Acrylic nails are amazing! You get so much out of them for really so little. Removing them however… that’s a different story.
Taking off acrylic nails can be a confusing and daunting task for many people. After all, no one wants to damage their natural nails or cause unnecessary pain in the process. While there are a handful of methods for removing fake nails, using hot water is a simple and inexpensive option that can be done at home. In this article, we will go through the step-by-step process of removing fake acrylic nails with hot water, as well as some tips and precautions to keep in mind.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that the process of removing nails with hot water requires patience and time. Removing fake nails using hot water takes roughly 30 minutes, maybe even a bit longer if you want it to go smoothly, effortlessly, and more important pain-free 🙂
how long does it take to soak off acrylic nails?
What You’ll Need?
Here’s what you’ll need to remove your fake nails with hot water:
- A bowl or a dish (a salad bowl works well)
- Lukewarm water
- Towel
- Pointy sharp object
- Some background music to pass the time (a podcast would also work)
Now, let’s go through the process of removing fake nails with hot water step by step:
Step 1: Get a Bowl of Hot Water Ready
Fill a large bowl or dish with hot (but not boiling) water. Make sure the bowl is big enough so that both your hands can fit in it and be completely submerged, otherwise it would take double the time. Also, it should be wide enough for you to still be able to comfortably move your fingers around.
Step 2: Soak Your Hands In The Water
Carefully place both your hands into the bowl of hot water and let them soak for about 15-30 minutes. This will help soften the acrylic on the nails, making them easier to remove. Once you see and feel the nails swelling and slightly moveable, you can move to step 3… But keep in mind, the longer you soak, the easier it would be to remove your acrylics.
Safety Tip – Dip one finger first before submerging both hands to make sure the water is not too hot.
Pro Tip – The bowl of water is getting cool over time. Have a warm kettle nearby to add some heat. Do it with your hands outside the bowl. Most important, recheck the water temperature before setting your hands again in the bowl.
Step 3: Removing The Acrylic Nails
Now that your nails have softened and loosened, you can start slowly and gently peeling off the acrylic nails one by one. You may need to use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to help lift up and remove the fake nails. This is where the phrase “rinse and repeat” come into play.
Safety tip – Be gentle! Even if it’s tempting, don’t try to rip off the acrylic with force. This can cause serious damage to your skin and natural nails.
Step 4: Removing The Glue
While the acrylic has been peeled off, it is likely that some glue residue remains. To get rid of any remaining glue, soak your hands in warm water for an additional 5-10 minutes, and then use a nail filer or a cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the leftover adhesive.
Pro Tip –Â Adding a little bit of liquid soap to the warm water can help remove any remaining glue faster. Plus, the scent and feel would make it feel a bit more like being at a nail salon… so why not?
Acrylics are OFF! – But You’re Not DONE!
And there you have it! You’ve now successfully removed your acrylic nails with hot water at home. Although it can be a bit tedious, taking extra caution will protect you from any potential damage or pain during the process. So take it slow, relax, enjoy the spa-like experience, and don’t forget to pat yourself
HOWEVER, your fingers, and more specifically your fingernails, have been through a lot. If you don’t treat them right after this shocking event, they will get back at you. So my recommendation is to continue to the last but certainly not least phase of the nail removal process…
How to Care for Your Nails AFTER You Took Off Your Acrylic Nails?
Once all of the fake nails have been removed, you will likely notice that your natural nails are dry and brittle. This is because the fake nails have been covering and protecting your natural nails, leaving them vulnerable to the elements. To nourish and moisturize your natural nails, you can use a cuticle oil or a nourishing hand cream. Massage the product into your nails and cuticles to help repair and protect your natural nails.
Conclusion
Removing fake nails with hot water is a simple and inexpensive process that can be done at home. By following the steps outlined above, you can gently remove your fake nails without causing pain or damage to your natural nails. Just be sure to be patient, use lukewarm water, and avoid force to ensure a smooth and successful process. And don’t forget to nourish your natural nails after the fake nails have been removed to help repair and protect them.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longer you can soak your hands, the better. Soaking them for 15-30 minutes will be ideal if you want to make sure that the acrylic nails are properly loosened and softened.
Unfortunately, cold water won't work as well as hot water because it doesn't soften the adhesive enough for it to easily peel off. Hot (but not boiling) water would do a much better job!
Sure! You can also use nail polish remover or acetone to help loosen and remove the acrylic nails. However, take extra caution when using these products as they are quite potent and may cause skin irritation if used incorrectly.
The best thing to do is to throw them away in a secure container so that children or pets cannot get their hands on them. You can also recycle them if your local recycling center accepts acrylic products.
