Introduction
As much as we love the glamour and confidence that come with our long, beautifully manicured acrylic or gel nails, we often dread the removal process. In most cases, improper or aggressive removal of fake nails may cause our natural nails to weaken or become brittle, and sometimes the process may even be painful. It is necessary, therefore, to know how to get fake nails off properly. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you safely remove your fake nails using simple tools and techniques.
Using Nail Polish Remover
One of the most common ways to remove fake nails is using nail polish remover. However, not all nail polish removers are appropriate for this job, so you need to choose one that contains acetone, which is capable of breaking down the bonding agent used to attach the nails. What’s more?
Step-by-step instructions
- Soak a cotton ball in acetone-based nail polish remover.
- Place the cotton ball over each nail, ensuring complete coverage of the fake nail and press it down firmly.
- Wrap each finger that has a nail covered with a cotton ball in the foil wrap, ensuring that it is snug around the nail for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the foils and cotton balls from one finger and check if the nail is ready to come off.
- If the nail does not come off easily, continue to soak it for another ten minutes and try to lift it gently again with a cuticle stick or an orange stick.
Precautions to take
When using nail polish remover to remove fake nails, it is essential to take precautions to prevent damaging your skin or your natural nails. Firstly, do not rush the process; give the remover time to work as it should. Also, avoid inhaling the acetone fumes by ensuring that the remover does not come into contact with any open wounds or cuts on your skin. Finally, after removing the fake nails, thoroughly clean your nails and moisturize your hands and cuticles.
Tips for success
If at first, you don’t succeed, try soaking them one finger at a time. You should be able to get each nail off without resorting to extreme measures. By being patient and careful, you can avoid causing any damage to your natural nails.
Soaking in Warm Water
Another way to remove fake nails is to soak them in warm water. While this method is straightforward, it can be messy and time-consuming. Be warned that it could take up to thirty minutes to remove the fake nails successfully.
Step-by-step instructions
- Fill a container with warm water that is cozy enough to submerge your fingertips.
- Add a tablespoon of antibacterial soap and mix it thoroughly.
- Soak your fingers with the fake nails for about 25-30 minutes.
- Gently attempt to wiggle the fake nail off by lifting from the edge or using a cuticle stick or an orange stick.
- Keep soaking and trying to lift the adhesive if it doesn’t come off right away.
Precautions to take
One of the main precautions to take when using the warm water method is to ensure that the water is not too hot. Hot water can cause the skin to become dry and may also damage the natural nail bed. It’s also important to note that soaking your fingers in water, in this case, may soften your natural nails too. So, it’s best to not use this method too often.
Tips for success
For best results, try starting with gentle, jiggling movements, using a cuticle stick or an orange stick with a slightly rounded tip. Soak often if the adhesive is stubborn. A little persistence can go a long way, so be patient, and avoid temptation to pull the fake nail off.
Dental Floss Method
This is an effortless method that you can use to remove fake nails, especially if they do not have any embellishments or art prints. All you need is some dental floss, a gentle hand, and lots of patience.
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by sliding a piece of dental floss below the edge of the fake nail and carefully move it back and forth like you would with a saw.
- When enough of the floss is worked underneath the nail, start to pull and slide it sideways to loosen the adhesive bond until the fake nail comes completely off.
- Repeat this step on all the nails.
Precautions to take
The dental floss method does not usually cause any damage to the natural nail, but it is important to avoid using excessive force when removing a fake nail as it could cause tearing, scratches, or other injuries. If the tooth floss is hurting or cutting, stop immediately and try another method.
Tips for success
If you find that you are struggling to get enough of the floss under the fake nail or that it is too tight to move easily, try gently pressing it back, or loosening the edge up before trying the dental floss method again.
Using Olive Oil
Removing fake nails with olive oil may seem unusual, but it is actually one of the most natural and gentle ways to remove fake nails without causing any damage to the natural nail.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a small bowl of olive oil in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds or until it is lukewarm but not too hot to touch.
- Dip your fingertips in the warm olive oil and let your fingertips be soaked without moving them for about 15-20 minutes.
- After soaking, lift the edge of a fake nail with a cuticle stick or an orange stick gently.
- Gradually wiggle the fake nail until it comes off entirely.
- Try this method on other fingers until all the fake nails are removed.
Precautions to take
One of the precautions when using olive oil is to make sure the oil is not too hot as this may damage the natural nail bed. You should also be careful not to apply too much pressure on your natural nail while gently lifting the fake nail. Finally, cleanse your nails to remove any oil residue left-over.
Tips for success
If the fake nails have more extensive shapes or ornaments, it is important to take your time and be gentle when removing them. Alternatively, you can use a soft-bristled brush to remove additional residue gently.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can help dissolve the bonding agent used to attach the fake nails to the natural nails, making it easy to remove them. It is a relatively fast method, and the process is simple if done correctly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Soak your nails in a bowl of rubbing alcohol for 10-15 minutes or until the fake nails begin to loosen.
- When the nails are almost ready to remove, use an orange stick to work gently along the edge of the fake nail.
- Gradually wiggle the fake nail until it is entirely dislodged.
- Repeat this step until all the fake nails are removed.
Precautions to take
While rubbing alcohol is generally safe to use, it is important to use it in a well-ventilated area and to avoid getting it on your skin or your eyes. Be sure to wash your hands after using rubbing alcohol to remove fake nails to eliminate any residue that may result in cuticle dryness, damage, or irritation.
Tips for success
In case the fake nail is not yet ready to come off, soak for a few more minutes. If your natural nails feel overly dry after the process, apply cuticle oil and massage it gently into your fingers.
Using a Nail Drill
If you have a nail drill, you can use it to remove fake nails as well. However, this method is a bit aggressive and is preferably best done by a professional technician or if you have extensive knowledge of using a nail drill.
Step-by-step instructions
- Begin to file down the fake nail from the top until the layers of polish, fillers, and acrylic thin out.
- Hold the nail drill parallel to the fake nail, coming at it from an angle where it meets the natural nail. Then gently start grinding with an electric nail file until the fake nails come off.
- Repeat this step on other nails till all the tips come off entirely.
Precautions to take
If you plan to use a nail drill, you must use caution as you could potentially injure yourself, rip or damage your natural nail as well. Do not apply too much pressure, and keep the drill at a low speed. It’s important to have some formal training before trying to remove your fake nails with a nail drill since improper use could cause severe damage and injury.
Tips for success
If you are unsure of which drill to use or how much pressure to apply first, it is always best to consult a professional technician who can advise you on how to use the nail drill safely.
Letting Them Grow Out
If all else fails, you can always opt for the wait-it-out method where you let your natural nails grow out beneath the fake nails.
Explanation of the method
This method is the safest way to remove your fake nails because it does not require any chemicals, and there is no risk of injury or damage to your natural nails. It does, however, require a bit of patience because it may take several weeks or even months for your nails to grow long enough to the point where you can clip off the tips
Precautions to take
When using this method, it is necessary to keep your natural nails moisturized by applying cuticle oil regularly. Also, try as much as possible to avoid subjecting your nails to harsh environmental conditions that may cause the nails to crack or break easily.
Tips for success
To make the most out of this method, nutrition is key. Healthy and well-maintained nails grow faster than weak and unhealthy nails. Try to incorporate essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, D, E in your diet and maintain good hygiene practices
Conclusion
Removing fake nails requires a bit of patience, caution, and effort. The process you chose will depend on the type of fake nails you have and your experience, but regardless of the technique you utilize, there are some general precautions. Always be gentle when removing fake nails and when filing your natural nails underneath, avoid picking or ripping off the fake nails and most importantly let your nails breathe after the removal process. With plenty of possibilities to explore, removing fake nails can be accomplished safely without any damage!
Recommendations based on the situation
While most of the techniques discussed in this article are easy to follow and have been found to be effective, not all methods will work best in all circumstances. Depending on the type of fake nails you have and the condition of your natural nails, some methods might be too aggressive or potentially harmful. So, it’s best to weigh your needs, your experience, and your next steps before deciding on the removal method that is best for you.
Final thoughts and advice
Remember, it is essential to never compromise your natural nails’ health for the sake of artificial beauty. If you experience pain or cause any damage to your natural nails during the removal process, take a break and let your nails recover adequately before trying another removal method. With that said, now that you have a robust understanding of how to remove fake nails safely, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and put your knowledge to practice.
