How to Remove Acrylic Nails for Free

Having trouble removing acrylic nails? You've come to the right place.

Acrylic nails are false nails that are applied onto real nails, usually with some sort of bonding material such as acrylic. The process, when done by a qualified professional, is considered low-risk and very safe.

The trickiest part of acrylic nails, however, is not attaching them; the most difficult part of the process is having them removed. Many women try to forcibly pull off the nails, but this can cause serious damage to the true fingernail and should never be attempted.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acetone
• Cotton

1. Perhaps the most popular and inexpensive way to remove acrylic nails is by the use of acetone, a substance available at most any retail store. The process to remove nails using acetone is lengthy, but simple.

2. First, the nails should be clipped down as far as possible. Grab some cotton balls and aluminum foil. Cut the foil into ten squares (one for each finger), and make sure the squares are big enough to wrap around your fingers.

3. Next, soak a cotton ball with acetone and lay it on the nail and cover it as tightly as possible with the aluminum foil. Repeat this process for every finger, but if it becomes too difficult you might want to do one hand at a time.

4. Leave the foil on your nails for at least 20 minutes. When it's time, remove the foil and cotton balls from your fingers and voila, the acrylic is gone! There may be, however, some tiny traces of it left on your fingernails. In that case, use a wood pusher or orange wood stick to scrape the remnants off.

5. If this process seems too complicated, there is something else you can do. Soak your hands in warm water for five or ten minutes, then soak them in acetone for 20 minutes and the acrylic nails will soften and become easy to remove. It's a bit messier this way, but if you don't have cotton balls or aluminum foil handy it's a good alternative.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember: acetone can significantly dry your skin, so it's important to moisturize your hands with lotion or hand cream after the procedure is completed.

[claiken]

on 5/1/2009 is there any way to unglue the nails but save them to be cleaned for future use? i know the acetone dissolves the nails, is there another way without dissolving them?

[AllFYB]

on 3/23/2009 Great step by step for removing Acrylic nails. Thanks