Acrylic nails definitely make a statement. Whether you are wearing them for a lovely date or a grand event, they are one of the best accessories to help complete your look. Acrylics can last around six to eight weeks, depending on how much effort you put into maintaining them.
We all know how difficult it can be to do daily tasks with acrylic nails, especially if you opted for longer-length nails. Unfortunately for some, a six to eight-week waiting period to get rid of your acrylics is a bit too long. Luckily, some convenient methods can help you get rid of acrylic nails quickly and efficiently.
When it comes to removing nails, the goal is to make it as painless as possible without damaging the nail or skin. Using harsh chemicals such as detergent or forcibly pulling off the manicure can cause a bit of damage to the surrounding skin. Not to mention, pulling the glued acrylic nails can be pretty painful.
Traditional Method
You will need nail clippers, a metal cuticle pusher, and cuticle oil for the aftercare treatment in every fake nail removal. Usually, salons require an acetone polish remover, along with petroleum jelly and other fancy items to remove your acrylics.
You can have your acrylics removed at any nail salon or in the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, detaching acrylics by yourself need a couple of tools and items, such as a 98% acetone solution, which is not always available. Luckily, there are other methods we can try.
How To Remove Acrylic Nails With Vinegar Method
Today, we will help you take off your acrylic nails using simple rubbing alcohol and vinegar. It is a pretty straightforward method. Not to mention, it is also safe and convenient since you can do it at home, in your own time.
1. Prep the Nails
First things first, you need to remove the excess acrylics. Start by taking your nail clipper and cutting off the extra nails. Make sure to trim it to a natural length so that it does not easily break after you submerge them in the vinegar solution.
If you have an electric buffer, you can use it to get rid of the top layers. A regular buffer will also do just fine. Remove the shine or top layer and shave it down as much as possible. This helps the solution break the product faster.
2. Make the Solution
Once you have your nail trimmed and buffed, it is time to prepare the alcohol and vinegar solution. Simply get rubbing alcohol and some vinegar. Mix these two components in a 1:1 ratio. One cup of vinegar and one cup of alcohol will usually fill up a regular bowl enough to let your soak in your nails.
Mix the alcohol and vinegar together. Before submerging your fingers into the solution, you can apply petroleum jelly to the surrounding skin. The jelly helps protect your skin from drying due to the chemicals.
3. Soak your Nails
Once you have the vinegar in place, dip your nails into the bowl. You can leave it for around fifteen to twenty minutes or once the acrylic begins to detach from the nail bed. Avoid leaving it longer than necessary since the solution can dry your fingers over time.
You can use the metal cuticle pusher or a tweezer to lift the acrylics gently. Try to see if it can come off naturally after soaking for ten to twelve minutes. If the nail is still attached firmly in place, leave it to soak for fifteen to twenty minutes.
4. Remove the Acrylic
After some time, you should be able to remove the acrylic. Once you remove your fingers from the solution, wash your hand using soap and water. Next, get rid of any excess solution and dry your hands with a clean towel and apply oil on your nails.
You can use any oil such as baby oil or even vegetable oil if you want. Just work with what is available. Next, gently nudge the nail upward. Use a tweezer or the flat side of the cuticle remover and place it under the acrylic nail to lift it up. Repeat the same process for all your acrylics.
Why is it effective?
Like we mentioned, salons usually use a 98% acetone solution to remove acrylic nails. However, an alcohol vinegar solution works just fine as well. This is because rubbing alcohol and vinegar contains chemicals that can form ethyl acetate when mixed together.
Using alcohol and vinegar separately is too weak to break down the nail glue. However, mixing them together to form ethyl acetate will help you remove the nails much faster. In addition, the chemical helps dissolve the nail glue, which lets you peel the acrylic off with ease.
You can also try soaking a cotton ball in the solution. Place the cotton on top of your acrylics and cover it with aluminum foil. Leave it for fifteen to twenty minutes before removing it. This also breaks down the nail glue, allowing easy removal of the acrylic nail.
This method is a type of non-acetone removal. Since acetone can affect your nails by making them dry and brittle, using ethyl acetate as an alternative is safer and gentler for your nails. You can also try using a non-acetone nail polish remover to remove both nail polish and acrylics.
Aftercare Treatment
Now that we’ve explained how to remove acrylic nails with vinegar and alcohol solution, it can get a bit dry. That is why you need to practice moisturizing your cuticles after the removal. There are many ways why anyone would want their acrylics removed. However, the goal is to pull it off safely.
Never peel the acrylic straight from the nail bed. Even if it seems like it is falling off, a part of the acrylic nail remains attached. The safest way is to let it soak in the solution for ten to fifteen, but no more than twenty minutes.
Make sure to have your nourishing oils or hand creams to keep your hand moisturized. This is also helpful if you use acetone to get rid of regular nail polish from time to time. Lastly, apply the cream or nourishing two to three times a week.
