Fake nails are considered by some to be a work of art. To others, it may seem tacky and a waste of money. Fake nails are a good way of recreating the look and elegance of long, manicured nails. For whatever the reason you may have to apply fake nails, it can be tricky and expensive to remove them. In addition, prolonged use of these artificial nails can be detrimental to your natural nails. This article will explore how you can take off fake nails in safe ways.
Types of Fake Nails:
- Acrylic Nails: This type of fake nail usually refers to the powder and liquid mixes. This is combined into a blob of “dough” that is then shaped to your nails with a special brush and air-dried. This seems to be the most commonly applied type of fake nail. These nails are porous and so it is easier to easily soak off. This makes is easy to remove at home
- Gel Nails: This type comes in a little pot that is filled with a viscous, gooey liquid. Once applied, a special UV light is used to harden and dry them. Gel nails are typically harder and more durable than the other types. It is also less likely to stain but is harder to soak off.
- Dip Nails: This type uses the same type of powder used in acrylic nails. It is applied by first brushing glue onto the nail. The powder is sprinkled on and a special “activator” is applied to create the smooth, hard surface of the fake nail. These nails are softer and more flexible, making it comfortable to wear, but also easy to take off.
Methods to Take Off Fake Nails:
Visiting a nail parlor to take off fake nails can be very expensive. In addition, there is the problem of over-filing. Since the nail technician cannot feel what you do, it is entirely possible that they could file deep down to penetrate till your natural nail. This adds to the existing damage on your natural nail, which has been caused by the fake nail. Try these methods to take off fake nails on your own.
1.) Soak to Take Off Fake Nails
Soaking your fake nails in acetone is especially relevant to remove acrylic and dip nails. For this method, you will need a nail polish remover with acetone, a small glass bowl, cotton pads or balls, a nail cutter, a nail file, an orange stick, and unscented petroleum jelly. Follow these steps to take off fake nails:
- Step 1 – Cut the fake nail as short as possible. If the depth of the nail seems too thick, use a nail file to carefully file away a layer of the nail. Thinner nails are easier to take off.
- Step 2 – Apply the petroleum jelly on your cuticles and the skin around the nail. This is to ensure that the acetone does not dry out the skin.
- Step 3 – Arrange the cotton balls or pads to fill the glass bowl halfway. Pour in enough nail polish remover to soak the cotton. Optionally, you can place this bowl in a larger bowl of hot water. While the remover cannot be directly heated, this will warm it enough to increase the effect.
- Step 4 – Place your nails face down in the bowl. Allow it to soak for 15-20 minutes. This will weaken the glue holding the nail down. Try to pry off the nail with the orange stick. If it does not come off easily, then soak your fingers a little more.
- Step 5 – Once you have removed the fake nails, wash your hands well to remove the remnants of the remover and glue. Use a nail buffer to remove extra glue on your nail, till you get a smooth surface. Now nourish your natural nail with some vitamin-E enriched nail oil.
2.) Wrap Up to Remove Fake Nails
One other way to take off fake nails is to prepare a wrap with pure acetone. This method ensures the acetone is a bit more concentrated on the area of the fake nail. This makes it easier to remove. Use this method for gel nails, especially. To prepare this method, you will need pure acetone, cotton balls, unscented petroleum jelly, an orange stick, and aluminum foil.
- Step 1 – Fill a small bowl, halfway up, with acetone. Place this into a bigger bowl that is filled with warm water. Allow the acetone to heat up indirectly like this.
- Step 2 – In the meanwhile, prepare the cuticles and the skin around the nail with petroleum jelly. This will protect the skin from being damaged by the harsh acetone.
- Step 3 – Soak a cotton ball in the warm acetone and place it right on top of each nail. Secure the soaked cotton with a strip of aluminum foil. Leave this on for 30-40 minutes.
- Step 4 – Remove the wraps after 30-40 minutes. Gently pry off the fake nail with an orange stick. If the nail is still stuck firmly, then wrap it up once more with a fresh acetone-soaked cotton ball. Leave it on for 20 minutes and try again.
- Step 5 – Scrape the remains off with a nail file/grit file. You may also shape your natural nails in the way you desire. Wash your hands thoroughly to remove the acetone and fake nail dust.
- Step 6 – Moisturize your cuticles and hands with a hand cream. Additionally, place a drop of vitamin-E enriched nail oil to each nail and massage it in.
3.) Take Off Fake Nails with Nail File
Some people would prefer a more natural way to take off fake nails. In other words, without the use of acetone. Using a nail file to take off fake nails is one of the more simple methods one can employ. This method is good for gel nails, as well as acrylic and dip nails. All that you would need for this method is a nail clipper, a coarse grit file, a finer grit file, a cuticle scissor, and an orange stick/cuticle stick.
- Step 1 – First, you must trim away the excess unwanted corners of the fake nail. Use a nail clipper for this. Cut the nail as short as possible, but pay attention not to cut into the nail bed.
- Step 2 – Now using the coarser grit file, slowly file away the top layers of the fake nail. Work slowly and evenly, one nail at a time, paying attention to not file at the natural nail. Monitor this by noting the reduction in dust from the filed nails and the visibility of the natural nail ridges.
- Step 3 – Once the natural nail is visible, use the orange stick to pry up the sharp edges of the fake nail. Slip the tip of the cuticle scissor under the fake nail and cut off the sharp edges. Repeat this step till the whole nail has been cut off.
- Step 4 – Buff away any remaining glue with a nail buffer. Now, apply a dot of vitamin-E enriched nail oil on each nail and rub it in. You can also apply a cuticle cream to keep your skin nourished.
4.) Dental Floss to Take Off Fake Nails
This is another method to take off fake nails without acetone. While all the above methods can be done by yourself, this method requires a second pair of hands to help remove the nails. To use this method, you will need dental floss, an orange stick, a nail buffer, and a willing helper.
- Step 1 – Use an orange stick or a cuticle stick to gently pry up the edge of the fake nail. If possible lift up the edge near the cuticle. Lift it up just enough to slip the dental floss under.
- Step 2 – Get your partner to loop the dental floss under the lifted edge of the nail. It should be positioned such that they will be pulling the floss away from you and towards them. They should grip the free ends of the floss with both hands.
- Step 3 – The partner should now gently move the floss to and fro under the nail. Slide the floss in a gentle sawing motion towards them. This allows the fake nail to slowly loosen and lift off your natural nail. Continue till the entire fake nail falls off.
- Step 4 – Buff the nails to remove any bits of glue. You may shape the nails with a nail file as well. Now moisturize your natural nails with a potent vitamin-E enriched nail cream/nail oil.
Note: Ensure that your partner does not yank up the floss at any point. This can lead to the natural nail tearing and bleeding.