Here’s how to safely remove acrylic nails at home without damaging your natural nails.

If you're aiming for longer nails or a perfect canvas for nail art, acrylic nails are the way to go. However, once your natural nails have grown out or you're ready for a fresh manicure, removing acrylics can take some time and attention.

"While removing acrylic nails isn't exactly hard, it can be a time-consuming task," says nail artist Aaliyah Smith. Many people rush and try to peel them off, which can damage the nail plate, leading to thinning, bruising, or even bleeding. Ideally, it's best to visit a professional nail technician for the removal process, but if that’s not an option, you can do it yourself.

Discover how to safely remove acrylic nails at home with these easy-to-follow steps.

By following the steps below, you can remove your acrylic nails at home without causing any harm to your natural nails.

Step 1: Begin by trimming your acrylic nails.

Trimming your acrylic nails with nail clippers can make the removal process much easier and quicker, according to Smith. This will also help reduce any potential damage to your natural nails underneath. Acrylics tend to be thick, so you may prefer to use a heavy-duty clipper, such as the Songqee Thick Nail Cutter. Trim the nails as short as possible, aiming to cut them right to the tips of your fingers.

Step 2: Soak your nails in a remover solution.

You’ll need pure acetone for this, not just any nail polish remover. Try using something like Super Nail Pure Acetone. Pour a sufficient amount into a small bowl, enough to fully cover your fingertips. Submerge one hand at a time, but only your fingertips, and cover the bowl with a hand towel to help reduce fumes, as advised by Smith.

3. Exercise Patience

When done properly, the process of removing acrylic nails can take anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. “Don't rush it. Prioritize quality over speed,” recommends Smith.

4. Gently Begin Scraping

Check your nails every now and then; when the acrylics start to look flaky, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to carefully scrape the product off. One tool you could use is the Tweezerman Pushy Stainless Steel Cuticle Pusher. Repeat the process of soaking and scraping until all the acrylic has been removed from the nail plate, according to Smith.

5. Replenish Moisture

After you've removed all the acrylics, file and buff your nails to smooth them out. Then, focus on replenishing moisture to help reverse any dryness caused by the acetone. Smith suggests applying a nourishing cuticle oil, gently massaging it into your nail beds and the surrounding skin. Our choice: CND Solar Oil Nail & Cuticle Oil.