Shop E Store I go through a phase of acrylic nails every few years. Usually it is immediately after the nail biting stage. Acrylic is my go-to hack that saves me from myself. Hide your shame with a smudge-free manicure while giving your natural nails time to grow.
What’s the boring part you always wish you could skip? Schedule for deletion. Of course, I once did I skipped that and DIYed my acrylic nail removal. I regretted it — this was a long time ago, and like in the early days of old Google search, my technique was a combination of the wrong tools and brute force. It took several months for my natural nails to heal.
My lesson: don’t try this at home. Nail artists agree that leaving it to the professionals is the safest option. But that’s not why you’re here, reading this article, because you never intended to go to a nail salon to get your overgrown acrylic removed. So we asked nail artists and dermatologists who specialize in nail health: if I’m going to remove the acrylic at home (I only did this once and I swear I’ll never do it again). What is the best way?
Click here for nail artists Casey Harman and a dermatologist dana sternMD, is recommended.
Supplies for removing acrylic nails at home
If you want to do this at home, you will need the appropriate materials. Here’s what Herman recommends:
Step-by-step instructions on how to remove acrylic at home
We have all the supplies. What’s next?
Related articles
“While I highly recommend going to the salon for all acrylic removal, in emergencies I prefer to file away most of the acrylic and soak the thin layer of acrylic left on the nail with acetone,” Herman says. says Mr. Here’s how:
1. Use a low grit file between 100 and 150 to remove most of the acrylic, leaving a thin layer on your natural nail. This will prevent you from accidentally damaging your own nails.
2. Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to the skin around each nail. we love Cuccio Revitalizing Cuticle OilContains safflower oil and vitamin E to moisturize dry cuticles without leaving any greasiness.
3. Soak a cotton ball in acetone-based nail polish remover and place it on each nail.
4. Wrap the foil around each finger and cover each cotton ball.
5. Secure the foil around each cotton ball and sit until the acrylic is soft and brittle (about 8-15 minutes).
6. Once the acrylic has softened, use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently scrape the acrylic off each nail.
7. After removing your nails, apply a nail repair or strengthening product to your natural nails and cuticle oil to your cuticles. What Herman likes Olive & June nail strengthenerimproves nail strength by 77 percent.
8. If you’re going to apply a nail polish later, start with a strengthening base coat. Recommended by Herman maxus base coatmade of silk amino acids, strengthens the nail plate and improves nail hydration to prevent brittleness. I like her too Essie is great as a new nail perfectorprovides instant nighttime texture and improves the natural nail surface in one week, while giving the pop of classic Essie sheer pink.
Taking a break between acrylic nail appointments
The hard truth about nail enhancements like acrylic is that you’ll eventually need to take a break to keep your nails healthy. “If you’re an acrylic fan, you’ll inevitably need some post-acrylic rehabilitation,” Dr. Stern says. “Just as you need to take care of your skin to achieve the best possible makeup look, the same goes for your nails.”
To keep your natural nails in top condition between acrylic manis, Dr. Stern recommends resting them with products that remove damage and effectively hydrate and strengthen them. Regular use of extra TLC will go a long way in keeping your natural nails healthy. “Prolonged soaking in acetone can cause significant dehydration of the nails, surrounding cuticles, and nail folds, causing them to become brittle, dry cuticles, and sagging nails. Acrylic is another The risk is that during the removal process, you may accidentally remove some of the surface, damaging the layer of nail cells and causing keratin granulation,” she explains.
How long should I give it? The pros at Sally Beauty recommend doing it every two to three months, but be careful with your natural nails. If you notice thinning or breakage, taking more frequent breaks may help. If you do DIY removal without calling in a professional, there is a high chance that your natural nail will be damaged and downtime will be required. Therefore, work carefully and never tug or pull on the acrylic. Be careful when sanding. If you get too enthusiastic, you’re more likely to damage your natural nails.
How to care for your nails after removing acrylic
When it’s time to treat your nails between acrylic appointments, Dr. Stern recommends: nail regeneration systema three-step treatment she developed to strengthen nails and repair damage. Weekly nail renewal treatment includes a glycolic prep for chemical nail exfoliation, a gentle nail buffer to remove damaged nail cells, and a nourishing supplement that acts as a moisturizer, nail strengthener, and cuticle oil. Consists of gel oil.
(And that’s what your doctor tells you: Always avoid using acrylic paints, gels, and nail polish before your annual dermatology appointment. Leave nails and toenails bare.)
conclusion
You know what we mean, but acrylic nail removal is ideally left to the professionals. But nail emergencies are real, so if you decide to remove your nails yourself, do it right. Work carefully and never tug or pull on the acrylic. Work carefully with the file. If you get too enthusiastic, you’re more likely to damage your natural nails. And no matter who removes the nails, don’t forget to apply some TLC between the acrylics.
These products are independently selected by our editors. When you buy through our links, Well+Good may earn a commission.
