To soak off acrylic nails safely at home, follow these expert steps:
- File down the acrylic nails
Use a coarse grit nail file (around 100 grit) or a nail drill to thin down the acrylic as much as possible. This helps the acetone penetrate better and reduces soaking time. Be careful not to damage your natural nails or skin while filing
- Prepare acetone soak
Soak cotton balls or pads in 100% pure acetone nail polish remover. Place one soaked cotton ball on each nail, then wrap your fingertips tightly with aluminum foil to hold the cotton in place and prevent evaporation
- Soak your nails
Let your nails soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. Some recommend warming the acetone slightly by placing the bottle in warm water (not microwaving) to speed up the process. Alternatively, you can soak your fingertips in a small bowl filled with acetone, but this can be harsher on your skin
- Remove softened acrylic
After soaking, gently remove the foil and cotton from one nail at a time. The acrylic should be soft and may flake off easily. Use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the remaining acrylic. If it’s still hard, rewrap and soak for another 5-10 minutes
- Buff and moisturize
Once all acrylic is removed, lightly buff your nails to smooth any rough spots. Finish by applying cuticle oil and a rich hand cream to rehydrate your nails and skin, as acetone is very drying
Additional tips:
- Avoid forcing or peeling off acrylic nails to prevent damage.
- If you have a nail drill and are experienced, you can use it to carefully debulk the acrylic before soaking
- Always work in a well-ventilated area due to acetone fumes
This method is the safest and most effective way to remove acrylic nails at home without causing excessive damage to your natural nails
