How to Remove False Nails

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False nails can be a joy to look at, but removing them requires time and patience because the same adhesive that keeps them firmly attached to your natural nails needs to be dissolved to release them. Most false nails are held in place using acrylic, so the goal is to soften the acrylic enough for the nail to pop off. Proceed slowly to avoid damaging your natural nails underneath.

Things You'll Need

• Glass bowl
• Acetone-based polish remover
• Orange wood stick
• Cotton balls

Instructions

1. Fill a glass bowl with acetone-based nail polish remover.

2. Soak nails in the polish remover for 10 to 20 minutes to loosen the acrylic in the false nails.

3. Slide an orange wood stick between your natural nail and the false nail, near your cuticle bed. Slowly lift the stick to get the false nail to pop off. Rub cotton balls soaked in the polish remover on your nails gently to help push the false nail and the adhesive off.

4. Soak nails for 10 more minutes if the nails aren't coming off easily, then repeat Step 3.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on how long you wore false nails, your natural nails may be brittle and soft. Apply a nail hardener to restore their strength. The higher the level of acetone in your nail polish remover, the easier it will be to remove your nails.