Do you want to replace the gel polish without damaging or thinning the acrylic nails?
Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with safe, simple, and effective methods that will leave your nails looking flawless.
The key to removing nail polish from your acrylic nails lies in using the right products and following the correct steps, and this blog will explain all these things in a practical way.
This post on how to remove gel polish from acrylic nails safely is compiled by our team of nail professionals at The Osm Spa in collaboration with trusted names such as Olive & June, Essie, and Tom Bachik, who have carefully researched and tested various methods to ensure that the information we provide is accurate, reliable, and safe.
Method To Take off Gel Polish Out of Acrylic Nails
You may find multiple ways and tens of tutorials on Youtube regarding gel polish removal, but the concern is, will they work? Are they safe? Well, you can’t decide what as long as you apply them yourself.
However, the methods below are sure to work effectively and safely:
- Filing
- Foil wrapping
- Hot water
Method 1: How To Remove Gel Polish Out of Acrylic Nails By Filing?
If you’re new to the word nail filling, let me tell you it’s a process where a hand-On file or Electric file is used to sand down the surface of fake nails for different effects.
It is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to put off nail polish, but at the same time, it can be hurting if you don’t know how to proceed with it.
Here’s a step-by-step procedure to use an electric file or drill for nail polish removal:
Step 1: Set The Nail File
Electric nail files often come with varying attachments, also referred to as bits. For removing nail polish, I suggest you use a fine-grit sanding band or a polishing attachment.
Most electric nail files have variable speed settings. It is recommended to begin with a low speed so that you’re at a safe level and can control the drill easily.
You can increase the speed if required. Higher speeds can be used for stubborn or hard-to-remove nail polish.
Step 2: Start Filing The Nails Carefully
Once you’re done setting the tool, hold it firmly and move it in one direction over the nail surface. Avoid back-and-forth or side-to-side motions as they can cause heat buildup and damage your nails.
Pay close attention to the edges and corners of your fake nails, as nail polish tends to accumulate there. Softly guide the electric nail file along the edges to remove any remaining polish.
Apply very minor pressure while using the electric nail file, as too much pressure can cause discomfort or thin down the nail surface. Let the electric nail file do the work by using a light touch.
If you feel any discomfort or heat during the process, take short breaks to prevent overheating of your nails. This will help avoid potential injury.
Step 3: Check The Progress Periodically
Periodically stop and check the progress of the nail polish remover. If there are any stubborn spots, focus the electric nail file on those areas, using a gentle and controlled motion.
However, if the underneath layer of acrylic gets visible, it means the polish is removed. Avoid filing those visible areas.
Step 4: Clean And Moisturise
Once the acrylic nails are visible completely and there is no gel polish left, use a clean, damp cloth or cotton pad to wipe away any debris.
Also, don’t forget to use cuticle oil or moisturizer to rehydrate your nails and cuticles after the process.
Method 2: How To Remove Gel Polish From Acrylic Nails By Foil Wrapping?
It is another suitable technique to get rid of nail polish. The most important thing about this method is using a non-acetone-based gel polish remover.
The reason is, if you employ an acetone-based product, it will weaken the acrylic nails too, along with the polish, and I’m pretty sure you don’t want to take your fake nails off.
Here is how to take off gel polish without taking off acrylic using this technique:
Step 1: Arrange The Supplies
You’ll require the following simple materials:
- Tin foil, also called aluminum foil.
- Cotton balls/pads.
- Non-acetone polish remover.
- Cuticle pusher.
Step 2: Prepare and Soak Cotton Balls
Tear the cotton balls into small pieces or use pre-cut cotton pads that you can find online or in a nearby cosmetic store. You will need one for each nail.
Now, pour a small amount of nail polish remover onto each piece of cotton or the pads to saturate them. Make sure the cotton is soaked but not dripping.
Step 3: Apply The Cotton To The Nails
Now, place a soaked cotton piece directly onto each nail properly. Ensure that the piece of cotton covers the entire nail surface.
Next, take a small strip of tin foil and wrap it around your fingertip in order to cover the cotton pad, then press it softly to secure it in place. Recount this step for each finger.
Step 4: Wait For The Remover To Work
Let the tin foil wraps sit on your nails for about 5 to 10 minutes. This is done to allow the polish remover to penetrate deeply and break down the polish effectively. Next, remove the foil wraps from each finger one by one.
Step 5: Check Out The Results
Most of the nail polish should come off easily after removing the foil wraps. If there are any remaining traces, use a cuticle pusher or any other hard tool, such as an orangewood stick, to scrape off the polish with a light hand.
Step 6: Clean Your Nails
After removing the nail polish, wash your hands thoroughly to remove any residue, followed by moisturising with vitamin E oil or any other treatment to hydrate your nails and cuticles.
Method 3: How To Remove Gel Nail Polish With Hot Water?
Although hot water alone cannot entirely remove the gel nail polish, it can facilitate the process by softening the polish.
You just have to put your fingers in hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes to weaken the polish and then scrape it off or drill it with a file.
You can use hot water to remove your acrylic nails. That’s why it is recommended not to leave your nails in hot water for longer, as you want to remove the polish only, not the nails.
FAQs
How to remove acrylic nail polish without acetone?
To remove acrylic nail polish without acetone, you can try using a non-acetone nail polish remover or soak your nails in warm soapy water, followed by scrapping off the polish with a cuticle pusher or a wooden stick.
How to change nail polish on acrylic nails?
To change nail polish on acrylic nails, first buff the old polish carefully, followed by applying a base coat, then applying the new nail polish. Lastly, finish with a top coat for long-lasting results.
How to take nail polish off acrylic nails without ruining them?
If you want to take off polish out of your synthetic acrylic nails, make sure you use a method that you have a good grip on. Prefer to visit a salon if you’re a beginner and don’t know how to use a nail file or soak nails for removal.
Can you remove nail polish at home?
Yes, you can remove nail polish at home. There are many methods to try, such as using nail polish removers, soaking nails in warm, soapy water, or using DIY methods like toothpaste or vinegar. Choose a method suitable for your nails.
Conclusion On How To Remove Gel Polish From Acrylic Nails
By applying the tips, precautions, and strategies discussed in the post, you can get satisfactory results. Why would you go to a salon to remove your nails when you can have such thorough guidance as this post?
Please comment with your questions if you still have confusion in your mind. I’ll be replying as quickly as possible.
