Now that most businesses are currently forced to shut down in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19, most are stuck in the house and unable to make their nail appointments. It not only sucks but leaves the question… What do I do about my nails? Removing your nails at home isn't something you’ve probably thought about doing yourself because your nail tech has always done it for you. Things are a bit different during these times but there is no need to lose hope on your nails! This is why I thought I should start sharing with you my nail survival tips to get you through these tough times.

Below I’ve listed the items you can find around your home or may have easy access to in efforts to keep your nails in shape! Check out the video and step-by-step guide below on how to properly remove your gel or acrylic nails at home.

The materials you need for removal at home:

• Buffer

• Nail File

• Foil

• Acetone

• Cotton Balls

• Glass Bowl

• Cuticle Oil

1. Remove the shine from the nails.

Do this using a nail buffer until each nail is semi-matte. You want to do this to remove the topcoat. This will help the acetone penetrate the acrylic making the removal process a lot faster.

2. Place acetone soaked cotton on the nail.

You want the cotton ball to be generously soaked in the acetone. The cotton round or pad can be split in half to conserve your supplies. Each piece of cotton should be large enough to cover the nail surface.

3. Wrap foil on the nail over top of the cotton

You want the foil to secure the acetone soaked cotton to the nail. You can use a foil strip the size of a credit card. Wrap the finger and cotton together snuggly using the foil. The foil will also help insulate heat, which aids in activating the acetone.

4. Let it sit.

5 minutes for gel polish

10 minutes for acrylics

You want to allow the acetone time to help remove the product from your nails. A gel manicure needs about a 5 minute soak. For an acrylic set, you’ll need around 10 minutes for the product to lift from the nail bed. Remember that heat will speed up this process by activating the acetone, so try to keep your fingers in a warm environment.

5. Remove the foil wrap from the first finger & file off product gently!

Remove one of the foil and cotton wraps from one of the nails to check how much product has been lifted. If you think your nails still need more time, reapply your foil wrap and wait another 5-10 minutes. 

Once you notice the product has lifted from your nails, you are now able to begin gently filing the excess product off. Please remember to take your time and be very gentle with this step. Be careful not to damage the nail bed or cuticle area.

6. Repeat for each nail as needed.

Go through and gently file away the product for each nail. Your nails should be free of all products now.

(File edges of your nails)

Use your nail file to smooth the edges of your nails. Make sure to move your file left or right to avoid jagged edges. Shape your nails to your preference. Stick to one direction when filing your nails. Remember to file from the sides to the center of the nail.

7. Buff The nails

Smooth the nails using your buffer. You can buff the nail in any direction, your goal is a smooth nail surface. After buffing each nail make sure to clean off the nail dust particles. You should now have a smooth and clean nail plate. You may apply a clear top coat or color of your choice.

8. Apply cuticle oil

This last step can be done by rubbing your cuticle oil into the cuticle and nail plate. If you do not have a cuticle oil, there are many other options you can find at home for hydrating your cuticle and nail. Olive oil and coconut oil are great alternatives for this step.

Leave a brief comment below if this helped you!

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