How to Remove Fake Nails at Home

Take your time when removing fake nails at home.

Acrylic nails are a popular fashion accessory for women all over the world. Choosing acrylic nails is an especially convenient option for women who have thin, brittle nails that break easily. The cost and maintenance of acrylic nails, however, can often be more than you bargain for. In addition to the initial cost of a set of acrylic nails (ranging from $30 to $60), nail specialists recommend getting your nails filled to maintain acrylic nails every two weeks. If you are unable to go to a salon to have your acrylics removed by a professional, you can safely remove them at home.

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Shallow glass dish or bowl
• Acetone nail polish
• Wooden cuticle stick
• Nail file
• Soap
• Water
• Lotion

Instructions

1. Trim your nails using your nail clippers. Apply petroleum jelly around each nail to safeguard your skin from the acetone in the nail polish remover.

2. Pour acetone nail polish remover into a shallow glass dish or bowl. Soak your nails in the nail polish remover for 15 minutes. The acrylic glue will begin to soften and swell as you soak.

3. Check to see if the acrylic nails are soft enough to remove by gently pulling on one. If the nail comes off easily, they are soft enough to be removed. If the nail is difficult to remove or causes any discomfort, soak for 10 minutes longer.

4. Remove each acrylic nail using your wooden cuticle stick, and gently scrape off the acrylic nail. You will need to remove several layers of glue and acrylic. When you have removed one layer, soak your nails again in the nail polish remover to soften subsequent layers. Use the wooden cuticle stick to remove each layer.

5. File the top of each nail to smooth the surface. Do not apply too much pressure as this can cause damage to your natural nail. The chemicals from the acrylic nails weaken your natural nails, making them more susceptible to damage.

6. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Rinse well, and dry. To avoid excessive drying of your skin, apply lotion to your hands.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, have a nail specialist remove your acrylic nails.

• Never attempt to remove acrylic nails without first soaking them thoroughly in acetone nail polish remover. Simply yanking them off will cause pain and damage to your natural nails.

References

• Become Gorgeous: How to Remove Acrylic Nails
• Teen Health FX: Best Way to Get Rid of Fake Nails
• iloveindia.com: How To Remove Acrylic Nails
• CareFair.com: How to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home