Acrylic nails provide women with an opportunity to have long and stylish nails, but when it is time to do a filing off what should one do? Incorrect removal can result to brittle and damaged natural nails on the edges. To get healthy nails, learn how you can remove acrylic nails naturally at home in the following step by step guide.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following items:
- Acetone which is the best if pure (100% pure for the best outcome)
- Nail clippers or scissors
- Coarse-grit nail file
- Cotton balls or pads
- Aluminum foil , which should be chopped into small pieces.
- Cuticle pusher also known as orangewood stick
- Bowl of warm water (optional)
- Cuticle oil/ lotion for moisturizing the skin .
Step-by-Step Process
1. Trim the Acrylic Nails
First of all, you should trim your acrylic nails short as possible using nail scissors. If the acrylic is too thick, then you can never apply any pressure on your natural nail bed while trimming.
2. File the Top Layer
Subsequently, apply a coarse nail file and carefully files off the shiny topcoat on the acrylic nails. This layer is basically a coat of protection, so when you shave it off it’s easier for the acetone to get in deep.
3. Soak the Acrylics
Soaking can be done in two ways:
Foil Wrap Method:
- Take a cotton ball or pad and wet it in acetone.
- Put it over your nail and cover it up well using the aluminum foil.
- Doing so to all nails and let it stay there for about 20-30mins.
Bowl Soak Method:
- Heat the acetone gently by placing the bowl the bowl of acetone into another bowl of warm water but do not heat acetone in microwave for it is flammable.
- Soak your nails in the acetone for about half-hour, that is 20-30 minutes.
4. Check and Remove the Acrylic
After soaking, the acrylic should become somehow soft and should raise a bit from the substrate. Work another piece of orangewood stick or use a cuticle pusher to remove the softened acrylic. But if there is resistance, it is better to use acetone and soak again rather than to tear the acrylic off.
5. Buff and Smooth Your Nails
After the acrylic is eventually eliminated, use the fine-grit nail file to shave the surface of your regular nails. It can take additional adhesive or acrylic residue which needs to be removed.
6. Rehydrate Your Nails
Acetone may dry out nails and skin; therefore apply cuticle oil for nails and a hand cream with your acetone-soaked cloth. Apply these into your nails and cuticles as they will help to nourish and strengthen the nails.
Tips for a Successful Removal
Patience is Key: If one tries to hurry up the process of applying, or, perhaps, drought the acrylic off, the nails can be damaged.
Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Main hazards are flammable nature of acetone and rather pungent smell of its fumes so make sure the room is well-ventilated.
Consider Professional Help: If you think, it’s too strong or you, are not sure, then it is better to go to the nail salon for the proper removal.
Post-Removal Care
Once you discard acrylic nails, your natural nails may turn fragile or become weaker and thinner. To restore their health:
- Do not use the new acrylics or gel polish on your nails at the beginning of the service.
- There is a need to use a strengthening nail treatment or clear nail polish.
- Clip them short and do not use filers often.
- Make sure to keep applying cuticle oil and moisturizing on hands from time to time.
It is not hard to learn how to remove acrylic nails. If you take the necessary precautions and invest a ample amount of time it will be safe to go bare or alternatively file and shape for the next manicure. That way, you know your nails are going to be strong in the future, if you just take the time to do it properly now.