How To Remove Acrylic Nails At Home Without Destroying Your Nails 💅
Do you adore the elegant length and chic vibe of acrylics, but hate the way they ruin your natural nails? Though acrylics can be a fun and feminine way to express yourself, they aren't very easy to remove on your own. However, if you don't take the time and care to do it correctly, you can cause significant damage to your natural nails.
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic nails are a mix of liquid monomer and powder polymer that form a paste. When applied to nails, it can add thickness, strength, and length.
- You can remove acrylics by gently pushing them off after an acetone soak. However, acetone can be drying to nails and skin.
- You can also use a non-acetone polish remover, though this may not be as quick. Always follow up with a cuticle oil.
- Be sure to remove acrylic nails no more than every four weeks or so to prevent damage to your natural nails.
Luckily, you don't need to take a costly trip to the nail salon just to take off acrylics. With a few tools and techniques in your back pocket, you can restore your natural nails and keep them happy and healthy. Keep reading! 💅
See Related: 10 Pink Halloween Nail Ideas For 2024
How Do I Remove Acrylic Nails at Home?
You've likely committed a few beauty sins in your lifetime, like sleeping with wet hair or not washing your makeup brushes enough. However, one of the worst is ripping off acrylic nails. It takes a long time for your natural nails to recover from that kind of trauma. Though it might not completely destroy your nail beds, it can cause lasting damage.
If you're overly concerned about removing acrylic nails, it's a good idea to visit a nail salon. Trained professionals will be able to take care of your natural nails and keep them happy and healthy. However, if you prefer the do-it-yourself route, it's possible to remove acrylic nails at home with amazing results.
The most effective method for removing acrylic nails is using an acetone soak. An acetone soak will lift and break down the acrylic product, making it easier to safely remove.
The Procedure
First, you'll need to gather some standard nail care tools, like a nail file, nail clippers, cuticle pusher, nail buff, and acetone nail polish remover. Now, let's dive into the nitty gritty!
Here's how to remove acrylic nails at home:
- Carefully clip off the tips of your acrylics. Cut as close to your natural nails as possible.
- Roughen the surface of the acrylics with a nail buff or nail file until the shine is gone. Removing this upper layer of the acrylic helps it soften in the acetone soak.
- Soak your nails in a bowl of acetone. Soak your nails for at least five minutes.
- Gently push the acrylics with a cuticle pusher. A metal cuticle pusher is usually the most effective. Gently push from the cuticles downward. Don't use excessive force.
- Repeat steps 3 through 4 until the acrylics are completely soaked off.
- Remove any extra pieces of acrylic with a nail buff.
- Carefully massage cuticle oil into your nails to nourish and hydrate your nail beds. Acetone is very drying for your skin and nails, so be sure to regularly apply cuticle oil and hand cream when you're using acetone.
How Do I Remove Acrylic Nails Without Acetone?
Acetone is a solvent that is often used in nail polish removers and household cleaning products. It's able to dissolve nail glue and break down acrylics. Though it's a very effective product for removing acrylics, it can be very drying for nails and skin.
If you want to avoid using acetone, there are still a couple of ways to remove acrylic nails at home. However, keep in mind they may not be as effective or quick at dissolving glue or breaking down acrylics.
The Procedure
Once again, you'll need to gather your go-to nail care tools, like a nail file, nail clippers, cuticle pusher, and nail buff. However, instead of an acetone polish remover, you'll need to find a non-acetone polish remover.
Non-acetone polish remover is an alcohol-based solution that is less drying than acetone polish remover. It can still dissolve nail glue and break down acrylics without causing unnecessary damage to your natural nails.
Now, let's get to work.
- Carefully clip off the tips of your acrylics. Cut as close to your natural nails as possible.
- Roughen the surface of the acrylics with a nail buff or nail file until the shine is gone. Removing this upper layer of the acrylic helps it soften in the acetone soak.
- Apply a generous amount of non-acetone polish remover to your acrylics and allow it to dissolve the glue.
- Soak your nails in a bowl of soapy warm water. Soak your nails for at least ten minutes. This will lift the acrylics in a similar way to an acetone soak.
- Gently push the acrylics with a cuticle pusher.
- Repeat steps 3 through 5 until the acrylics are completely soaked off.
- Remove any extra pieces of acrylic with a nail buff.
- Carefully massage cuticle oil into your nails to nourish and hydrate your nail beds.
Bonus: The Importance Of Self-Care For Health And Wellness
How Often Should You Fully Remove Acrylic Nails?
The removal process for acrylics can be harsh on your nails. It's important to give your nails a chance to rest and recover occasionally so they can stay healthy. That means taking a break from acrylics every now and again.
You should remove acrylics after every four weeks maximum. Removing acrylics too often can dry and damage your nails and skin. However, this depends on how fast your nails grow and your overall nail health.
Will Acrylic Nails Eventually Fall Off?
Acrylics don't just "fall off," but they can chip, crack, and lift on the corners. Eventually, they may peel or pop off (which can be pretty painful) due to regular wear and tear. Ideally, you would have your acrylics removed before they start to peel or pop off.
How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?
This depends on a few different factors, including the products used and the application method. However, acrylic nails typically last between two to three weeks before needing to be filled. Acrylic nails typically last six to eight weeks, with a fill every two to three weeks. Fills are important for the overall appearance of the manicure and help acrylic nails last longer.
How Do Salons Remove Acrylic Nails?
Salons usually follow the same procedures we outlined above. Salons will typically start with an acetone soak before gently pushing the acrylics with a cuticle pusher. However, some salons may use the file-off method instead of the soak-off method. The file-off method is typically more damaging on the natural nail, though it is slightly quicker than the soak-off method.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Acrylic Nails at a Salon?
Acrylic nail removal usually costs between $10 and $20 at a nail salon. However, this can depend on the nail tech, the nail salon, and the method used.
How Can You Make Acrylics Last Longer?
The longevity of your acrylics will depend on several factors. It can depend on your nail length, lifestyle, and nail care habits. Be sure to regularly apply hand cream and cuticle oil to keep your hands happy and healthy (which will also prolong the life of your acrylics.) It's also a good idea to wear gloves when cleaning or cooking. Lastly, follow good nail care practices, and don't be rough with your acrylics.
Final Thoughts
Though acrylic nail removal can be a daunting task, it can be easy if you approach the process with care and attention. Follow the steps we outlined above, and don't cut corners! Treat your nails with care and kindness, and they'll stay happy and healthy.
With the holidays quickly nearing, now is the time to dress up your nails with fun and festive designs. With our nail stamping plates, you'll be able to express your personality, whether you have talon-like acrylic nails or something short and simple.
Keep Reading: 11 Gorgeous Thanksgiving Nails Ideas For 2024
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