Are you tired of feeling the burn from acetone while removing your acrylic nails? Do you dread the thought of your delicate nails and cuticles becoming dry, brittle and damaged from the use of acetone? Well, at least I do. So, what are the best alternatives to acetone?
Acetone-free nail polish remover, hot soapy water, dental floss, vinegar, rubbing alcohol and cuticle oil are some of the best alternatives to remove acrylic nails without acetone. Any nail polish remover that is free of acetone often contains solvents such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and propylene carbonate that work by dissolving acrylic nails whereas hot soapy water can also aid in loosening the adhesive, making it easier to scrape off the acrylic nails.
If you’re looking for a gentler step-to-step guide on removing acrylic nails without acetone, you’re in luck. In this article, Ill explore the most easy and effective ways to remove your acrylic nails at home without damaging your natural nails. So, say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a more natural approach to acrylic nail removal.
Related Reading: How do salons Remove Acrylic Nails?
How to Take off Acrylics Without Acetone Fast?
1) Soak in Hot Soapy Water
Items needed:
- A large bowl
- Hot water
- Dish soap
- Orange stick or cuticle pusher. (My favorite is the Glass Cuticle Pusher by GLADZY )
- Nail file
- Nail buffer( You can get your self the classic Morary 12-Pack, Nail Buffer Blocks for Natural and Acrylic Nails)
Instructions
- In a large bowl add warm water , making sure that it’s not too hot to avoid any burns.
- Next, add a few drops of dish soap into the bowl and mix it well.
- Slowly dip your fingers into the bowl and let them soak for around 20-30 minutes. The hot soapy water will help to loosen the acrylic nails.
- After soaking, try to easily/gently peel the acrylic nails from your natural nails using an orange stick. If the acrylic nails are not coming off easily, soak them again for another 10 minutes( This is important as it will help loosen the acrylic nails)
- Once the acrylic nails are removed, use a nail buffer to smooth out any bumps and ridges on your natural nails.
- Rinse and moisturize. I recommend Beauty by Earth cuticle oil full of vitamin E to strengthen and heal your nails.
Additional Tips:
- Be patient when removing acrylics with hot soapy water. This process may take a bit longer, but it’s a gentler method that won’t damage your natural nails.
- If the acrylic nails are not coming off easily, don’t force them as this can damage your natural nails. Soak them again and try later.
- After removing the acrylics, moisturize your nails and cuticles with a nourishing oil or cream to help replenish any moisture lost during the removal process.
If you are extra curious and want to know Why Acrylic Nails Lift, check out this article
2) Dental Floss
To remove acrylic nails with dental floss, you will need;
- A pair of nail clippers
- A roll of dental floss,
- A large bowl
- Hot water
- Dish soap
- An orange stick or cuticle pusher, and a nail buffer.
Instructions
- Start by cutting down the acrylic nails as much as possible with the nail clippers. This will make the removal process easier and less painful.
- Next, take a long piece of dental floss and Slide the floss under the edge of the acrylic nail . Use a back-and-forth motion to gently saw it back and forth until it comes loose.
- Once the acrylic nails have been removed, fill a large bowl with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Soak your nails in the bowl for 10-15 minutes to help soften any remaining adhesive.
- After soaking, use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently push off any remaining acrylic nail material. Be gentle to avoid causing any pain or damage to your natural nails.
- Use a nail buffer to smooth out any bumps or ridges on your natural nails.
- Finally, rinse and moisturize with any oil or lotion of your choice.
Remember to be patient and gentle when removing the acrylic nails with dental floss. If you’re having difficulty removing the acrylics with floss alone, you can use a combination of dental floss and an orange stick or cuticle pusher to help ease the process. And, don’t forget to moisturize your nails and cuticles with a nourishing oil or cream after the removal process to help replenish any moisture lost.
3) Acetone – Free Nail Polish Remover
Well, acetone can be harsh on your nails and skin. However, there is a gentler way of removing acrylic nails- acetone-free nail polish remover. You can buy any that contains solvents such as s ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and propylene carbonate.
Here’s the process;
To start, gather the following items:
- An acetone-free nail polish remover
- Cotton balls
- Aluminum foil
- A nail file
- A cuticle stick.
Instructions
- Begin by filing down the topcoat of your acrylic nails to remove the shiny layer. This will help the nail polish remover to penetrate the acrylic.
- Take the cotton balls and soak them in the nail polish remover until they are saturated.
- Place apiece of soaked cotton ball on each nail and wrap it tightly with a small piece of aluminum foil. This helps to keep the cotton ball in place and prevents the nail polish remover from evaporating.
- Wait for 20-30 minutes to allow the nail polish remover to dissolve the acrylic nails.
- After the time has elapsed, carefully remove the foil and cotton balls from each nail. The acrylic should have become soft and pliable.
- Pro-Tip: You can use the cuticle stick to gently push the acrylic off your nails. If the acrylic does not come off easily.
- Once all of the acrylic has been removed, use a nail buffer to smooth out any bumps or ridges on your natural nails.
- Rinse with warm water and moisturize.( This process is pretty much easy and straight forward)
4) Laminated Cards
Just like dental floss, using a laminated card to remove acrylic nails is a safe and gentle method that minimizes the risk of damage to your natural nails. The laminated card is thin, flexible, and sturdy, making it easy to slide under the acrylic nail and gently loosen it from the natural nail bed. These method works best when your acrylics are some how loose. So please first soak in warm water for about 10 minutes )
- After soaking in, take a laminated card and slide it under the edge of the acrylic nail( This method is quiet similar to dental floss method I mentioned earlier). Gently and slowly work the card back and forth until the nail begins to lift off of your natural nail.
- Continue to work the card under the nail until the acrylic nail is completely lifted off.
- Once all the acrylic nails have been removed, buff your natural nails to smooth out any rough spots or ridges, rinse and moisturize with oil/lotion of your choice. That’s it. Its easy and straight forward.
5) Cuticle Oil
In this method, you can use any cuticle oil of your choice. With the help of cuticle oil, you will safely and gently remove acrylic nails without causing damage to your natural nails. Here’s how;
- To start, you’ll need some cuticle oil, a wooden stick or cuticle pusher, cotton balls or a clean cloth, and a Q-tip. Begin by preparing your work area by laying down some paper towels or a cloth to catch any excess oil or debris.
- Next, apply the cuticle oil around the edges of your acrylic nails using a Q-tip or cotton ball. Be sure to saturate the nails with the oil, paying special attention to the cuticle area.
- After applying the oil, allow it to sit on your nails for around 15-20 minutes. This will help to soften the acrylic nails, making them easier to remove.
- Once the nails have been sufficiently soaked, take a cuticle pusher or wooden stick and gently push the acrylic nails away from your natural nails. If the acrylic nails are not coming off easily, apply more cuticle oil and wait for a few more minutes before trying again.
- As you remove the acrylic nails, use cotton balls or a clean cloth to wipe away any excess oil or debris from your nails.
- Finally, after all the acrylic nails have been removed, use a nail buffer to smooth out any rough spots or ridges.
Using cuticle oil to remove acrylic nails is a gentle and natural method that helps to keep your nails healthy and strong. The oil helps to soften the acrylic nails, making them easier to remove without damaging your natural nails. I wrote an article on why acrylic nails pop up , please check it out. It will help your acrylics last longer next time you get them.
6) Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol
- Start by clipping off as much of the acrylic nails as possible using a nail clipper. Be careful not to clip too close to your natural nails. Once you’ve done that, use a nail file to gently file the surface of the nails to remove the shiny topcoat.
- After your nails are prepped, it’s time to soak them in. Pour some white vinegar into a small bowl and add same ration of rubbing alcohol( 1:1) . If you do not have white vinegar, you can also use Apple Cider Vinegar.
- Leave your nails soaking for 15-20 minutes. You can watch a show, read a book, or do something else to pass the time. After 15- 20 minutes, remove Your hands and rinse. By now, your acrylics are soft and can easily be scrapped off by either cuticle pusher or orange stick .You should be able to gently peel the acrylic nails off using a cuticle pusher or your fingers without any pain.
- If there’s any leftover acrylic residue on your nails, you can use a Q-tip soaked in vinegar to completely remove it.
- After removing all acrylics off, rinse with water and moisturize your hands.
Using vinegar to remove acrylic nails is a safe and effective method that doesn’t involve harsh chemicals or tools. It’s also budget-friendly and can easily be done at home.
Top Tips for Caring for Your Nails After Acrylic Removal
Congratulations on successfully removing your acrylic nails! Now that they’re gone, it’s important to take care of your natural nails to keep them healthy and strong. Here are some top tips for caring for your nails after acrylic removal:
- Give your nails a break: Your nails have been through a lot with the acrylics on. Give them a chance to breathe and recover before applying any new nail products. It’s always best to wait at least a week or two before getting new acrylics.
- Keep your nails hydrated: Acrylic nails can leave your natural nails dry and brittle.
- Always apply a moisturizing cream or oil to your nails and cuticles to keep them hydrated and healthy. I recommend using natural oils like coconut oil or almond oil for this purpose.
- You should also by all means stop biting or picking your nails: Biting or picking your nails can lead to nail damage, breakage, and even infections. Keep your hands away from your mouth . If you need to trim or cut grown nails, use a nail clipper instead of biting or tearing your nails.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet is essential for healthy nails: Choose a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, vitamin E, and iron than fast foods( That’s right). The nutrients in a healthy meal can help strengthen your nails and prevent nail damage.
- Use nail-strengthening products: After acrylic removal, your nails may be weak and prone to breakage. Consider using nail-strengthening products like nail hardeners or growth serums to help your nails regain their strength. ( my favorite is Hard and Hoof)
Remember, it takes time for your nails to recover after acrylic removal. Be patient and consistent with your nail care routine, and you’ll soon have healthy, strong, and beautiful nails. I suggest reading the article ‘Can Acrylic Nails Ruin Your Natural Nails?‘ to gain a better understanding of why it’s crucial to give your natural nails a break from acrylics.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, guys. Removing acrylic nails without acetone is not only gentle on your nails but also a simple and easy process. Whether you prefer using hot soapy water, dental floss, or acetone-free nail polish remover, it is important to remember to be patient and gentle with your nails throughout the removal process. After removing your acrylic nails, it is crucial to care for your natural nails properly. Be sure to moisturize them regularly with cuticle oil, avoid biting or picking at them, and keep them trimmed and clean to promote healthy growth.
If you’re not comfortable removing your acrylic nails at home or prefer a professional touch, don’t hesitate to visit your local salon. They have the expertise and tools to remove your acrylic nails safely and effectively. Now it’s your turn! Which one worked best for you? Let us know in the comments below.
SOURCES
- Cosmopolitan: How to Remove Acrylic Nails Without Damaging Your Nails
- Reddit: How do I remove acrylic nails without 100% acetone?
- WebMD: What to Know Before You Get Them
