How to Remove Gel, Dip, and Acrylic Nails

No salon? No problem. Learn how to remove your nails.

All salons in the Hudson Valley are closed because of the coronavirus. No hair salons, lash studios, and what hurts me the most, no nail salons. I don't even have acrylic or gel nails and I'm feeling the pain. So I can only imagine what people with fake nails are going through. But fear not, your resident nail polish and nail salon addict has learned from the pros how to remove your fake nails.

Here's how to remove each style of fake nail, according to OPI:

Gel Nails

To remove gel nails you'll need a manicure brush, cotton balls, acetone-based nail polish remover, aluminum foil cut into squares, a nail file, cuticle stick, rubbing alcohol, cuticle oil, and nail strengthener, according to OPI.

1. First, file down the edges and sides of your nails. Just enough to remove the shine and break the wall but not to hit the nail.

2. Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover, place it on top of your nail, and wrap a foil square around your finger. Repeat this for all nails. Let this soak for 15-20 minutes.

3. After the time is up, gently twist and pull off the cotton ball and foil. There should be a decent amount of gel polish pulled off. If not, repeat step 2.

4. Use a cuticle stick to push the remainder of the gel polish off the nail, going from the cuticle to the edge of the nail. Brush off using a manicure brush. Repeat steps 2-4 until all the polish is off.

5. Moisturize and protect your nails by rubbing a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol on it. Apply nail oil and nail strengthener after.

6. I personally recommend to NOT paint your nails after removing fake nails. Let the nail breath and strengthen. Especially if there is yellowing, your nails need time off from the polish and dips. Don't peel your nails if you see the layers developing. File it down and let them grow and strengthen!

Dip and Acrylic Nails

According to OPI, to remove dip and acrylic nails (using their acrylic powders), you'll need cotton balls, acetone-based nail polish remover, aluminum foil cut into squares, a nail file, buffer block, cuticle oil, and nail strengthener.

1. File down your nails to get as much of the powder off but don't go all the way down to your natural nail. Use a high 180 grit nail file (the higher the number, the finer the grit and you want it pretty coarse). Wipe away filing dust.

2. Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and place it on your nail. Wrap a foil square around your nail with the cotton ball on top. Let soak for 20-25 minutes.

3. Gently twist and pull of one cotton ball and foil combo from a nail. Do NOT pull off all nails. Once you remove a cotton ball foil combo, use a nail file to remove any gummy residue left on your nail by gently pushing it off. Repeat this for all nails.

4. Rub a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover over your cleaned nails. Lightly buff and put on cuticle oil and nail strengthener when finished.

5. I personally recommend to NOT paint your nails after removing fake nails. Let the nail breath and strengthen. Especially if there is yellowing, your nails need time off from the polish and dips. Don't peel your nails if you see the layers developing. File it down and let them grow and strengthen!

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