How to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home [5 Easy Methods]

Updated on January 1, 2024

Many ladies that cannot do without manicures are now using acrylic nails. And the reason for this is because they are gorgeous, and they last longer than most artificial nails out there.

But, no matter how long your nails last, you still have to remove them. And because it lasts long, it is not exactly easy to remove. You might need to go to the salon for this.

However, if anything, the 2020 pandemic has opened our eyes to the benefit of doing things ourselves. And removing acrylic nails at home is not left out. So, in this article, we will discuss how to remove acrylic nails at home.

Step-by-step Guide on how to remove acrylic nails at home

There are five methods you can use to remove acrylic nails at home. We will discuss the methods and give step-by-step guides on how to go about it.

Method 1: How to remove acrylic nails at home using acetone

The first method is the use of acetone. It is a chemical solvent that is used to remove artificial nails. This method is very effective and is often used in salons, but you can also use it at home.

For this method of acrylic nail removal, you will need acetone (obviously), nail clippers, aluminum foil, cotton balls, petroleum jelly, and nail files. Here is how you will go about it.

1. Clip the nails to shorten them. Working with shorter nails is easier.

2. Remove the nail polish on the acrylic nails by filing it.

3. Apply the petroleum jelly to your nail beds and fingers to protect them.

4. Soak the cotton balls in the acetone and place it on the nails.

5. Ensure the soaked cotton balls stay firm on the nails by wrapping them with aluminum foil. Do this till all your fingers are soaked.

Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then check it. If you cannot easily remove the nails, leave them for a few more minutes until they come off easily.

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Method 2: How to remove acrylic nails at home using acetone-free cortex polish remover

Many ladies avoid using acetone, and the reason is not far-fetched. Even though it is effective, it can be harmful to the nails. Hence, the reason why some tend toward using acetone-free chemicals. All you need is a bowl, nail clipper, tweezers, and acetone-free cortex polish remover.

Here is how to do this:

1. Clip your nails with the clippers to make them short.

2. Use the tweezers to lift the artificial nails’ end gently. The keyword here is gentle, do not forcefully lift it so you won’t damage your nails.

3. Pour the acetone-free solvent into a bowl. Make sure it reaches the level where your nails can be fully immersed in it.

4. Put your fingers in it and let them remain there for about 30 to 40 minutes

5. Once the time is spent, you can check if the nails are loose; if yes, use the tweezers to remove them completely.

The key to this method is patience because it will take a lot of time. But be assured that it won’t leave your nails with the after-effect of acetone, brittleness and dryness.

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Method 3: How to remove acrylic nails at home using cuticle oil

Another method you can use is using cuticle oil. The primary function of cuticle oil is to moisturize the nails, thus keeping them hydrated and healthy. But you can also use this for removing acrylic nails. You need a nail clip, tweezers, cotton balls, aluminum foil/tape, and cuticle oil.

Here is how to use this;

1. Again, start with nail clipping to shorten the nails.

2. Use the tweezers to gently raise the base of the acrylic nails so that the oil can flow inside. 

3. Soak the cotton balls in the cuticle oil.

4. Place the soaked balls on the nails and wrap them with aluminum foil or tape.

5. Leave for 20 to 30 minutes. The nails would have started coming off by then, use the tweezers to remove them completely.

Many consider this a better option because of the health benefit of cuticle oil.

Method 4: How to remove acrylic nails at home using warm water

Warm water is always there to rescue you when it comes to things related to beauty. And that is why it is one of the methods of removing acrylic nails at home. You only need a nail clipper, tweezers, liquid soap, and warm water for this technique. 

1. Clip the nails to shorten them.

2. Pour warm water (not hot) into a bowl. Let it be enough so that you can submerge your fingers into it. 

3. Add a little bit of liquid soap into the water.

4. Dip your fingers into it and leave for 20 to 30 minutes. If the water gets cold, add more warm water to it. For an effective result, move your fingers around while it’s still in the water.

5. Remove it once it’s time, and if the nails are ready to come off, use tweezers to remove them. If not, return your fingers to the water and leave it for a few more minutes.

Method 5: How to remove acrylic nails at home using dental floss

Dental floss does more than what is primarily designed to maintain healthy gum and teeth. You can use it to remove acrylic nails. All you need is a cuticle stick and dental floss. You will also need someone to help you with this method.

How do you go about this, you ask? Here is a step-by-step process;

1. Lift the base of the nails gently with the cuticle stick. If the nails are on the verge of coming off, you won’t need much effort to execute this. 

2. Then let someone else insert the dental floss once you have lifted the nails.

3. The person can now move the dental floss as if they are sawing wood. Before you know it, the nails will pop off.

But, this method takes a lot of time and is quite painful. It could also break your nails, so give it careful thought before opting for this method.

Acrylic nail removal tips

Follow these tips on removing acrylic nails at home to avoid nail damage.

• Do not remove acrylic nails forcefully so that you won’t damage your natural nails.
• Use cuticle oil after removing the nails to revive their natural state
• After removing acrylic nails, leave your natural nails for a while to keep them healthy.
• Be patient while using any method that does not require using acetone.

You now know how to remove acrylic nails at home. And we hope with this knowledge; you will not deprive yourself of going for those beautiful acrylic nails.