Acrylic nails have been one of the coolest trends and one of the easiest ways to add glam and length to your nails. However, you will have to remove them after a few weeks, and the process can be painful. The best way to remove them is by visiting a nail salon, but money and time sometimes can be a constraint. Most people use acetone, a powerful chemical solvent and quite effective in removing acrylic nails, but it is not beneficial to your health or nails either. We have compiled different approaches through which you can remove your acrylic nails without involving acetone.
Taking off these fake nails may seem impossible. During the lockdown season, almost all salons were closed down as a result of a global pandemic. Many women who largely rely on salons for removing their fake nails were trapped as they had no way to remove or fill their acrylic nails. The reason is, some fake nails can only be removed by a nail professional in a salon. The alternative they had was using acetone. Acetone is a very powerful and strong chemical that may not be good for your skin and nails. There are some other methods that you can use to remove your acrylic nails without using this powerful chemical.
Most people who have used acetone say it worked so well, but they prefer the natural way. The natural route is harmless, and it involves readily available products, so you do not have to sweat looking for them.
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Can you remove acrylic nails without acetone?
We have already established that acetone effectively removes acrylic nails, and it tends to be harsh on your skin and nails. Acetone can make your nails brittle or irritate your cuticles or even make them dry or red. Because of these reasons, many people are looking for alternative approaches for removing their fake/acrylic nails.
Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to safely get rid of acrylic nails without having to go to a salon or using acetone. If you want to know some of these techniques, below is a few of them:
1: Using dental floss
This product can be used for things other than doctor’s recommendations. Dental floss is a readily available product at home, and it will be useful in helping to remove acrylic nails. For a DIY enthusiast, you can do this exercise alone, but if you are not sure about the process to follow, you can ask or follow the steps we have provided. When your natural nails are too short, using dental floss can be painful. Dental floss works by picking off the fake nails one at a time.
Away from having sufficient dental floss, you should also have the following:
- Cuticle stick
- Nail buffer
- Moisturiser and cuticle cream
Once you are prepared with the above materials, follow the procedure below:
- Working with the cuticle stick, get rid of the bottom edge of your acrylic nail.
- In this step, ask for some help to slide the floss under your acrylic nails.
- Here, you are going to feel some pain. Gently move the dental floss forward and backwards until you get rid of the nail. Remember to move the dental floss slowly to prevent too much pain. Also, when you move the floss at a higher speed, you are likely to tear down your natural nail.
- Repeat the process on other nails until you achieve acrylic-free on all your other nails.
- The process may result in cracked nails. After removing the acrylic nails, use a nail buffer to polish and clean your natural nails.
- Re-hydrate your nails with moisturiser and cuticle cream. Apply the hydrating agents around all your nails to soften them. Rehydrating your nails help in curing them and is ready for the next phase of acrylic nails.
2. Using hot water
This is one of the gentlest and easiest acrylic nail removal methods available, not involving acetone. If you decide to choose this method, you will need the following:
- Warm water
- Orange sticks
- Nail clippers
- Nail filer
Follow the procedure below to get rid of your acrylic nails:
- Trim your nails to attain the shortest length and edges using the orange stick.
- Take a bowl and pour warm water into it. Ensure the water temperature is ideal or comfortable as you will be needed to soak for quite some time.
- Soak your nails for not less than 30 minutes. The aim of soaking your nails for this long is to make glue dissolve in the warm water.
- If after 30 minutes the glue does not come out, add warm water and return them for another round.
- Because you will need to soak for more than 3o minutes, the water gets cold. Keep adding warm water for a consistent temperature, taking a shorter time to remove your acrylic nails.
3. Using Nail Filers
Another underrated method of removing acrylic nails is through filing. Although it may be time-consuming, you will have prevented the harm that comes with using acetone. You will need the following materials to help you get acrylic nails if you decide to use this method:
- Buffer or nail filler
- Orange stick
- Cuticle scissors
- Nail clippers
- Cuticle oil
The following process should guide you:
- Get rid of the design and colour from your nails and reduce them to the shortest length possible.
- Using lock strokes, begin to file your acrylic nails. File them until that point where you reach the bed of the nail. At this point, be careful not to file the natural bed.
- If you notice there are some parts of the nail remaining, use a cuticle scissor and use the open edge to clip the nail. Ensure you do not open the cuticle scissor too much and cut small pieces at a time.
- Once you have removed all the acrylic nails, use the orange stick to scrape off all the remaining acrylic glue.
- Apply cuticle oil after completing the entire process, as this procedure can be harsh on your natural nails.
4. Using a business card
You should not use any business card but a laminated one. You can use your laminated business card to remove your acrylic nails away from using them for just business purposes. Although it may seem awkward, it can be used to do that work too.
This approach is easier than you would think. Laminated cards tend to be more sturdy than regular cards. They can be more effective in removing acrylic nails without having to spend much. You will just need to take your wallet and check if you have a laminated business card. A business card that has expired or is unworkable will be the most appropriate.
You will need the following to complete the process:
- Cuticle stick
- Nail buffer
- Moisturiser and cuticle cream
Follow the steps below to get rid of acrylic nails:
- Using the cuticle stick, remove the bottom of the nail gently. Ensure you do this slowly to prevent hurting your natural nails.
- Slide the laminated card corner around the acrylic nail in a slide-to slide motion. Take the laminated card in slow motion to prevent your nails below the acrylic nails from ripping off.
- Slide the card forward and backwards to remove acrylic nails; repeat this process until you finish removing all nails.
- Using a nail buffer, clean your nails to ensure you remain with polished natural nails.
5. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is yet another simple but effective method of getting rid of acrylic nails. If you choose to use this approach, you should follow the steps below:
- Prior to directly soaking your nails into the rubbing alcohol, make sure you have some cotton balls.
- Tape the cotton balls around your nails. Cotton balls protect your natural nails against rubbing alcohol, which sometimes can be harsh on your nails and fingers.
- Take a large bowl that will fit all your fingers well. Pour the rubbing alcohol into your bowl to two inches levels.
- Soak your nails for around 20 to 30 minutes.
- After the time is over, remove the nails from the rubbing oil and gently remove the acrylic nails.
- If there is any remaining glue, you can use a laminated card or dental floss to cut through it.
Tips for caring for your nails after getting rid of acrylic nails
- After using different procedures to get rid of the acrylic nails, scrape off the remaining residue from the nail bed.
- Use cuticle oil immediately after removing the fake nails to recover the actual nail bed.
- Some procedures can be harsh on your skin, so it is good to apply moisturiser after completing the entire process.
- If you have stayed with acrylic nails for more than one month, your natural nails must become so big. Use a nail clipper to trim your natural nails.
- To harden your nails, apply some nail hardener each day for around two weeks. This also helps in curing your nails faster.
- Although you might be tempted to shape your nails, it is good to allow them to grow in their real shape to protect them from breaking and cracking.
- Acrylics tend to weaken your natural nails, and they end up in need of some nourishment. Always keep your real nails hydrated with lotion or cuticle oil.
Acrylic nails are very trendy and a fun way to appear elegant. However, the process of removing them can be harsh and challenging. Some procedures of removing acrylic can even harm your skin. If you love having acrylic nails on your fingers, always put the above tips in mind to keep your natural nails in optimal health.
How to prevent future damage
- After getting rid of acrylic nails, wait for more than one week before considering putting the next acrylic nails to allow your natural nails to heal.
- During this one break week, apply a nail strengthener or hardener every day to protect your natural nails from breakage.
- Apple cuticle oil or cuticle cream alternatively on your nails and wrap them with a cotton cloth, and leave them for five minutes.
If you follow the above tips carefully, your natural nails will look more elegant, smoother, and shinier without having to worry about the damage that may be caused by acrylic.
Precautions to take while removing acrylic nails
The following are safety measures you should take while getting rid of your acrylic nails:
- Never try to forcefully remove your acrylic nails because you might end up pulling up the actual nail bed, resulting in excruciating pain or even infection.
- If you want to use acetone, ensure the place around you does not have a fire, as acetone chemical is highly flammable and can cause accidents.
- Most of the time, the side effects of using acetone may be dehydration or skin wrinkling because of its powerful chemical compounds. If you are using acetone methods to remove acrylic nails and you notice a severe redness or a sharp burning sensation, you should not hesitate to seek professional assistance immediately.
- Cover the surface or the table on which you are carrying this procedure to protect it from acetone damage or stain.
- The process requires a lot of patience, so you should be ready to wait until all adhesive is gone. So, when removing your acrylic nails, get a comfortable place to sit as you wait.
- If you decide to use a specific method, stick to it until all the nail is removed to avoid accidents or to hurt your nails.
Take away
Now that you have all the tricks and tips for removing acrylic nails, you should not hold yourself back from having those beautiful, elegant nails. Go ahead and rock them without worrying about how you will remove them, as we have given you some of the easiest approaches, which will not even cost you a dime. After removing the acrylic nails, remember to apply nail hardeners and moisturisers as you take a one week break before getting another phase of acrylic nails. Just follow the procedures, and all will be well for you.