How to Remove Acrylic Nails Safely at Home

Generally, it’s best to have acrylic nails removed by a professional but you might not always have the time to do that. Fortunately, you can learn how to remove acrylic nails at home without damaging your natural ones. It just takes patience and the right set of tools.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Technically, acrylic nails are a synthetic product made from a combination of monomers and polymers. These materials make it easier for the acrylics to bond to your natural nail.

Once they’re in place, the nail professional can shape and style the nails. The alternative to acrylic nails is gel-based but the former is preferred by many people because of their durability and longevity.

Do Acrylics Ruin Your Nails?

There are a couple of side effects of using acrylic nails but for the most part, your nails can remain perfectly healthy.

For example, removing the nails can weaken your natural ones for a little while but proper care will ensure that they get strong again.

It’s also important to take care of your acrylic nails while you’re wearing them. The nail care of acrylics includes keeping them dry and treating the nails gently.

Professionals advise that you take a break between applications as well so your nails can recover.

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

There can be some variation but acrylic nails tend to last from six to eight weeks. This is especially true if you get a refilling every two weeks as the experts recommend.

Getting scheduled refills is a great way to keep the acrylic nails from lifting. Keeping your hands and cuticles moisturized can also help with the life of your nails.

Are Acrylic Nails Bad For You?

There’s no evidence that acrylic nails are bad for you. However, some people have been known to have an allergic reaction to the nails when they’re being applied.

Additionally, bumping the acrylic nails can result in damage to your natural nails that can lead to fungal or bacterial infections.

How To Remove Acrylic Nails

There are different methods for safely removing acrylic nails at home but they all require you to put aside at least an hour. It also helps to get a little kit together. This kit should include a small bowl, nail clippers, a nail file with two grits, a nail buffer, pure acetone, an orangewood stick or metal pusher, cotton balls, and foil or nail polish remover clips. You’ll also need to cut the nails for easier removal.

5 Easy Ways To Take Off Acrylic Nails At Home

1. Acetone Soak And Aluminum Foil

Warm a bottle of acetone under hot water.
Remove the shiny top layer with a buffer.
Soak your nails in acetone for five minutes.
Push the cuticle down and re-soak your nails for five more minutes.
Repeat the steps until the nails come off.
Buff off the smaller bits with the buffer.
Apply cuticle oil to natural nails.

2. Nail Clipper Method

Cut the nails down until there’s only an inch or two of nails left.
Soak cotton balls in cuticle oil or non-acetone nail polish remover.
Cover the nails with cotton balls.
Wrap with foil.
Remove the foil after 5-10 minutes.
Use an orange stick to remove the nail.

3. Dental Floss Method

Use a cuticle stick to lift the acrylic nail edges.
Slip dental floss under the nail.
Use a see-saw motion as you pull the floss to the tip of the nail until it comes off.
Wash hands and moisturize.

4. Nail Filer Method

Gently sand down the acrylic nails with a sanding bit.
Soak a cotton ball with acetone.
Wrap the cotton ball around the nail and secure it with tin foil.
Remove the foil after 15 minutes.
Use a cuticle pusher to remove the excess acrylic.
Wash hands and moisturize.

5. Warm Water Method

Soak the acrylic nails in warm water for 20 minutes.
Move the nails around while in the water.
Remove the loose nails with an orange stick.
Wash hands and moisturize.

Acrylic nails can be a fun way to spice up your look so you should always take care of them. When it’s time to take them off, give yourself some professional treatment and remove them carefully.

By Karen Heslop | Published September 17, 2022