The safest and best way to take off your acrylic nails at home is to soften them with acetone and remove the loosened product gently instead of pulling, peeling, or forcing it off.
And if your acrylics have grown out, begun to lift, or you just want a break from them, removing them at home can seem easy enough. However, there’s a huge difference between taking acrylics off with care and ripping them away from natural nails. It helps to understand the difference between Gel X and Acrylic nails before you begin.
Dermatologists constantly warn that acrylic application and removal can leave your natural nails brittle, dry, and thin. Also, they often require acetone soaking or filing for proper removal.
What You Need to Remove Acrylic Nails
Before starting, gather everything you need. Having your supplies ready means you will not have to rush through the process.
-
100% acetone
-
Nail clippers
-
Nail file or buffer
-
Cotton balls or cotton pads
-
Aluminum foil
-
Petroleum jelly
-
A wooden manicure stick
-
A bowl or towel to protect your work surface
-
Nail oil or a thick moisturizer
Acetone can damage certain surfaces, so protect your table or countertop before you begin. The AAD also recommends protecting the skin around your nails when using acetone. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as pure acetone fumes can be strong.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home
If you don’t want to go to a salon, you can remove your acrylic nails at home with a few simple steps.
Step 1. Cut the Acrylics Short
Carefully trim the length of your acrylic nails with nail clippers. Avoid attempting to cut through your natural nail. The acetone has less material to break down when extra length is removed first.
Step 2. File Away the Top Layer
Gently remove the acrylic's glossy top layer using a nail file. It's not necessary to file all the way down to your natural nail. The objective is only to penetrate the surface so that the acetone can function more efficiently.
Step 3. Protect Your Skin
Coat your cuticles and nails with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. This may lessen acetone's drying effect on the skin around it.
Step 4. Soak the Acrylics in Acetone
Cover each nail with a piece of cotton that has been soaked in acetone. To keep the cotton against the acrylic, firmly wrap each fingertip with aluminum foil.
Allow your nails to soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Depending on the thickness of your acrylics, you may need a bit more time.
Don't rush this step. If the acrylic doesn't soften sufficiently, soak it again rather than forcing it off.
Step 5. Gently Remove the Softened Acrylic
Once the acrylic has softened, gently push or wipe away the loosened material. If it does not come away easily, stop and soak the nail again.
Never pry underneath the acrylic with another nail, sharp tool, or excessive force. Removing layers of your natural nail can leave it weak and painful. Remember that acrylic removal can damage the top plate of the natural nail, so be careful.
What to Do After Removing Acrylic Nails
After removal, your natural nails may feel unusually flexible, thin, or dry. This is common and doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, but your nails will benefit from some extra care while they recover.
Simple aftercare tips:
-
Moisturize daily: Apply hand cream, cuticle oil, or nail oil to your hands, nails, and cuticles to restore hydration.
-
Keep nails short: Trimming your natural nails reduces the risk of bending, splitting, and breakage while they regain strength.
-
Counteract dryness: Nail removers and treatments can worsen dryness, so focus on rehydrating cuticles and nails after removal.
-
Give your nails a break: If your nails are peeling, painful, damaged, or discolored, wait before applying another set of acrylics.
See a dermatologist or healthcare provider if you notice:
-
Severe pain
-
Swelling or redness
-
Nail separation from the nail bed
-
Signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or throbbing
When Should You Have Acrylics Removed Professionally?
Removing acrylics at home isn't always the best option. Professional removal is often safer if the acrylics are particularly thick, firmly bonded, lifting unevenly, or if your natural nails are already damaged.
If you're in Nashville, visiting a professional is also a great option when you're ready to try new nail designs or want to save time.
At Union Street Salon in downtown Nashville, you can get personalized nail care in a professional salon setting. Our nail services include manicures, builder gel, Gel-X extensions, and gel polish removal.
