How To Take Off Acrylic Nails At Home | Beauty Nails Spa
Acrylic nails are never out of trend. After all, they add beautiful length to your natural nails, and you get to experiment with several nail colors and designs. But heading to the salon to remove them can be a hassle, especially if you remain busy.
And what if you’re stuck in a manicure emergency with no way to get to the salon in time? In such scenarios, you can go for effective DIY acrylic nail removal methods. All you have to do is follow the right steps and tips to avoid damaging your nails or skin.
In this guide, we will explain how to take off acrylic nails at home safely. Let’s begin!
Removing Acrylic Nails | 2 Foolproof Methods
An acetone soak is the most effective way to remove acrylic nails safely. You can also use the hot water and oil method for more convenience.
Let’s take a look at both of them in detail:
Method #1: Acetone Soak Method
One of the most common DIY ways to remove your acrylic or Gel X nails is the acetone soak technique.
What You’ll Need:
Nail file
Aluminum foil
100% acetone
Cotton balls
Petroleum jelly (optional)
Orangewood stick/cuticle pusher
Steps to Follow:
To remove the topcoat first, file the surface of your nails.
Now, apply petroleum jelly around the nail beds for protection.
Soak cotton balls in acetone & place one on every nail. Each ball must be very wet.
Then, use an aluminum foil to wrap each fingertip.
Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
After that, remove the cotton and foil, and gently push off your softened acrylic with the help of a cuticle pusher.
Now repeat this process if needed and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.
You can also soak your nails in a bowl of acetone if you don’t have foil.
Method #2: Hot Water & Oil Method
If you want a gentle method that can work to take off acrylic nails that are already lifting, this method can be your best bet.
What You’ll Need:
Cuticle stick
Dish for water
Nail file
Oil (baby oil, cuticle oil, or similar)
Steps to Follow:
Mix hot water properly with a little oil.
Now, soak your nails in this mixture for around 20-30 minutes.
Gently lift the acrylic with the help of a cuticle stick.
If the acrylic is not budging, repeat the process.
Lastly, file the rest of the acrylic off your nails.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind!
Tip 1. Never pull, bite, or pull off your acrylic nails.
Tip 2. Don’t use metal tools to force your acrylic off the nails.
Tip 3. If your nails start hurting while removing, stop and soak them more.
Tip 4. If you consider the acetone removal technique, use 100% acetone, not nail paint remover with added chemicals or ingredients.
How Long Does it Take to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home?
Well, the overall DIY process of removing acrylic nails can take about 45 minutes or an hour. But the exact time can depend on your experience level and the thickness of your nails.
This can also vary depending on the method you choose. If you remove nails with acetone, you may require 20 to 30 minutes. Without acetone, it can take up to an hour.
Beauty Nails Spa: A Solution for Acrylic Nail Removal
While DIY methods work in a pinch, removing acrylic nails is always safest when you choose the right professionals. At Beauty Nails Spa in Champaign, IL, our licensed technicians use salon-grade, gentle tools to lift and remove acrylics safely.
No pain, no pulling—just careful, clean work that your nail deserves with the utmost protection. Once your nails are efficiently removed, you can also treat yourself to new, fresh, and the best-looking nails with the help of our nail experts.
So just don’t wait any longer. Book your appointment today and let us give your nails the care they deserve!
