Do you have unsightly acrylic nails that require removal? Are traditional nail removers or expensive nail salon services not an option for you?
Well, fear not! We’re here to show you how to quickly and painlessly take off those stubborn acrylic nails at home with nothing more than a household item: vinegar.
Yes, it’s true – removing acrylics has never been so stress-free and inexpensive! Don’t know how to take off fake nails with vinegar? Keep reading as we dive into everything about this innovative hack, from why vinegar works to safety tips for successful nail removal.
Is it Possible to Take Off Acrylic Nails with Vinegar?
Yes, it is possible to use vinegar to remove acrylic nails safely and effectively. This method is often preferred over traditional nail remover products for two main reasons: effectiveness and cost.
Vinegar does not contain harsh chemicals that can damage your natural nails like some of these expensive products do.
Also, because vinegar is much more affordable than these other solutions, it is an easy and economical way to remove fake nails. You can find vinegar at any grocery store or supermarket, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.
How Effective is Vinegar for Removing Acrylic Nails?
Vinegar is a highly effective way of removing acrylic nails at home without tools or acetone. This method works by slowly dissolving the adhesive that binds the acrylic nails to your natural ones.
The longer you soak the vinegar-soaked cotton balls on your nails, the more likely they will come off with minimal effort.
However, this process can take up to 20 minutes, so it’s essential to be patient during removal.
Vinegar is an acid, so you must use it correctly following instructions to keep your nails safe and healthy.
What you’ll need to Remove Acrylic Nails with Vinegar at Home?
To remove your acrylic nails with vinegar at home, you’ll need several items, such as:
- White vinegar or apple cider
- Cotton balls or cotton swabs
- A cutting tool
- Small clean towel
- Bowl or container
- Nail file or nail buffer
- Nail clippers (optional)
- Cuticle oil/moisturizer
- Foil (for wrap method)
- An orangewood stick
You can find all these items around the house or in nearby supermarkets.
How To Remove Acrylic Nails With Vinegar?
Acetone nail polish remover is the most effective among the vast array of options for removing acrylic nails. However, its high potency can lead to dry and brittle skin surrounding your nail beds and hands.
Are you looking for a better alternative? Try white or cider vinegar – both are incredibly effective and gentler on your fake nails.
Women prefer to use two standard methods: remove their acrylic nails with vinegar to soak them in the bowl or make a vinegar wrap. So, let’s explore both.
Method 1: Soak Acrylic Nails In Vinegar
Dissolve those acrylics away with a simple vinegar soak. Immerse your fingertips in the solution for up to 20 minutes and say goodbye to pesky nails.
Follow these simple steps:
- Remove the ends of the acrylics from your nails. The initial step in acrylic nail removal is using clippers and snipping off any excess acrylic nails.
- Remove all nail polish and other products from your nails.
- Using a nail buffer, buff a top coat as much as possible to make removal easier.
- Use an orangewood stick to separate the acrylics from your natural nails.
- Soak your nails in vinegar. Pour about 1/4 cup of white or apple cider vinegar into a bowl and submerge your fingertips for up to 20 minutes. You can add lemon juice or sea salt to the solution for an extra kick.
- Gently scrape away the remaining acrylics using tweezers, or use your orange wood stick to help remove them.
- Use a nail buffer to get rid of any leftover debris from your natural nails.
- Wash your hands and moisturize them. Later, apply olive oil or nail cream to nourish your nails.
Start by submerging your nails in a bowl of warm water to soften the cuticle, allowing for quicker and better outcomes.
Method 2: Make a Vinegar Wrap
If you want to avoid soaking your acrylics in a vinegar bowl for a long time, you can try the vinegar wrap.
To use this method, follow these simple steps:
- Repeat steps 1-4 from Method 1 described above. You should snip off the excess length, remove all nail polish, and buff your nail’s top.
- Create a vinegar mix in a bowl. Fill a bowl with 1/2 part white or apple cider vinegar and 1 part warm water.
- Put cotton balls in the vinegar mix and soak them gently.
- Place the soaked cotton balls on your nails. You can also use aluminum foil to wrap the cotton balls in place. Alternatively, opt for professional nail clips that help to hold the cotton balls in place.
- Since a cotton ball is in direct contact with your nail bed, the process should take no longer than 15 minutes.
- Peel off the cotton balls from your fingertips and use tweezers or an orange wood stick to remove any residue.
- Using a nail buffer, buff your natural nails to remove any remaining acrylics.
- After removing the acrylics, wash your hands with warm soapy water, followed by applying cuticle cream or oil to nourish your nails. Remember to use hand cream.
Make sure to follow all safety steps and do a small patch test to check for surrounding skin irritation.
Alternative Methods of Removing Acrylic Nails at Home
If vinegar is not your preferred method, you can try other natural solutions such as acetone, rubbing alcohol, or even a string of dental floss. Here are the most common methods:
1. Using Acetone
Acetone is a powerful solvent that is commonly used to remove acrylic nails. It is available in various forms, such as acetone polish remover or pure acetone. Both are effective for removing acrylics, but pure acetone is more robust and may be more irritating to your skin.
To remove your acrylic nails:
- Fill a bowl or tray with pure acetone and submerge your nails for five minutes.
- With a metal cuticle pusher, push the polish away from your cuticles downwards.
- Re-soak your fingers in the solution for another five minutes before trying to scrape them again until they are entirely removed.
2. Using Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover
Acetone can effectively strip your nails of regular nail polish and fake nail treatments such as acrylics and gel. Yet, there’s no need for harshness when gentler alternatives are available. Acetone-free nail polish remover is formulated with less harsh ingredients and is often more delicate on the nails.
To remove your acrylic nails, repeat the same steps with pure acetone! Although it’ll take more effort to remove acrylic nails with acetone-free remover, it provides a gentler and less drying result for your nails.
3. Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a drying agent that can help remove acrylic nails. However, it is not as strong as acetone, so this may be a better option if you have sensitive skin.
To safely remove acrylic nails with rubbing alcohol, immerse your nails in the alcoholic bath for 30 minutes. Then, use an orange stick to scrape acryl traces from your fingertips carefully. File and buff your fingernails before washing them off and immediately applying moisturizer on top!
4. Using Hot/Warm Water
An alternative to harsh chemicals for acrylic nail removal is immersing your nails in warm water.
To further facilitate the removal of your nails, add a few drops of soap to your warm water soak. Let them sit for 20 minutes while you move them around to loosen up the nail glue.
After that amount of time has passed, you should be able to easily pick off and peel away any remaining nail with an orange stick.
5. Using Cuticle Oil
Why not use cuticle oil instead to avoid harsh chemicals such as acetone? It is an effective and natural way to keep your nails healthy.
Utilizing this superior method will supply your nails with healing and nourishing substances instead of stripping away their strength.
All you need to do is take a Q-tip soaked in cuticle oil and hold it against each nail for five minutes. Ensure that the oil reaches beneath areas where the nail might have started to detach.
6. Using Dental Floss
You can use dental floss to remove acrylic nails. Start by cutting a waxed dental floss into two equal parts and wrap one piece around your index finger.
Next, slide the dental floss between the acrylic and your natural nail, pushing it back and forth to break down the glue underneath. After a few minutes, the acrylic should be loosened enough to come off quickly!
Make sure to follow the removal process with moisturizing treatment for your hands and nails. Doing so will help to prevent any dryness or cracking caused by the nail removal process.
Final Thoughts
Removing acrylic nails can be challenging if you don’t know the proper methods and safe products. For example, vinegar is one of the natural removers that allows you to remove acrylics without harsh chemicals.
However, if you don’t have vinegar at home, there are other methods. For example, you can also use pure acetone, acetone-free nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or hot/warm water. Interestingly, you can use cuticle oil and a string of dental floss.
All these options can help you remove acrylics at home with minimal nail damage.