Buzz
A fresh acrylic, gel, or dip powder manicure can give your confidence a major boost. But eventually, the time comes to remove them, and you might prefer to take them off yourself rather than spending extra money at the salon.
If you're choosing to skip the nail salon for this task, it's important to follow the correct steps. Though it might be tempting to peel off your gel manicure, doing so could harm your natural nails. We consulted with nail experts to bring you the safest methods for removing fake nails and tips for maintaining healthy natural nails afterward.
What You’ll Need
Necessary Tools
- Nail clippers
- Cuticle pusher
Necessary Materials
- Hand towel
- Paper towels
- Cotton balls
- 100% pure acetone
- Aluminum foil
- Cuticle oil
Step-by-Step Guide
The method for removing acrylic, gel, and dip powder nails remains the same. Celebrity manicurist Mar y Sol suggests preparing your workstation with all the necessary tools before you begin. Collect everything you need and follow the steps below to safely remove your fake nails.
Mar y Sol advises cutting your tin foil into ten small pieces, each capable of wrapping around a finger. Additionally, place paper towels under your workstation so when the top layer becomes filled with product, you can easily dispose of it and continue with a fresh layer below.
Trim Off Excess Nail Extensions
- "If you're wearing nail extensions, use a nail clipper to shorten them," advises Mar y Sol. "This will save you time later on."
- After clipping off the extra length, file away the glossy top coat of your nail polish using the coarse side of your nail file. "This is known as the inhibition layer, and once removed, acetone will be able to work more effectively," she explains.
Prepare Your Nails with Cuticle Oil
Begin by applying cuticle oil to your nails. "Using cuticle oil helps restore natural oils to your nails, preventing them from drying out due to acetone," says professional nail artist Syreeta Aaron.
Soak Nails and Secure With Foil
Soak a cotton ball with acetone, place it over your nail, and wrap your finger in aluminum foil. Repeat this process for each finger.
"Aluminum foil is an excellent heat conductor, which helps speed up the process," explains Rebecca Ludwig, a professional nail artist and educator. After about 10 minutes, the acetone will start dissolving the fake nails.
Rebecca Ludwig
"The amount of time needed depends on how thick the product is, but once it's properly soaked, it will start to flake off from the nail and can easily be wiped away with a paper towel."
Use a Cuticle Pusher
After 10 minutes, Mar y Sol advises checking one nail and using your cuticle pusher to gently remove any remaining product.
"Acrylic and dip powder may need a little extra time and a reapplication of remover, but with patience, you can maintain healthy nails after removal," says Mar y Sol.
Continue soaking your nails with cotton and wrapping them in aluminum foil until the nail enhancements are completely removed.
Acetone is a potent chemical that can damage surfaces like wood. In addition to using paper towels, Aaron suggests soaking your nails on a sturdy surface like glass to prevent any damage to your furniture.
Complete with Aftercare
Aftercare is crucial to ensure your nails stay healthy and look great after removing fake nails. "It's always a good idea to restore your nails with cuticle oil after removing artificial nails," says Aaron. Cuticle oil helps keep your nails hydrated.
Mar y Sol also recommends using a nail strengthener to repair any potential damage and maintain strong, healthy nails after removal. Hand cream can also help keep your skin moisturized.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How can I remove my fake nails quickly?
It's important not to rush the removal process as it may cause damage. Typically, taking off fake nails correctly takes around 20 to 30 minutes. It's best to file them down, soak them, remove the product, and then moisturize afterward.
-
How long do fake nails last?
A full set of acrylic nails typically lasts six to eight weeks, while dip powder nails can last up to five weeks. Gel manicures last about two to three weeks. To make your nails last longer, avoid picking or biting your nails, and wear gloves during activities like cleaning. Also, keep your hands moisturized, especially after washing them.
-
How long should I wait before getting my nails done again?
There's no fixed timeline for getting a new set of nails, but it's important to give your nails time to heal after removal. Wait until your nails have fully recovered and no longer show signs of damage, such as brittleness, weakness, or thinning.
