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Manicurists dont recommend taking on the endeavor by yourself, as any error can wreck your precious nail beds.

acrylic nail art on lavender bag

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But what if you’re stuck in amanicureemergency with absolutely no way to get to a salon in time?

Well, you might take some of our experts advice onhow to remove acrylic nails at home.

Our nail pros say that removingacrylicsat home isn’t impossible.

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While it’s a bit more involved than taking off yourgel polish, it can be done.

Can I remove acrylic nails the same way I remove gel polish?

According to Romah, there is a slightdifference.

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Acrylics need a longer time to soak in acetone thangel polish, she says.

How do I remove acrylic nails at home without any tools?

We hate to say it, but the answer is no.

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An in-salon manicurist will file or sand off the powder with an electric tool, says Romah.

If youre doing it at home, at minimum, youll need a nail file.

Thatll only run youfive dollarsor less.

hot pink Nail polish remove clips next to the box they come in

Ahead, how to remove your acrylic nails at home with the right tools.

Throughout this process, you’ll want to ask yourself, “What would my manicurist do?”

For starters, they’d set up a clean, well-ventilated work area.

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Grab your bottle, pinch your nose, and let’s do this.

Lower-grade acetone will still work to remove your acrylics, but it will require some extra soaking time.

There are two ways you could soak off acrylic nails.

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Place a cotton ball soaked in acetone over the acrylic-covered nail bed and wrap it with foil tightly.

But it can be done with a little bit of patience!)

it’s possible for you to usenail polish remover clipshere instead of foil if you have some on hand.

“Forget that mess!”

Once your nail is wrapped up, Gyimah says to give it a squeeze.

Soak each nail for a minimum of 10 minutes to ensure the acrylic is breaking down properly.

“The warm acetone works faster,” she says.

(Just do not under any circumstances microwave acetone, as it is flammable.)

You might have to repeat this step if it seems like the acrylic has not softened.

Having to wait is better than having a weak, damaged nail later on.

Pour acetone into a small bowl and submerge your fingers.

It will take about 20 to 30 minutes to break down your acrylics.

Still, Le prefers it to the foil method.

We know acetone has a harsh scent and can leave nails feeling dry.

That’s your cue.

If it doesn’t easily come off, repeat the previous step of soaking your nails in acetone.

“Then, of course, wash your hands hard,” she says.

Your nails will likely feel very dry after this process, so rehydrating them is crucial.

Always apply anoil serumon the nails.

This helps to repair, says Romah.

Reapply oil daily for the best result.

Shes a fan ofCND SolarOil for Dry, Damaged Cuticles.

If your nails feel extremely weak from your acrylics, opt for astrengthening treatment.

This will help prevent dry, brittle nails from breaking.