From Start to Finish: Here's Exactly How to Remove Acrylic Nails Like a Pro
If you're like me, you know the true power of a good manicure. Even when things get a bit chaotic in life, having my nails done brings me a different level of calm and confidence. These days, I'm more of a "salon-worthy press-ons" kind of gal since they're easy to remove. Still, I remember the days when I got my manis done at the salon and would put off going back to get whatever I got done earlier that month removed because of the time commitment.
Admittedly, I wasn't always patient, which resulted in damaged nails. That said, if I knew then what I know now about how easy it can be to remove nails at home (especially acrylics), I definitely would've take a safer approach. "The best and safest way to remove acrylic nails is by soaking them in 100% acetone, which breaks down the acrylic," says Juli Russell, a nail expert for Sally Beauty. This can be done using either aluminum foil or a glass bowl. "The foil method is great for minimizing mess and skin exposure," says Russell. "The bowl method is faster but can be a bit harsher on the skin since your fingers are submerged."
Curious to know how to remove your acrylics like a pro? In the spirit of not gatekeeping and passing on the knowledge, here's everything you need to know about how to take off acrylic nails—step by step—straight from the experts.
What do I need to remove acrylic nails?
- Nail clippers
- Nail file (100/180 grit)
- Buffer block
- 100% pure acetone
- Cotton balls or pads
- Aluminum foil precut into strips (for foil method)
- Cuticle pusher
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil
- Hand or nail moisturizer
- Two small glass bowl (for soaking method)
- Towel (to protect your work surface)
- Paper towel
Can I remove acrylic nails and gel polish the same way?
In short, you cannot remove gel and acrylic the same way. If you know how to remove gel, it may be tempting to try whatever method you know to remove your current manicure, but Tanaya Middleton, a celebrity nail technician, says they're two different processes. "Gel polish typically sits on top of the natural nail and can be soaked off more quickly," she says. "Acrylic nails are thicker and bonded to the nail with a strong adhesive, so they require more filing and longer soaking times in acetone to break down the acrylic structure."
She also warns that trying gel removal on acrylics can damage your nails. If you don't have access to any of the tools needed to take them off properly, wait to see your nail tech.
Step 1: Set Up Your Space
Before you start, you'll want to make sure your workspace is set up with everything you need. That means laying a towel down just in case anything spills, making sure your nail file and clippers are within reach, and placing your two bowls close by. "Fill one bowl with hot water (just warm enough to tolerate) to create a warm water bath ," says Jacqueline Pham, celebrity manicurist for Color Street. "This will help speed up the acetone's effectiveness. Pour pure acetone into the second bowl—enough to submerge your nails. Alternatively, if using the foil method, prepare small squares of aluminum foil (about inches) and cotton balls/pads instead of a bowl of acetone."
Middleton adds that it may be helpful to do the removal ina well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling acetone fumes. If you're doing the foil method, you'll want to presoak your cotton balls. You should also keep paper towels on deck in case you need to wipe your hands along with your cuticle pusher, moisturizer, and cuticle oil. Pro tip: Sitting in a comfortable position is key since the whole process takes about 20 to 40 minutes.
