How to Remove Acrylics Without Acetone

Using Dental Floss to Lift Acrylics

One of the easiest and least damaging ways to remove acrylics without acetone is by using dental floss. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by cutting a piece of dental floss about 18 inches long.
2. Next, slide the floss under one corner of the acrylic nail.
3. Use a sawing motion to work the floss back and forth under the nail, slowly working your way across to the other side.
4. Once you’ve worked the floss under the entire nail, gently lift the acrylic nail up and away from your natural nail.
5. Repeat this process with each nail until all of the acrylics have been removed.

Be sure to take your time and be gentle when using this method, as you don’t want to damage your natural nails. If you encounter any resistance or pain, stop immediately and try a different method instead.

Applying Olive Oil or Coconut Oil

Another gentle way to remove acrylics without acetone is by using olive oil or coconut oil. Here’s how to do it:

1. Begin by soaking a cotton ball or pad in olive oil or coconut oil.
2. Place the soaked cotton ball or pad on top of the acrylic nail, making sure it’s completely covered.
3. Use a small piece of aluminum foil to wrap around the fingertip, securing the cotton ball or pad in place.
4. Repeat this process with all of your nails.
5. Let the oil soak in for about 15-20 minutes.
6. After the time has passed, gently remove the foil and cotton ball or pad from each finger.
7. Use a wooden cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the softened acrylic.

This method is safe and effective, but it may take a bit longer than other methods. Be sure to take your time and be patient as you work to remove the acrylics.

Peeling off with a Cuticle Pusher

If you don’t mind a bit of pulling and tugging, you can use a cuticle pusher to peel off your acrylics without acetone. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by using a wooden cuticle pusher to gently pry up one corner of the acrylic nail.
2. Once you’ve lifted the corner, use the cuticle pusher to carefully peel the acrylic off of your natural nail.
3. Be sure to work slowly and gently, as you don’t want to damage your natural nail.
4. Repeat this process with each nail until all of the acrylics have been removed.

Keep in mind that this method can be a bit painful, especially if your acrylics are thick or have been on for a long time. If you encounter any resistance or pain, stop immediately and try a different method instead.

Buffing and Filing the Acrylics Away

If you have a nail buffer or file on hand, you can also use these tools to remove your acrylics without acetone. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by using a coarse nail file to gently file down the top layer of the acrylic.
2. Be sure to file only the acrylic and not your natural nail underneath.
3. Next, switch to a finer grit nail file and continue filing the acrylic until it’s as thin as possible.
4. Use a nail buffer to smooth out the surface of the acrylic and remove any remaining bits of acrylic.
5. Once the acrylic has been filed down as much as possible, use the coarse nail file to gently file off the edges of the acrylic until it pops off.
6. Repeat this process with each nail until all of the acrylics have been removed.

This method is gentle and won’t damage your natural nails, but it can take a bit of time and effort. Be sure to take breaks if your hands get tired and use caution when using the nail file to avoid injuring yourself.

Soaking Method with Hot Water

If you don’t want to use acetone or any other chemicals, you can try using hot water to remove your acrylics. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill a bowl with hot water, making sure the water is hot but not boiling.
2. Soak your nails in the hot water for 10-15 minutes.
3. After the time has passed, use a wooden cuticle pusher to gently pry up one corner of the acrylic nail.
4. Once you’ve lifted the corner, use the cuticle pusher to carefully peel the acrylic off of your natural nail.
5. Be sure to work slowly and gently, as you don’t want to damage your natural nail.
6. Repeat this process with each nail until all of the acrylics have been removed.

This method can be a bit time-consuming and may not work as well for thicker or older acrylics, but it’s a gentle option that doesn’t require any chemicals. Be sure to use caution when working with hot water to avoid burning yourself.