Acrylic nail removal is a tedious, time-consuming process — one which is particularly dangerous if you might have no idea what you’re doing. Manicurists don’t recommend taking over the endeavor by yourself, as any error can wreck your precious nail beds.

But what if you happen to’re stuck in a manicure emergency with absolutely no technique to get to a salon in time? Well, you’ll be able to take a few of our experts’ advice on easy methods to remove acrylic nails at home. For those who’re going to play amateur nail tech, the professionals want you to know exactly easy methods to get ‘er done while reducing the chance of causing harm to the natural nail underneath those grown-out talons.

Before you even think about reaching for the acetone, know that removing your acrylic nails will take at the very least an hour of your day and a number of patience. (If it is your first time attempting this, we recommend going extra-slow with the method so you’ll be able to get it excellent.) Our nail pros say that removing acrylics at home is not not possible. While it’s kind of more involved than taking off your gel polish, it could actually be done.

Ahead, a step-by-step system for anyone who doesn’t do their nails for a living, dropped at you by the parents who do.

• Kristin Gyimah is a licensed nail artist in Los Angeles.
• Mytien Le, nail specialist at Sundays Studio in Latest York City.
• Ashlie Johnson is a licensed nail artist in Los Angeles.
• Amy Lee is a licensed nail artist in Los Angeles.
• Anna Miles is a licensed nail artist in Latest York City.
• Monserrat Rodriguez is a nail artist and owner of Shears and Laque nail salon in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
• Nadine Abramcyk is a co-founder of Tenoverten nail salon in Latest York City.
• Molly Romah is a lead nail technician at Chillhouse nail salon and spa in Latest York City.
• Dana SternMD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of Dermatology on the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Latest York City.

Can I remove acrylic nails the identical way I remove gel polish?

In line with Romah, there may be a slight difference. “Acrylics need an extended time to soak in acetone than gel polish,” she says.

Tools You will Have to Remove Acrylic Nails:

• nail clippers
• a nail file with two grits (100/80 grit, if possible)
• a nail buffer
• acetone (not just regular polish remover)
• an orangewood stick or metal pusher
• cotton balls
• foil or nail polish remover clips
• a small bowl