How To Get My Acrylic Nails Off

Who doesn't love a professional manicure? Unfortunately, we don't always have time to get to a salon or, in the case of a pandemic, we don't have access to one! While an at-home mani with regular polish is fairly straightforward, dealing with acrylic nails on your own can be a little more complicated—but totally doable.

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Please, pretty please, don't bite or try to pry off acrylic nails (yes, it's more common than you think!). "Removing nail enhancements improperly can cause damage to the natural nail plate and soft tissue surrounding the nail, leading to infections," says Linda Sweeney, an instructor/consultant and the former owner of the Academy of Nail Technology. "The nail plate shields the soft tissue underneath, called the nail bed, where we find nerve endings and small blood vessels, while the soft tissue surrounding the nail plate prevents bacteria from entering, and protects the matrix where nail cells are produced." Fortunately, proper removal of acrylic nails is easier than you think. With the right tools, anyone can remove them at home by following these simple steps.

What You'll Need to Remove Acrylic Nails

Premium Cotton Rounds

ForPro walmart.com

$22.55

Nail Polish Remover

Mineral Fusion walmart.com

$5.98

Nail & Cuticle Conditioner

1. Use a nail file to shorten the length of your acrylics.

"The best tool is an electric nail file, but if you don't have one or don't know how to use it, a manual nail file with 80 to 100 grit will work," says Martyna Bryzek, an educator with Indigo Nails.

2. Remove the rest of the acrylic that's on top of your natural nail.

Yep, keep using the nail file. "Doing this leaves a rough surface that will allow a solvent to absorb easily," says Sweeney. Just be careful not to over-file your natural nail or cuticle, which can result in pain or damage the protection of the nail bed, adds Bryzek.

3. Soak a cotton pad in an acetone remover.

Place over a nail and wrap tightly with a small square of aluminum foil. Repeat with each nail.

4. Wait 5-15 minutes.

Then, remove the foil one finger at a time, and gently scrape away the softened acrylic using an orangewood stick. Carefully buff the natural nail to take off any remaining product.

5. If necessary, repeat the steps above.

"If we don't completely dissolve the acrylic, this thin layer might start to lift from the natural nail plate and air pockets may appear," says Bryzek. "Once we wash our hands, the air pockets fill with water, creating a perfectly moist and warm environment for a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection."

6. Wash your hands and follow with cuticle oil.

On top of that, add a nail strengthening product. "Obviously, it's best to use the services of a qualified nail stylist as experience and knowledge can guarantee a safe and proper treatment, but if you treat your nails gently enough you can remove the acrylic nails yourself at home," says Bryzek. "Just keep in mind that your natural nails are delicate and their purpose is to secure very sensitive nail beds so you don't want any damage as it may cause pain and discomfort for a long time."

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Kaitlyn Pirie Sr. Editor Kaitlyn started her career as a reporter in the research department at Real Simple and went on to become a health editor at Family Circle before joining the Hearst team.

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