A good manicure can give you an instant confidence boost, but it can be a pain when your nails start chipping and growing out. This is even worse when you have gel, dip, or acrylic nails because you cannot simply wipe them off with acetone. Taking them off at home requires a bit more time and effort. You also need to be careful as applying highly concentrated chemicals will not only remove the manicure but also destroy the quality of your nails. However, you can take steps to avoid such crimes against your nails. So, it is time to stop wondering how to remove dip nails at home because you will get all the answers here!
This article will provide the best methods to remove gel, dip, or acrylic nails, plus a few essential tips to keep in mind while rehabbing your nails and maintaining their health. Let’s get right into it!
The Difference Between Gel, Dip, And Acrylic Nails
- Gel Nails: Gel manicure is done with gel-based paints that are treated under a UV light. They last for about 2-3 weeks.
- Acrylic Nails: Acrylic nails blend powder and liquid monomers applied like a paste on your nails. They are usually used to lengthen the nails. They last between 2-4 weeks with proper maintenance.
- Dip Nails: Dip nails are a combo of gel and acrylic nails. They are easier to apply, as they do not need UV rays to harden. They last for 2-3 weeks without chipping off.
Now that you know the primary differences between these manicures, let’s focus on how to remove each one with the proper removal method.
How To Remove Gel, Dip, And Acrylic Nails
Removing these types of tough manicures without damaging your soft nails beneath them can be tricky. Ideally, you should go back to the nail salon to get them removed the right way. But if you are under a time or budget constraint, you can remove them at home. Here are two methods you can try out:
- Soaking Nails In Polish Remover
This method is the easiest to try at home and does not require many tools.
You Will Need
- A medium-sized bowl
- Acetone-based nail polish remover
- Cuticle oil
- A little patience
What To Do
- Fill the bowl with nail polish remover.
- Soak your nails entirely in the bowl for 10-15 minutes.
- Slowly scrape off the manicure when it turns soft.
- Apply cuticle oil on your nails to keep them moisturized.
- Tinfoil And Cotton Balls
While this technique is similar to the first one, it enables you to soak only your fingernails in acetone, thus shielding your fingertips from the strong chemical.
You Will Need
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil
- Acetone-based nail polish remover
- Cotton balls
- Tinfoil
What To Do
- Start by buffing off the top coat of the manicure. This is crucial because it will enable the acetone to permeate the polish and speed up the removal process.
- Apply cuticle oil around your nails and on your fingertips to prevent them from drying out. This will also preserve the quality of your nails.
- Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it over your nail. Then, wrap it in place with tinfoil. Repeat this process on all your nails.
- Leave the cotton balls in place for 15-30 minutes.
- Remove the tinfoil and wipe off the manicure with the cotton balls to get rid of all the residue.
- Wash and moisturize your hands.
Tips To Rehab Your Damaged Nails
Your nails can easily get damaged if they are not properly maintained. For example, repeatedly getting gel, dip, or acrylic manicures can reduce the thickness of your nails and make them brittle and dry. So, here are some tips that will help you with your nails aftercare:
- Apply Cuticle Oil
After removing artificial nails, regular nail care is crucial for mending your damaged nails. Cuticle oil helps maintain moisture in your nails and cuticles, which is essential for keeping them strong and avoiding infections. Apply the oil by massaging a small quantity into your cuticles and natural nails. Repeat this process twice daily.
- Drink Plenty Of Water
Water consumption is necessary for nail health and general wellness. This is because dry nails can become sore and brittle. So, drink plenty of water to keep them hydrated and nourished.
- Increase Biotin Intake
Vitamins are essential for maintaining strong nails. Biotin is one of the most well-liked micronutrients for skin and nails. Aim to consume 30 mg of biotin daily, and consider adding a multivitamin supplement to your daily diet. In 3 months, you will notice your nails getting healthier.
- Get A Keratin Treatment
Natural proteins like keratin are the foundation of your skin, hair, and nails. Nails can be repaired and kept from flaking, cracking, or breaking with a keratin treatment. In addition, you can use nail strengtheners enriched with keratin to maintain healthy nails.
- Soak Your Nails In Olive Oil And Lemon Juice
This one is one of the most promising DIY options for boosting nail growth. Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 4-5 drops of lemon juice. Dip your nails in this mixture for 5-15 minutes daily.
*Note: Avoid this home remedy if you have sensitive skin on your hands as lemon juice can cause redness and irritation.
- Avoid Using An E-File
Manicurists file down acrylics using a hand tool called an e-file. However, using an e-file at home is not recommended. If not used properly, these devices can seriously damage your nails.
- Switch To Safe Polish Removers
Avoiding products with many chemicals is one of the best ways to heal weak nails. You should use polish removers with high concentrations of acetone only if you have strong nails. Otherwise, switch to polish removers with minimal or no acetone in them.
- Trim Your Nails
You should trim your nails to rebuild them. Long nails can add to the pain by applying additional pressure to the nail beds. Instead, you can gradually re-grow your nails after they have healed. Doing this will reduce the chances of damaging your nails or weakening the nail plate.
It is essential to know how to take off your artificial nails. However, it is much more important to take care of your nails after their removal. With the appropriate removal procedures and aftercare, you can maintain your nail’s healthy growth and keep trying different manicure styles without damaging them!
Author Bio:
Sowjanya is an expert blogger and contributes in-depth articles about a range of different topics, such as beauty, health and wellness, and everything that may interest women. Her way of writing is easy to understand and informative at the same time. She is a regular contributor to StyleCraze.com and some other websites. You can reach me on LinkedIn.
