DIY nail removal is all about technique
There’s something undeniably appealing about a fresh set of acrylic nails—they add length and polish to your natural nails while also creating endless opportunities for experimenting with nail designs and colors. Even with new trendy mani options like dip powder and builder gel nails available, our love for acrylic nails will never fade. (And neither will they—acrylics have some serious staying power).
The flip side of that staying power is figuring out how to remove acrylic nails without damaging your natural nails. You definitely can’t rip them off (you’ll regret it if you try). And while TikTok is full of hacks for removing acrylic nails, these viral techniques don’t always work.
Ultimately, heading to the salon for professional removal is the safest way to remove acrylics. But if that’s not in the cards, rest assured that safe and effective DIY acrylic nail removal techniques do, in fact, exist. Here, we’ll explain how to remove acrylic nails at home without damage and offer some of our best tips for keeping your nails strong, healthy, and nail art-ready.
How Do I Remove Acrylic Nails at Home?
There are a few safe ways to get acrylic nails off at home, including options that don’t require acetone. And if you’re at all intimidated by the thought of channeling your inner nail tech, don’t be: Learning how to remove acrylic nails without damage is way easier than you might think.
Whether your go-to is a classic French manicure or you’re switching it up with eye-catching neon nails, the below removal options should work for you.
What Is the Best Way To Remove Acrylic Nails?
One of the most common ways to remove acrylic nails without damaging your natural nails is an acetone soak. This is what you’ve likely experienced at salons, but it can be easily replicated at your kitchen table.
What you’ll need:
• Nail clippers
• Nail file
• 100% acetone nail polish remover
• Petroleum jelly
• Cotton balls
• Aluminum foil
How to remove acrylic nails with acetone
Step 1: Clip
Start by using a nail clipper to cut excess length from your acrylics. The less nail that’s left to work with, the better.
Step 2: Prep
File and buff the tops of your nails to remove any nail polish that was applied on top of the acrylics. Then, prep your cuticles for an acetone soak by applying cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to the base of your nail beds and your fingers (this helps prevent your cuticles from drying out).
Step 3: Wrap and soak
Saturate a cotton ball with acetone nail polish remover and place it on top of your acrylic, covering the nail completely. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the tip of your finger to cover your nail and the cotton ball, and repeat for each nail.
Step 4: Wait
Now comes the easy part. Sit back and relax for about 20 minutes while the acetone does its thing (we suggest taking the opportunity to find some inspo for your next nail look).
Step 5: Flake away (or soak again)
Once the time is up, gently lift the aluminum foil off from one of your nails. The acrylic should be soft enough that you can flake it off without too much effort. If it’s not quite there yet, leave your nails to soak for an additional five to 10 minutes.
How Do I Remove Acrylic Nails Without Acetone?
If you’re not a fan of using acetone to remove nails, we have a DIY tutorial to keep handy. This acrylic nail removal technique is a snap sans acetone and only takes a little more time to complete.
Step 1: Clip
Again, begin by clipping your acrylics as short as possible.
Step 2: Tweeze
Using a pair of tweezers or a cuticle stick, gently pry and lift the edges of your acrylics. The key word here is gently. Try to force it, and you’ll be in for a world of pain—plus almost certain nail damage.
Step 3: Soak
Next, pour some acetone-free nail polish remover into a bowl, making sure it’s deep enough that you can fully submerge your fingertips. Let your nails soak for 30 to 40 minutes or until the acrylics begin to noticeably loosen.
Step 5: Peel
When the acrylics begin to lessen their grip, use your tweezers to gently pull them off of your nailbeds. If you have to force it, soak your fingers in the polish remover a bit longer.
What To Use on Your Nails After Acrylic Removal
Whether you’re committed to at-home removal or only go the DIY route in a pinch, it’s important to pay attention to your hands and nails. Here, learn how to care for nails so they stay strong and healthy-feeling day after day.
Cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is an essential part of nail care (aftercare especially) and should be used before, during, and after a manicure to keep your cuticles and nail beds soft and moisturized. Consider keeping a bottle in your nightstand and making oiling your cuticles part of your nightly pre-bed ritual.
Hand cream
No matter how safely you remove your acrylic nails, the process can leave your hands and cuticles feeling dry. To counteract any dryness, slather your hands in a hydrating cream or lotion at least once a day (though more often can’t hurt).
