by Susie Turk

Created on: November 11, 2010

Removing acrylic fingernails isn't nearly as difficult as it may seem. Most women tend to either attempt to pop them off, or pick them off, however neither of these options are recommended as the result could be damaged nail plates, damaged nail beds, and pain as well. Nobody needs to be in pain over nails now, do they?

That said, I'm going to share with you the proper way to soak-off acrylic nail enhancements. So, if you're ready, I'm ready, too! Ready? Set? Soak!

Items you'll need:

A)   4 glass or ceramic bowls - 2 small and 2 a bit larger so the smaller bowls can fit inside of the larger bowls

B)   1 Eight ounce Bottle of Acetone - Available at your local Beauty supply or retail drug store

C)   1 or 2 Wood Pusher Sticks - Generally also available at your local Beauty supply or retail drug store

D)   Some old newspaper or a small, old terrycloth towel

E)   Paper Towels

F)   Liquid Antibacterial Soap

G)   Nail brush

H)   Buffer Block

I)   Some Cuticle oil

J)   Moisturizing Lotion

I suggest beginning with your set-up, therefore, what you'll want to do first is; cover your work area with the newspapers, or you can utilize an old terrycloth towel, because I assure you,  this process may be a bit messy.

Next, fill the larger bowls, approximately 1/3 full, with very hot water. Now you'll want to fill the smaller bowls with just enough acetone to cover your nails completely; add approximately 1/2 to 1 inch of acetone into the bottom of the smaller bowls, then place the smaller bowls inside of the larger, hot water filled, bowls.

To the best of your ability, only submerge the acrylic product that has been applied to your natural nails into the acetone, being sure to keep all the nails closely together and faced down into the bowl so that very little skin is actually submerged in the acetone. Doing so will prevent excess skin dehydration, or dryness. I suggest soaking in the acetone for a minimum of 15 minutes  as this will provide maximum penetration of the acetone into the acrylic, causing product breakdown, allowing for an easier removal of the acrylic product.

After approximately 15 minutes, remove your first hand from the acetone and begin to push, or slide the jellied acrylic from the natural nail plates using you wood pusher stick(s). Wipe all removed product onto clean paper towels, and be sure to use the clean side of your wood stick to minimize mess. Continue this process until all of the jellied acrylic product has been removed from your natural nail plates.

At this point you should only have a bit of acrylic residue remaining. Using the liquid antibacterial soap, hot water, and your nail brush, thoroughly scrub your nails, fingers, and hands. Return to your work area and buff off any residual acrylic product from both your nails as well as your skin, sort of like exfoliating, then wash your hands once more.

To finish up, simply dry  your hands thoroughly, apply cuticle oil to your cuticles, massage lotion into your hands and wrist, and, VIOLA! You are done.

For a more manicured look, I suggest shaping your natural nail tips with a standard emery board, and, if desired, applying base coat, polish, and top coat for a sleek and glamorous look.

Learn more about this author, Susie Turk.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.