How to Remove Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are a great option for women with weak or brittle nails. They provide a hard shield against the elements that usually cause breakage, and allow for manicures to last longer and look more attractive.

If you have ever seen acrylic nails, you know that these are almost permanently bonded onto the natural nail below. This is of course to minimize the chance that an acrylic nail will come loose and leave the wearer with an incomplete set. Also, bonding acrylic nails very well to the nail below is important to reduce the chance of it getting loose and then ripped out (which can be HORRIDLY painful).

So, how can you remove these (almost) permanent acrylic nail additives? It is strongly recommended you see a professional to avoid chances of ruining the nail beneath the acrylic nail, but it is also possible to do at home with some time and patience.

To remove acrylic nails, you will need about a half hour or more, some nail polish remover with acetone, a nail buffer and some strong nail clippers. Start to remove acrylic nails by clipping them as short as you can. This can be a tough process if the acrylic nails are very thick, but clip a little bit at a time.

Next step to remove acrylic nails is to soak them in a bowl full of nail polish remover. The acetone-free kind will not work, so make sure you are getting the one containing this chemical. Acetone is what weakens the glue bond between the acrylic nail and natural nail. Soak the acrylic nails for 20 minutes. If you like, rub some Vaseline on your fingers around the nail area to reduce the chance of drying out your skin and avoid peeling. Some people are highly sensitive to this chemical.

Now, slowly try to peel and remove acrylic nails off of the natural nail. Be careful during this process because the acetone also weakens your natural nail and makes it more prone to breakage. A pulled-off nail while trying to remove acrylic nails can be a highly painful and unwanted experience!

If it is still difficult to remove acrylic nails, soak for another 5 minutes, and try again. The acrylic nails should come off without too much struggle.

When you finally remove acrylic nails, wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of the Vaseline and acetone. You may be left with some glue bond and acrylic residue that may have broken off the fake nail during removal. Do not try and peel this off if it didn't come out during the acetone soaking. Instead, gently buff these acrylic glue residues while paying special attention so that you do not thin out your natural nail beneath. Use a light and steady stroke.

The last step to remove acrylic nails successfully would be to apply a protein topcoat to your natural nails. This can help strengthen your nails after the adverse effects of the acetone soaking, and make them healthier. Also, use a good moisturizer on your hands and cuticles for the same purpose. Good luck, and remember patience is key!

Sources:

www.en.allexperts.com/q/Nail-Care.../Acrylic-nail-removal.htm