Putting acrylic nails is different from a typical nail curing. It is more long-lasting and hard to remove, and the use of acetone does not work on removing acrylic nails. With that, how can we remove gel acrylic nails without acetone? I will give you the answer in a bit.
There are lots of horror stories about removing gel acrylic nails. That is how stressful it is to get rid of it. Other people said that using acetone burned their fingertips, and that hurts like hell. And so, they find different ways until they come up with remedies that are available in their household. These help most acrylic nail users who have no time to go to the salon personally. Plus, there is no need to pay extra.
The Problem About Gel Acrylic Nails
We bet you are now asking, “Why should I remove these acrylic nails? It's beautiful, anyways.” The truth is those are still fake nails. It might last for weeks or months, but it doesn’t stay forever.
Aside from that, the real nails will outgrow the fake ones. It will end up messy and will crack after a long time. Time will come; you need to remove it whether you like it or not.
Here are the cons of using gel acrylic nails:
- It may cause a high risk of damage when poorly applied to pins that can lead to fungus and infection.
- It has a strong odor during application.
- It is full of toxic.
- It is inflexible and very prone to damage.
- It can be seen as fake nails and demands more fillings for a better outcome.
The Solution: How to Remove Gel Acrylic Nails Without Acetone?
Here are the proofs that even without acetone and without nail expert’s help, you can altogether remove gel acrylic nails. I will be discussing the four methods below. You can try one of these alternatives, whichever your choice will be. Let’s get it started!
Method #1: Use Dental Floss
We can imagine your reaction saying, “Seriously? A dental floss?” Dental floss is not only used by the dentist. It is one of the most available items at home that would help in removing gel acrylic nails. You can do this alone; however, you’re free to ask for help from someone. Using dental floss might be painful when the original nails are too short. The item picks off the acrylic nails one at a time.
Aside from the sufficient number of dental floss, you should also prepare the following materials:
- Cuticle stick
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle cream and moisturizer
Here are the steps that you should follow to complete the process:
1. Gently remove the bottom edge of the acrylic nail using the cuticle stick.
2. Ask for help in sliding the dental floss under the acrylic nails.
3. On this part, you’ll feel the pain. Slowly move the floss back and forth until you remove the acrylic nail. Do not speed up the process as it may cause so much pain. There is also a possibility that it will tear down the natural nail.
4. Repeat the previous step until you have acrylic-free nails.
5. There might be cracked nails as a result of the process. Use the nail buffer to clean and polish your nails.
6. Re-hydrate your natural nails with the cuticle cream and moisturizer. Apply the formula around your nails to soften your fingers. It helps to keep the nails ready for the subsequent curing.
Method #2: Through Laminated Business Card
Business cards aren’t only made for business purposes but also in getting rid of acrylic nails. That's sounds awkward, but it works that way too.
This method is a lot easier than the prior way. We know that laminated cards are sturdy compared to regular cards, so it can be a great tool to remove acrylic nails without spending much cost. Check on your wallet and see if there's an unworkable business card or any other laminated cards.
Other materials needed are:
- Cuticle stick
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle cream and moisturizer
Here are the steps that you should follow to complete the process:
1. Get the cuticle stick and gently remove the bottom of the acrylic nail. Do it slowly to avoid hurting natural nails.
2. Slide the corner of the laminated card in a side-to-side motion around the acrylic nail. Then, take it slow to protect your natural nails underneath away from ripping off.
3. To remove the acrylic nails altogether, slide the laminated card back and forth. Repeat the process to finish all nails.
4. Clean the nails with a nail buffer. It is essential to end up with fully polished natural nails to get it ready for the subsequent curing.
5. The skin of the fingers must stay nourished all the time. Since the method might cause the skin to dry, apply the prepared cuticle cream and moisturizer onto it.
Method #3: Use A Nail Clipper
Without the previous items at home, you can still remove those acrylic nails. Let’s go with the most straightforward tool that anyone surely has – a nail clipper.
A nail clipper is handy in maintaining a proper cleaning of nails. But now, we will be using it in another way that still takes care of the nails. This method could be the timeliest thing to do in removing acrylic nails without acetone. But, it could also be the most familiar tool you could ever use at any time of the day.
If you want a quicker way than using a nail clipper, I recommend you to use an electric nail file machine. However, this will cost you much in both starting and future costs.
Here are the items you need on this method:
- Of course, a nail clipper
- Cuticle scissors and sticks
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle cream and moisturizer
Here are the steps that you should follow to complete the process:
1. Make sure that your nail clipper is strong enough to cut the tips of acrylic nails. If the nail clipper doesn’t work, go with a course nail filer. It’s the best remedy to cut off tough acrylic nails.
2. Using the nail buffer, file the acrylic coating until a thin layer is still left. An electric nail file is another tool that you can use on this process for quicker results.
3. You must remove the remaining acrylic nails at the bottom of the natural nails by using a cuticle stick. Then, get the cuticle scissor to clip away the acrylic nail. Repeat the process on each nail.
4. Use the nail buffer to clean and shape the natural nails after removing all the acrylic nails. Clean the nails thoroughly to be able to sustain its shape for the subsequent curing.
5. Make sure to restore the skin and natural nails in form by applying the cuticle cream and moisturizer on it.
Method #4: Look For Acetone-Free Polish Remover
Since acetone is rich in chemicals, there are remedies on that. Try looking for a chemical-free polish remover that can work with acrylic nails. Believe it or not, there are a lot of options available in the market.
We put the method at the latter part of the post because of the cost it demands, unlike the prior items which are free at home. Using an acetone-free polish remover is the most effortless way, so far, in removing acrylic nails. It doesn’t require human efforts and doesn’t cause pain on your fingernails.
This method might take long, so you better find someone who’ll be with you along the process. Expect for 15-minutes to an hour to finish this method. The reason is not to feel bored.
Have the following materials in doing this method:
- Rubbing alcohol as a substitute
- A piece of newspaper
- Small bowl
- Petroleum jelly
- Cuticle stick
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle cream and moisturizer
Here are the steps that you should follow to complete the process:
1. Set up the materials such as a bowl containing acetone-free polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Spread out a newspaper around the area.
2. Put petroleum jelly on your fingers and then start dipping it to the bowl for twenty minutes. Wait for the acrylic nails to soften.
3. Get the cuticle stick and slowly remove the acrylic nail. Be careful not to damage your natural nails. If there are remaining acrylic materials, redo the second and third step until it all fade away.
4. Clean the nails with a buffer.
5. Wash your hands and gently dry it with a towel.
6. Put on the cuticle cream and moisturizer on the skin and fingernails for reshaping purposes.
The Final Thoughts
Acrylic nails are undeniably beautiful when added to natural nails. It gives more life into your nails, but removing it could stress you out. The use of acetone will never be enough to get rid of acrylic nails safely. Happily, there are other ways to remove acrylic nails even without acetone easily. Each method must be done with gentleness, not too fast and not too hard to save your nails from getting hurt and severe damage. The required materials are very accessible at home. There is no need for you to go to the salon and spend extra.
I hope this article helped you out in finding ways on how to remove gel acrylic nails without acetone. Share it with your friends!