. Your nails won’t break if you moisturize, even if they are generally dry and brittle.

Maintaining healthy nails can help you stay away from uncomfortable and painful situations like hangnails. The cuticle can separate and form a hangnail more easily when it is dried, and these exposed cuticle segments are frequently an incentive for biting and picking. 

You don’t want your nails to be in terrible condition when you are again ready for extensions. You’ll soon be back on the path to long, beautiful natural nails with plenty of hydration and some patience.

The best way to remove acrylic nails is to meet nail artists to get them out professionally.  However, we’ve discussed several methods you can use to remove your acrylic nails at home. FEATURED STORIES 10 Must-Try Dried Mango Recipes Cut Internet Bills with the Affordable Connectivity Program 10 Best Heating Pads for Pain Relief

However, there’s a tendency to have damaged nails, even without acetone. This is why it’s important to hydrate and use nail products such as hand lotions and cuticle oil to get your real nails the nutrients they deserve. 

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