How to Take Off Nail Tips
Artificial fingernails offer convenience to women who love the shimmer and color of manicured nails. Knowing how to take off nail tips requires specific steps to avoid painful snapping or breaking that might permanently damage natural nails. Nail care professionals recommend the same steps for detaching acrylic and gel products and maintaining healthy natural fingernails. Following the appropriate techniques ensures easy and safe removal while preserving the overall appearance of a gal's own nails. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Acetone nail polish remover
- Cotton balls
- Towels
- Petroleum jelly
- Disposable glass bowl
- Timer
- Nail file
- 2 cuticle sticks
- Buffer file
- Nail polish
Instructions
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1
Use cotton balls and polish remover to wipe away all traces of polish from gel tips.This step does not apply to acrylic products.
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2
Smear petroleum jelly across each finger near the nails. This protects the skin from the acetone in the remover.
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3
Pour polish remover into the glass bowl so the liquid is one inch deep. Set the timer for 10 minutes and soak fingers in the nail polish remover. Only the nails should be touching the solution.
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4
Lift fingers after 10 minutes. Scrape away the swollen surface of the artificial nails with a cuticle stick.
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5
Continue soaking nails in the polish remover followed by scraping with the stick. Artificial nails melt away in layers. With acrylic tips, allow one layer of artificial nail to remain to ensure a protective covering for the natural nail.
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6
Wash away the petroleum jelly, and smooth the nails with the buffer file.
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7
Dab additional nail polish remover as needed with a cotton ball to ensure that any clumps of stickiness or unwanted residue from the fingernail tips are gone. Wash your hands thoroughly to eliminate all chemicals.
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8
Apply bright-colored polish across your natural nails to enhance the appearance of your own fingernails as they grow out.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves when working around the home with water or chemicals. Slather plenty of moisturizers across your fingers several times daily.
Work in a ventilated area. Fumes from nail polish remover and gel tips cause headaches.
Avoid biting or tugging at tips to loosen them. Visit a nail care professional for assistance with stubborn tips.
References
- Photo Credit Elizabeth Hachem/Lifesize/Getty Images
