Nail care is an essential part of ladies and even some men’s beauty routines. Over the years, acrylic nails have grown to become a popular choice for women looking for a durable and stylish option. They make hands look elegant and sophisticated.
However, when it comes to maintaining acrylic nails, you may want to know about the dos and don’ts. One common question I have been asked by a couple of ladies as a nail care specialist is: Can you use nail polish remover on acrylic nails?
Yes, you can use nail polish remover on acrylic nails. However, you should avoid using nail polish remover that contains harsh products such as acetone. When you use acetone nail polish, it may weaken and dissolve your acrylic nails over time, leading to breakage or even complete nail detachment.
Therefore, when shopping for a nail polish remover to use on your acrylic nails, ensure to check the ingredients to ascertain whether or not it contains acetone.
How To Take Nail Polish Off Acrylic Nails Without Ruining Them
So, having looked at what acrylic nails are, below are steps on how you can take nail polish off your acrylic nails without damaging them:
1. Wash your hands
Start by washing your hands to remove any dirt, oils, or residue from your nails and skin. This will ensure that the nail polish remover works directly on the nail polish without any interference. Thereby leading to better results. So, wash your hands thoroughly with clean water and soap. Then allow it to air dry or pat dry with a hand towel.
2. Soak your cotton balls or pads with the nail polish remover
You should pour a small amount of the acetone-free nail polish remover onto cotton balls or pads. You don’t need to soak it completely; just ensure it’s damp enough to remove the polish later effectively.
3. Apply the soaked cotton ball or pad to your nails
Take the damp cotton ball or pad and place it on top of one of your acrylic nails. For best results, you should apply the cotton ball or pad on your nails once at a time. If you want to secure the cotton ball or pad in place, you can decide to wrap each nail with a small piece of aluminum foil.
4. Let it sit for awhile
Allow the nail polish remover to sit on your nails for some time, probably about 10 to 15 minutes. This will give the acetone-free nail polish remover enough time to work its way into the layers of polish, gradually softening it.
5. Gently remove the polish
After about 10 to 15 minutes, you should carefully remove the foil wraps one by one. As you uncover each nail, use the cotton ball or pad to gently slide over your acrylic nail, wiping away the softened nail polish. Remember to be careful when wiping away the nail polish because being aggressive could damage your acrylic nails.
6. Clean your hands with the nail polish remover
Once all the nail polish is successfully removed, you should wash your hands thoroughly. This will ensure that any lingering nail polish remover is completely rinsed off. Afterward, apply a generous amount of moisturizing cuticle oil or hand lotion to keep your nails and surrounding skin hydrated and healthy.
What Kind Of Nail Polish Remover To Use On Acrylic Nails?
When removing nail polish from your acrylic nails, you should opt for acetone-free nail polish remover. Acetone-free nail polish removers are milder and gentler on acrylic nails. They effectively remove polish without causing harm.
These removers are specifically designed to preserve the strength and beauty of your acrylic manicure. Therefore, when shopping for a nail polish remover, always check the label to ensure it is acetone-free.
Aside from opting for an acetone-free nail polish remover, you should also go for a remover that contains nourishing and moisturizing ingredients. Acrylic nails, just like natural nails, need hydration.
How To Remove Nail Polish From Acrylic Nails Without Remover
1. Warm soapy water
You should fill a bowl with warm, soapy water. Submerge your acrylic nails in the water for 15-20 minutes. The warm water should help soften the nail polish. After soaking, gently use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to rub off the softened polish.
2. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
You should create a paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a thick consistency. You should then apply the paste to your acrylic nails and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, clean it off with a soft cloth to get rid of the polish.
3. Apply toothpaste
According to some ladies I have talked to, they have had success using non-gel toothpaste to remove nail polish from acrylic nails. You simply need to apply a small amount of toothpaste to your nails and gently rub it in using a soft cloth or a nail buffer. Next, you should rinse your nails with water.
Remember that these methods may require some patience and gentle rubbing. You should avoid using excessive force or abrasive tools, as they can damage your acrylic nails.
Final Words
While you can use nail polish remover on your acrylic nails, not all nail polish removers are suitable. Nail polish removers that contain acetone are harsh and can damage your nails when you use them.
Therefore, you should opt for acetone-free nail polish removers when getting a nail polish remover for your nails. You should also ensure to scrub the nail polish gently to avoid ruining your acrylic nails.
