Acrylic nails are an inexpensive and easy solution when you want long nails in a hurry. Although your acrylic nails will be strong, their application will actually weaken your real nails. While fake nails may be able to last for a long period of time, you should remove them every few months to avoid fungus growing between your real and acrylic nails. When you are ready to take off your fake nails, you can have them removed at a nail salon for a fee or you can do it yourself at home.

Cover your work surface with a plastic drop cloth or garbage bag. Cover the plastic with newspapers or paper towels to absorb liquid spills.

Cut your fake nails as short as possible. This will make it easier to remove them with an acetone polish remover.

Fill a glass or metal bowl with acetone nail polish remover. Do not use removers labeled “gentle,” as you will need a strong acetone to remove the acrylic nail adhesive.

Coat the skin surrounding your nails in petroleum jelly. This will prevent the acetone, which is quite harsh, from penetrating your skin too quickly.

Submerge your nails in the acetone for at least 15 minutes. This should be enough time to dissolve the nail adhesive. Cover the bowl with a towel to keep the acetone from evaporating.

Take your nails out of the acetone and try to peel the acrylic nail off of your real nail. If the fake nail does not come off easily, soak your nails for a few more minutes before trying to peel the fake nail off again.

Wash your hands with moisturizing soap and warm water to remove the acetone and petroleum jelly from your hands.

Lightly buff your nails to remove any nail glue that remains. Wash your hands one more time to remove the nail glue shavings. Let your nails dry completely.