Removing acrylic nails at home can save you a trip to the salon and some money. Whether you prefer the traditional acetone method or want to explore alternatives like vinegar or plain old water. Find here 3 guides on how to remove acrylic nails with acetone, vinegar & water!
How to Remove Acrylic Nails Method 1: The Regular Way with Acetone
How to Remove Acrylic Nails What You’ll Need:
- Pure acetone
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Aluminum foil
- Cotton balls
- Prepared Foil Squares
- Cuticle pusher
- Moisturizer or cuticle oil
How to Remove Acrylic Nails Steps:
Trim the Acrylic Nails
Use nail clippers to cut the acrylic nails as short as possible. This will make the removal process quicker and easier.
File the Top Layer
Gently file the top surface of the acrylic nails to remove the shiny layer. This helps the acetone penetrate better. Again, it is the same as roughing up your nails; you have to be careful not to hurt your nails.
Prepare the Cotton Balls and Foil
Soak cotton balls in pure acetone.
Cut aluminum foil into small squares (about 3×3 inches). You can also use prepared foil squares with integrated cotton. Find some prepared foil squares here!
Wrap Your Nails
Place a soaked cotton ball on each nail.
Wrap the nail and cotton ball in a piece of aluminum foil.
Ensure the foil is snug to prevent the acetone from evaporating. You can use nail clips to keep the foil in place and apply extra pressure.
Let them Soak
Let your nails soak for about 20-30 minutes. You might feel a slight tingling sensation, which is normal.
Check and Remove
Check one nail to see if the acrylic has softened. If it has, use a cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. If not, rewrap and soak for another 10 minutes. Repeat for all nails.
Moisturize
Taking care of your nails after acrylics is super important since this kind of manicure and the acetone are aggressive on your nails, cuticles & skin. Once all acrylics are removed, wash your hands thoroughly. Apply a rich moisturizer and a cuticle oil to nourish your nails and skin!
How to Remove Acrylic Nails Method 2: Alternative Way with Vinegar
Vinegar isn´t only for the kitchen or cleaning. You can also use it to remove acrylic nails. While vinegar is a less aggressive method compared to acetone, it can work if you’re looking for a more natural approach. But keep in mind that this method might take longer and may not be as effective for very thick or stubborn acrylic nails.
The vinegar method is often touted as a natural alternative to acetone for removing acrylic nails, but its effectiveness can vary. Vinegar is much less harsh than acetone, making it gentler on your nails and skin. However, it may not be as effective, especially for thick or stubborn acrylic nails.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails with Vinegar What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- A small bowl or a nail-soaking bowl (makes the waiting time easier)
- Cuticle pusher
- Moisturizer or cuticle oil
How to Remove Acrylic Nails with Vinegar Steps:
Trim the Acrylic Nails
Cut the acrylic nails as short as possible with a nail clipper.
File the Top Layer
File the top layer of the acrylic nails to break the seal and help the vinegar penetrate. Again, it is important to “crack” the acrylic for the vinegar to penetrate, BUT don´t be too rough! Make sure you don´t reach the nails or hurt them!
Prepare the Soak
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and lemon juice in a small bowl. The acidity of the lemon juice can enhance the effectiveness of the vinegar.
Soak Your Nails
Place your nails in the bowl and let them soak for about 30-40 minutes. The vinegar will help to break down the acrylic.
Check and Remove
Check one nail to see if the acrylic has started to lift. Use a cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the softened acrylic.
Repeat the soaking process if necessary until all acrylics are removed.
Moisturize
Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any vinegar residue.
Apply moisturizer or cuticle oil to keep your nails and skin hydrated.
Tips for Removing Acrylic Nails with Vinegar
- Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging your natural nails.
- If the acrylic doesn’t come off easily, soak it longer rather than forcing it.
- Always follow up with a good nail care routine to restore your nails’ health.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails with Vinegar Thoughts
Acidity
Vinegar is acidic and can help soften the acrylic, though not as quickly or thoroughly as acetone. Adding lemon juice, which is also acidic, can enhance the vinegar’s effectiveness.
Time-Consuming
The vinegar method generally takes significantly longer. To see any significant results, you might need to soak your nails for at least 30-40 minutes, and sometimes up to an hour or more.
Less Reliable
The results can be inconsistent. Some people find that the acrylic softens enough to be scraped off, while others might not see much effect, especially if the acrylic nails are particularly thick or have been on for a long time.
Following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove your acrylic nails at home using either the regular acetone method or the alternative vinegar approach. Happy nail care!
How to Remove Acrylic Nails with Warm Water and Soap Method 3
This is another gentle and natural method to remove acrylic nails, which may take longer but avoids harsh chemicals. It’s a good option if you have sensitive skin or want to minimize damage to your natural nails.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails with Water What You’ll Need:
- Warm water
- Mild liquid soap
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- A small bowl or a nail-soaking bowl (makes the waiting time easier)
- Cuticle pusher
- Moisturizer or cuticle oil
How to Remove Acrylic Nails with Water Steps:
Trim the Acrylic Nails
Use nail clippers to cut the acrylic nails as short as possible. This will make the removal process quicker and easier.
File the Top Layer
Gently file the top surface of the acrylic nails to break the seal and help the water and soap penetrate better.
Prepare the Soak
Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a generous amount of mild liquid soap. Mix well to create a soapy solution.
Soak Your Nails
Place your nails in the warm, soapy water and let them soak for at least 30-40 minutes. The warmth and soap will help to loosen the adhesive holding the acrylic nails.
Check and Remove
After soaking, check one nail to see if the acrylic has started to lift. Use a cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. If it doesn’t come off easily, continue soaking for another 10-20 minutes and try again.
Buff and Smooth
Once the acrylic nails are removed, use a nail buffer to smooth out any remaining adhesive or rough patches on your natural nails.
Moisturize
Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Apply a generous amount of moisturizer or cuticle oil to nourish your nails and skin.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails with Water Tips
- Be Patient: This method is less harsh but also slower than using acetone. Patience is key.
- Warm Water: Keep the water warm but not too hot to avoid discomfort.
- Gentle Removal: Avoid forcing the acrylic off if it’s still firmly attached. Soak longer instead.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails with Water Conclusion
The warm water and soap method is a gentle, natural alternative for removing acrylic nails. It requires more time and patience but can be a good choice if you want to avoid harsh chemicals. As with all methods, follow up with a good nail care routine to keep your nails healthy and strong!