We hope that if you’re searching on how to remove acrylic nails from home, as opposed to heading straight to the salon, it’s for a pretty damn good reason. Judgment free zone here, we understand. From those coffin-shaped extensions providing endless length to the most classic and universal glazed coloured nail art designs that last weeks on end, there’s nothing better than a fresh acrylic manicure.
However, with time being of the essence, as well as taking into account the living cost crisis, where every penny saved is helpful, it’s only natural some of us are letting our acrylic nails grow out as much as it’s feasibly possible and the cracks are starting to show — literally.
Of course, if you have the means to, please, PLEASE (and a third please for good measure) do see a trained professional for the most effective and safest removal of acrylics, so that you don’t over file your natural nail. While we wouldn’t usually recommend it, there are unprecedented times where you will have to take the removal in-house and brave the process yourself. However, biting, chewing or peeling is not and we repeat NOT, the done thing.
If you want to preserve the good health of your nail beds, there are safe ways to do at-home acrylic removal. Although slightly more time consuming, than the plugging, biting and peeling, they’re more effective and most importantly, more gentle on nails. This will also mean that you will be left with healthier and stronger base to work from, when you feel ready to brave your next nail set.
We called upon the experts for their insight, Salon booking app Booksy’s Ambassador Alice McNails details your step-by-step guide on how to remove acrylic nails at home.
How long does at home acrylic nail removal take?
Effective and gentle acrylic nail removal will take you well over an hour maybe even two. “My main tip would be to be patient! This will take time, don’t be tempted to rush as this is when you will cause damage to your natural nails. Stick a film on, relax and don’t plan to do this before you’re going out or need to be somewhere, believe me it will take longer than you think.