How to Remove Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are designed with staying power in mind, so removal is not as easy as just pulling them off (you can do this, but it hurts a lot and damages your nails underneath even more). To remove acrylic nails, you should ideally return to the salon that applied them and have them do it. This is the safest and easiest way. If you want to do it yourself, though, follow the steps outlined below.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Foil
• Acetone
• Lotion
• Cotton balls

1. Coat your skin and cuticles around the nails with petroleum jelly to help protect the skin.

2. Trim the acrylic nails if possible. If this causes pain, leave them alone.

3. Dip cotton balls in acetone.

4. Apply the cotton balls to the nails and cover each one with a strip of aluminum foil.

5. Let them sit for about half an hour, then remove one and wipe the acrylic away. If it comes off easily, repeat for the other nails. If not, place another cotton ball on your nail and wait.

6. Wash your hands and apply lotion once the acrylic is gone. The acetone dries out skin and nails.

7. Apply a clear coat of polish to your nails to minimize the appearance of the damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Work in a well ventilated area to avoid breathing in acetone.
• Be careful—acetone can damage skin and nails.

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