When you want to add length, rockimpressive art, or score a long-lasting mani, acrylics are unparalleled.
Figuring out how to remove acrylic nails at home can be a real pain in the butt.
(E-files are a no-go for DIYers; well explain why shortly.)
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But we get itsometimes a trip to the nail salon just isnt in the cards.
Are acrylics bad for your nails?
Theres really nothing innately problematic with acrylics.
Symptoms include immediate burning upon utility and/or subsequent inflammation, Dr. Stern tells SELF.
If you notice any of these reactions, take acrylics out of your manicure repertoire, she advises.
What happens to your nails if you remove acrylics thewrongway?
And the problem with thinner plates?
Above all, do notwe repeat, do NOTattempt to pry or pop off your acrylics.
(The dental floss hack thatsall over TikTokis also a no good, very bad idea, warns Dr.
This can be painful, naturally, but also puts you at increased risk for infection.
How to take off acrylic nails: A step-by-step guide
Ready to DIY?
Step 1: Cut them down with nail clippers.
This will make them easier to remove.
Step 2: Start filingcarefully.
Remember those e-files we talked about?
However, all of the pros we spoke with caution against e-filing at home.
Stick with an old-school nail file, but a coarse one.
Gerstein recommends an option with 100 grit or less.
(The lower the number, the rougher it is.)
Granted, its challenging to tell exactly where the acrylic ends and your natural nail begins.
And again, you only want to file until youve made your way through the majority of the acrylic.
Step 3: Safeguard your skin.
Step 4: Soak in acetone.
Instead, she advises filling a small bowl with acetone and soaking all five fingertips at once.
Want to speed up the process?
When the acetone is warm, it works faster, she notes.
MAJOR WARNING: Do not, under any circumstances, heat the acetone directlyits extremely flammable.
(Like, set your house on fire flammable.)
Step 5: Check and scrape (gently).
Step 6: Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize some more.
Dont get hung up on looking for particular formulas or ingredients.
Anything that will add back moisture is going to do the trick, she says.
Want to up the ante?
What are other ways to remove acrylic nails?
Unfortunately, there really arent any.
Again, yanking, pulling, and scraping are definite no-nos.
My advice is to stop trying to take them off and see a professional nail tech, Gerstein says.
It just takes restraint, patience, and a boatload of acetone.
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