To soak off acrylic nails safely at home, follow these expert-recommended steps:

1. Trim and File
   Cut your acrylic nails as short as possible to reduce the amount of acrylic to remove. Then, gently buff the top layer of the acrylic with a nail file to break the seal and help acetone penetrate better. Avoid filing down to your natural nail to prevent damage

2. Protect Your Skin
   Apply petroleum jelly around your cuticles, nail beds, and skin near your nails to protect them from the drying effects of acetone

3. Prepare for Soaking
   Soak cotton balls in 100% pure acetone (or at least 70% acetone). Place a soaked cotton ball on each nail

4. Wrap Your Nails
   Wrap each fingertip with aluminum foil to hold the cotton ball in place and create a warm environment to speed up the acrylic softening process. Alternatively, you can soak your nails directly in a bowl of acetone, but this is harsher on your skin and takes longer

5. Wait and Soak
   Let your nails soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. The acetone will break down the acrylic, making it soft and easier to remove

6. Remove Acrylic Gently
   After soaking, unwrap one nail and gently push off the softened acrylic with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. If the acrylic resists, rewrap and soak for an additional 5 to 10 minutes

7. Buff and Smooth
   Once all acrylic is removed, use a nail buffer to smooth your natural nails and file them into your desired shape

8. Hydrate and Care
   After removal, moisturize your nails and cuticles thoroughly using cuticle oil, hand cream, or a nourishing hand mask to restore moisture and prevent brittleness

Additional Tips:

• Always perform the process in a well-ventilated area due to acetone's strong fumes

• Avoid forcibly peeling or ripping off acrylic nails to prevent damage to your natural nails

• If you prefer a gentler method, soaking nails in warm soapy water for 30-40 minutes can help loosen acrylics, but it is less effective than acetone soaking and takes longer

This method ensures safe and effective removal of acrylic nails at home without harming your natural nails.