Do you have fake nails (like acrylic) that you want to remove? You might be thinking about how to do it without using acetone, which is a strong chemical that can harm your skin if not used correctly. Fortunately, there are some excellent ways to take off fake nails without acetone, and safely at home. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best ways to remove your fake nails, whether they are glue-on or gel nails.
What is Acetone?
Acetone is a liquid used in nail polish removers and cleaners. Some people call it propane-2-one or dimethyl ketone. When you have fake nails on, acetone helps to loosen and dissolve the glue that holds them.
Medical News Today identified other names for acetone (in case you come across them) including:
- dimethyl ketone
- 2-propanone
- propanone
- beta-ketopropane
But, be careful with acetone. Using it too much or the wrong way can dry out and harm your skin and nails. And, it has a strong smell that might give you a headache if you use it a lot.
People like using acetone a lot to remove fake nails because it works fast and makes the glue come off easily. It also cleans up any extra nail polish or dirt on your nails.
But, you need to be careful with acetone because it can harm your skin if you’re not careful. Some people are even allergic to it. So, it’s good to know about other options you can use instead.
What Fake Nails Did You Find?
1. Press-on False Nails
Press-on false nails are great if you want a quick way to make your nails look nice. They come ready with adhesive already on them, so you can easily stick them on without any special tools. Plus, they’re easy to take off when you want to remove them.
2. Gel False Nails
There’s another kind of fake nail called gel nails. These nails are made of a special gel without any liquid monomer. They’re put on your natural nails and then cured with a UV or LED lamp. Gel nails are strong, and flexible, and give a shiny, glossy look.
3. Shellac
Shellac is not like fake nails, but it’s a good way to make your manicure last longer. You apply it by adding a base coat, color, and top coat to protect your nails. The shellac helps your false nails stay on for a longer time.
4. Acrylic False Nails
Acrylic nails are super popular! They get their name from the special brush used to apply a mixture of polymer and monomer. These nails are strong and durable, making them a top choice for people who want long-lasting fake nails.
5. Nail Wraps
If you prefer nails that look natural, nail wraps are just right for you. They are usually shorter and made from fancy materials like silk and linen, and they’re stuck on with nail glue. With nail wraps, your fake nails will look like the real deal and can stay on for about two weeks.
Remember, you’ll eventually need to remove any type of false nails. Keep reading to find out how to do it…
How to Take Off Fake Nails Without Acetone
Luckily, you have different ways to take off your fake nails without using acetone. Here are some easy and cost-effective ways to take off fake nails without acetone:
1. Use Hot, Soapy Water
Soap and water are a fantastic way to remove acrylics without strong chemicals such as acetone. Get a bowl or sink and fill it with hot, soapy water. Then, soak your nails in the water for about 10 minutes. This makes the glue soft, and it’ll be easier to take off the fake nails.
After soaking, use a cotton pad or swab to gently peel off the false nails from their base. If some parts are hard to remove, you can use tweezers or a cuticle pusher to take them off.
2. Cuticle Oil
Cuticle oil is a mix of natural oils like jojoba and almond that can make the glue on false nails soft.
It’s a wonderful option if you prefer something gentler than acetone remover, soap, or hot water. Cuticle oil keeps your cuticles healthy and moisturized, while also helping you remove acrylics without harming the skin underneath.
Put a few drops of cuticle oil on the bottom of each nail and let it soak in. This will make the glue soft and make it easier to peel off the fake nails.
3. Nail File
If you can’t use any of the methods mentioned before, you can give a nail file a try. Use a rough file to break down the acrylic and make it easier to remove without needing acetone or strong chemicals. Just move the file back and forth until all the acrylics are gone from your nails.
But remember, using a nail file alone should be your last option because it can damage your natural nails. It’s better to try gentler methods first before using this one. Nail files can be different, and some are better than others.
4. Take Off Fake Nails Without Acetone Using Dental Floss
Try this creative way to remove your acrylic nails using dental floss! It works best when your nails have already loosened a bit.
If not, you can use warm water or cuticle oil to help loosen them, as mentioned earlier. Just keep in mind, you’ll need a friend’s help because doing it alone is nearly impossible.
When your nails are a bit loose, use a cuticle stick to lift the edges of the fake nail. Slide dental floss under the fake nail and have your assistant move it back and forth until the nail comes off.
Note: Be careful, this method may cause some damage. Afterward, buff your nails, apply cuticle oil, and use lotion to help heal and nourish your nails.
5. Combine Multiple Methods
You can use all four steps at once to remove your acrylics. If you have everything you need and want to do it quickly, try combining them.
Here’s an example…
- First, soak your nails in hot, soapy water for a few minutes to make them soft.
- Use a cotton pad or swab with non-acetone remover or cuticle oil to dissolve any tough glue left on your nails.
- After taking off the glue, you can use a nail file to get rid of any leftover acrylic bits on your nails.
Combining all these steps should make it quicker and simpler to remove your fake nails without using acetone.
6. Consider Nail Polish and False Nail Remover Without Acetone
Non-acetone remover is more gentle because it is made with alcohol. It works well to dissolve the glue on fake nails without hurting your skin and nails too much.
Even though non-acetone removers have milder chemicals, they can still take off false nails. Just remember, they might take a little longer than acetone removers. This method of removing fake nails without acetone requires putting a lot of non-acetone remover on your acrylic nails and letting it work on dissolving the glue. After a while, you should be able to peel off the fake nails easily.
7. Use a Business Card
This method of removing acrylics is quite similar to using dental floss. If you don’t have floss, you can use a business card from your wallet to take off fake nails without acetone.
First, find a loose nail, as this technique works best for those. Then, take a cuticle stick and gently lift the edges of each nail upwards to remove them from your natural nails.
Once you see a space between your natural nail and the acrylic nail, put the business card in that space.
Just like with the dental floss, slide the card gently upwards towards the tip of the nail. Take your time and do it slowly to avoid hurting your natural nails.
Keep repeating this process for each nail until they are all removed. That’s all it takes. You’re done, and your natural nails should be safe and sound.
Don’t leave so quickly; we figured you might need a video guide as well. So, we’ve done you the favor of recommending the video you need – it’s from our friend on Just Ask Bee.
Tips for Removing Acrylic Nails Without Acetone at Home
Note: If you have gel nails applied at a salon, it’s best to visit your nail technician to remove them. Trying to remove gel nails without acetone may harm your natural nails.
However, for other types of fake nails (like acrylics and stick-on nails), you can safely remove them without using acetone using the right methods. Non-acetone nail polish remover, hot soapy water, cuticle oil, and a nail file are all good options that won’t harm your skin or natural nails.
- Just remember, some of these methods (like using a nail file) may take longer than acetone, but they’ll help keep your nails healthy.
- Now, it’s your choice to pick the method that works best for you. With the techniques mentioned above, you can totally remove acrylic nails without acetone.
- Just take your time and be gentle while removing your false nails.
- Don’t forget to use a good moisturizer after the fake nail removal to keep your skin healthy.
Tips and Tricks on How to Repair a Damaged Nails
Sometimes, certain types of fake nails like acrylic, gel, and dip nails can weaken and damage your natural nails, even if you follow the removal process correctly.
You can avoid this though – experts suggest taking a break from strong acrylic nails every few months. It might be tempting to get another fill to cover up your less-than-perfect real nails, but it’s crucial to give your natural nails a chance to recover and strengthen on their own.
Don’t ignore it, otherwise, it could lead to a never-ending cycle of nail damage.
So, allowing your nails some rest is super necessary.
When it’s time for a break, follow these steps to help repair your damaged nails quickly:
- Buff your nails to even out the surface and smoothen away any bumps and ridges caused by the acrylic nails’ damage.
- Nail breakage often occurs as a frequent consequence of acrylic nail damage. So, you want to prevent it by maintaining a relatively short nail length and leaving no room for potential breakage.
- After removing your acrylic nails, make sure to apply a strengthening top coat for the initial two weeks. This will assist in healing your weak and damaged nails. Once your nails have had time to breathe, you can also use the top coat over nail polish.
- Remember to regularly moisturize your nails and cuticles using cuticle oil, Vitamin E, or aloe vera. This will help retain moisture and promote proper healing of the area.
- Avoid using acetone in the area completely as it can further weaken your nails and worsen existing issues.
Be careful to avoid a terrible result like the nails below:
Final Thoughts
So, there you go with the common and safe methods to take off fake nails without acetone. You don’t want to deal with damaged nails – it can be frustrating. Even at that, there’s good news – not all fake nails will cause damage.
Now, while acrylics are known to be quite strong and durable, they are also more damaging to your real nails. However, you can opt for gel nails as a more natural alternative since they use special polishes cured under UV lamp. Though they still require salon removal, they cause less damage to your natural nails compared to acrylics.
Take care while removing the fake nail. If necessary, seek professional assistance.
Read also: How to Remove Fake Tan from Face Immediately
Read also: How to Make Fake Nails [3 Different Methods]
