To remove acrylic nails safely at home, the most effective and widely recommended method involves using 100% acetone to soak and dissolve the acrylic, combined with careful filing and gentle scraping. Here is a step-by- step guide based on expert advice:
How to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home
What you'll need:
- 100% pure acetone nail polish remover
- Nail file (preferably coarse, around 100 grit)
- Nail clippers
- Cotton balls or pads
- Aluminum foil or nail clips
- Cuticle pusher or orange stick
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil and hand cream for aftercare
Steps:
- Clip the Acrylic Nails Short
Use nail clippers to trim your acrylic nails as close to the natural nail as possible to reduce the amount of acrylic you need to remove
- File the Surface of the Acrylic
Roughen the surface of the acrylic nails with a coarse nail file until the shiny top coat is gone. This helps the acetone penetrate the acrylic more effectively
- Soak Nails in Acetone
- Soak cotton balls in 100% acetone and place one on each nail.
- Wrap each fingertip tightly with aluminum foil to hold the cotton in place. Alternatively, use nail clips designed for acetone soaks.
- Let your nails soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. Warming the acetone slightly (by running the bottle under warm water) can speed up the process, but do not microwave it due to flammability
- Check and Gently Remove Acrylic
After soaking, remove the foil and cotton from one nail. The acrylic should be softened and may flake or lift off easily. Use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently scrape off the loosened acrylic. Do not force it; if it resists, rewrap and soak for another 5 to 10 minutes
- Buff and Smooth
Once all acrylic is removed, gently buff your nails to smooth out any remaining residue. Avoid aggressive filing to protect your natural nails
- Aftercare
Acetone is very drying, so apply cuticle oil and hand cream generously to restore moisture and help your nails recover
Alternative Methods Without Acetone
- Using a nail drill to gently file down the acrylic is an option but requires skill to avoid damage and is generally not recommended for beginners
- Soaking nails in warm soapy water for an extended time can help loosen acrylics but is much slower and less effective
Important Tips
- Never peel, bite, or forcibly pick off acrylic nails, as this can cause severe damage to your natural nails
- Removing acrylic nails at a salon by a professional is safest, but if done carefully at home, damage can be minimized
By following these steps patiently and carefully, you can remove acrylic nails at home safely and effectively without causing significant harm to your natural nails.
