How To Remove Acrylic Nails The Right Way, According To A Nail Artist

We love a good set of acrylics – but it isn’t long before they grow out and start to become unmanageable. And when it gets to that stage, the temptation to pick them all off can be pretty overwhelming. But before you go in on your nails, let’s see what the professionals have to say about the removal process. Here’s how to take your acrylic nails off safely, both in the salon and at home.

How To Take Acrylic Nails Off Safely

Recap: What Are Acrylic Nails?

We’re now pretty familiar with acrylics, but for those that need a refresher: ‘Acrylic nails are an inflexible nail enhancement most commonly used for creating nail extensions,’ explains Julita Fagan, a nail artist and educator at 14 Day Mani. ‘It’s a mixture of an acrylic monomer liquid and an acrylic powder which is sculpted into place. When properly applied, as well as timely maintenance by the wearer, acrylic nails are durable and long-lasting.’

But it’s this durability – although convenient when applied fresh – that makes acrylic nails rather difficult to take off properly. So, how do we do it?

How To Remove Them At Home

Below, Julita shares her step-by-step process on how to take off acrylic nails without a salon visit:

1. ⁠Remove as much of the acrylic enhancement as possible using a 120 grit nail file.
2. ⁠Pour some warmer-than-warm water in a large bowl.
3. ⁠In a smaller bowl (one that can fit in the large bowl), add a sheet or two of paper towel.
4. Pour acetone into the smaller bowl and place into the same bowl with water.
5. ⁠Insert your hands into the bowl of acetone with yours fingers bent and immersed, with your nails resting on the paper towel.
6. ⁠Cover both bowls and your hand using a towel; this will generate warmth and aid you in a quicker removal.
7. ⁠Allow to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes and then remove the towel.
8. Use a gel scraping tool to glide the acrylic off the nail.
9. Return to soaking and, if there is still acrylic remaining on your nails, repeat the above steps as many times as necessary until all product is removed.

@ishymon Why is my fyp full of people biting their nails off #fyp #foryou #acrylicnails ♬ good 4 u – Olivia Rodrigo

The most important thing to avoid, she adds, is trying to forcibly pry away the acrylic or pick it off. ‘This can be painful and cause extreme trauma to your nail plate as you are peeling away layers of the nail surface,’ Julita tells us. ‘Doing this also means that your nails will be thin, weakened and any nail enhancement applied thereafter likely will not last well as a result.’

Salon vs Home Removal: Which One Is Better?

‘Removing nails in the salon will not differ much in its process than what is done at home,’ explains Julita, although she adds that the experience will probably be safer and quicker than if you were to try it at home. ‘An acrylic removal in salon will likely be completed in a more time efficient manner due to skillset and the use of advanced tools (like an e-file), which allow for a quicker de-bulking and acrylic removal process. I also recommend having acrylics removed professionally to ensure proper nail safety, as well as certainty of the removal of all product from the nail plate.’

If you want to get your acrylic nails removed by a professional, book in at one of the luxury London nail salons.