To remove acrylic nails safely at home, follow these expert-recommended steps:
What You’ll Need
- Nail clippers or cuticle nippers
- Coarse nail file (100-grit recommended)
- 100% pure acetone
- Cotton balls or lint-free pads
- Aluminum foil or nail soak clips
- Cuticle pusher or orange stick
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil or moisturizing hand cream
Step-by-Step Removal Process
- Trim the Acrylic Nails
Use nail clippers to cut the acrylic nails as short as possible without cutting your natural nails. This reduces the surface area and makes acetone penetration easier
- File Down the Acrylic Surface
Using a coarse nail file, gently file the top layer of the acrylic nails until the shiny surface is removed. This helps the acetone soak penetrate the acrylic more effectively
- Soak Nails in Acetone
Soak cotton balls in 100% acetone, place one on each nail, then wrap your fingertips in aluminum foil or use nail soak clips to hold the cotton in place. Let your nails soak for about 30 minutes. Warming the acetone slightly by running the bottle under warm water (not microwaving) can speed up the process
- Remove Softened Acrylic
After soaking, gently use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to push off the softened acrylic. Avoid forcing it; if it doesn’t come off easily, rewrap and soak for another 10-15 minutes
- Buff and Moisturize
Once the acrylic is removed, gently buff your nails to smooth out any remaining residue. Finish by applying cuticle oil and moisturizing hand cream to rehydrate your nails and skin, as acetone can be very drying
Additional Tips
- Avoid forcibly peeling or biting off acrylic nails, as this can cause serious damage to your natural nails
- If you don’t want to use acetone, a nail drill can be used to gently file down acrylics, but this requires caution and skill to avoid injury
- Removing acrylic nails at a salon is the safest option if you’re unsure or want to avoid damage
This method balances effectiveness with nail health, allowing you to remove acrylic nails at home safely and with minimal damage.
