If you’ve ever had acrylic or gel nails before, you know that they look amazing but can be quite a hassle to remove. When it’s time to take them off, you want to make sure it’s done right. Soaking off acrylic gel nails is simple, but it’s important to be patient and to follow the instructions closely.
Prepare Yourself
Before you begin the process, it’s important to prepare. Make sure you have enough time to do the job properly, and gather all the materials you’ll need. This includes an acetone-based nail polish remover, a nail file, cotton balls, and aluminum foil. Once you have everything, you’re ready to begin.
Filing The Nails
The first step is to file the nails. This helps to break up the acrylic and make it easier to remove. Use a medium-grit nail file and work in gentle, circular motions. This will help to create a rough surface, which will make it easier for the acetone to penetrate. Once the nails have been filed, you can move on to the next step.
Soaking The Nails
Now it’s time to soak the nails. Start by pouring some acetone into a bowl and soaking your fingertips in it for about 10 minutes. You can also use cotton balls soaked in acetone and place them over your nails. After 10 minutes, remove the fingers and use an orange stick to gently push the softened acrylic off of the nails.
Wrapping The Nails
Once the acrylic has been removed, it’s time to wrap the nails. Take a piece of aluminum foil and cut it into small squares. Place one square on each nail, and then wrap each nail with another piece of foil. This will help to keep the acetone from evaporating too quickly.
Soaking Again
After the nails have been wrapped, it’s time to soak them again. Put the wrapped fingertips back into the bowl of acetone and let them soak for another 10 minutes. This will help to soften any remaining acrylic and make it easier to remove.
Removing The Acrylic
After the second soak, the acrylic should be soft enough to remove. Take an orange stick and gently scrape away any remaining acrylic. Once the nails are free of acrylic, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Moisturizing The Nails
Acetone can be very drying, so it’s important to moisturize the nails after soaking them off. Apply a cuticle oil or lotion to the nails and massage it in. This will help to keep the nails hydrated and prevent them from becoming brittle.
Buffing The Nails
Now it’s time to buff the nails. Use a nail buffer to gently buff away any remaining acrylic residue. This will help to smooth the nails and give them a nice shine. Once you’ve buffed the nails, you can move on to the final step.
Polishing The Nails
The final step is to polish the nails. Choose a color of nail polish that you like and apply two coats. This will help to protect the nails and give them a finished look. Once the polish is dry, your nails are ready for a night out!
Conclusion
Taking off acrylic gel nails can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it in the end. With patience and the right tools, you can easily remove your acrylic nails at home. Just make sure to be gentle, follow the instructions closely, and take your time!