How to Take Off Acrylic Nails with Vinegar [Top Tips]

If you have wanted to remove acrylic nails from your fingertips, but don’t want to invest in nail removal solutions, then vinegar may be a great way for you to safely and effectively remove your acrylic nails.

In this blog post, I’ll share how to take off acrylic nails with vinegar, as an easy and affordable solution for removing those pesky acrylic nails from your fingertips.

We will discuss the preparation required before beginning the process, what type of vinegar is best suited for the job, and how long it should take.

So let’s dive in and learn all there is to know about taking off acrylic nails with vinegar.

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last Before You Need To Remove Them?

While the longevity of acrylic nails depends on how well you look after them, as a rule of thumb, it’s sensible to get them removed after two to three weeks.

This gives you enough time to enjoy the beauty of your new manicure without damaging the nails.

Remember that with acrylic nails, you’re essentially creating an artificial layer over your natural nails.

This artificial layer can impede the natural growth of your nails, as well as dehydrate them if left on for too long.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, and some people find that their acrylics last comfortably for up to five weeks.

However, as a general guide, it’s best to get them removed every two to three weeks to ensure your nails stay healthy and hydrated.

To ensure your acrylics stay in perfect condition during this time, be sure to look after them properly by using a cuticle oil on your cuticles and fingers, and exfoliating regularly.

Is It Better To Remove Old Acrylic Nails Or Get Them Infilled?

If you’re wondering whether it’s better to remove old acrylic nails or get them infilled, it’s good to understand the differences between these two processes.

Acrylic nails are basically a type of artificial nail that is applied over the natural nail to give it a thicker and more aesthetically pleasing look.

Removing old acrylic nails is just like getting a manicure. However, instead of applying a new coat of polish, technicians use acetone, a chemical that dissolves the acrylic nails.

This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness of the acrylic nails.

After the nails are removed, the technician will typically buff and shape the natural nail before applying a fresh coat of polish or nail art.

Infilling, on the other hand, involves adding new acrylic to the existing natural nail.

This process is used when wearers have not removed their old acrylic nails for too long, and the nail beds have grown out too far.

In this case, an acrylic powder is applied directly to the natural nails to fill in the gaps and create a uniform length.

This process is generally easier and faster than removing old acrylic nails, but can be more expensive since more materials are needed.

So, which process is best for you? It depends on several factors, including how long it has been since you last had your acrylic nails removed and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, infilling may be your best bet. However, if you want a longer-lasting manicure with minimal maintenance, removing old acrylic nails is the way to go.

What Is The Easiest Way To Remove Acrylic Nails?

Removing acrylic nails may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools, this task can be accomplished with ease.

The easiest way to remove acrylic nails is by soaking them in acetone-based nail polish remover. This dissolves the acrylic, allowing you to remove it with little to no effort.

All you need is a bowl or container large enough to fit your hands, a bottle of acetone-based nail polish remover, and a metal cuticle pusher or nail pick.

Fill your bowl or container with enough acetone-based nail polish remover to completely submerge your nails. Place your hands in the bowl and let the nails soak for 20–30 minutes.

After the acrylic has softened, use the metal cuticle pusher or nail pick to carefully push and pry the acrylic off your nails.

Finish by using a nail file to smooth out any rough edges or remaining residue on your nails.

How To Remove Acrylic Nails At Home?

Doing your own acrylic nail removal can be daunting, but with the right tools, you can easily remove them at home, without needing acetone polish remover.

There are lots of helpful tips on YouTube, if you would rather watch a video.

However, here are some easy steps on how to remove acrylic nails without damaging your natural nails:

1. Start by soaking your nails in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes. Soaking your hands with soap will help to loosen the glue that’s holding the acrylic onto your nails. Use a cloth or cotton swab to help work the glue away from the nail.

2. Next, you will need to file down the acrylic. Find a nail file specifically designed for removing acrylic and start filing away at the acrylic, working in a back and forth motion.

Be sure to take your time, as filing too hard or too quickly can cause damage to your natural nails.

Use nail clippers to clip away the acrylic that’s not touching your nail, so they’re nice and short.

3. Once the acrylic has been filed down, you can use a cotton ball soaked in acetone to gently remove any remaining acrylic.

Acetone is a powerful solvent, so be gentle and make sure you don’t over-soak your nails.

4. Once all the acrylic has been removed, use a hydrating cuticle oil or cream to help nourish and protect your natural nails.

How to Take Off Acrylic Nails with Vinegar

Vinegar can be a great natural solvent for removing acrylic nails. Acrylic nails are often used to give your nails a longer and more beautiful appearance.

However, fake nails must be taken off properly or else you risk damaging your natural nails.

With vinegar, you can easily and safely remove your acrylic nails without having to spend a lot of money on a nail salon visit.

The first step of the removal process, in taking off your fake nails with vinegar, is to prepare a bowl of lukewarm water. Add 3 tablespoons of white vinegar to the bowl and mix it together thoroughly.

Now, take a cotton ball in the vinegar, and soak it in the bowl for 5 minutes. Make sure that the cotton ball is completely soaked in the vinegar solution.

Once the cotton ball is ready, take it out of the bowl and place it on your fingernail.

Make sure that it is covering the entire nail, from the cuticle to the end. Leave the cotton ball on your nail for 15 minutes so that it can work its magic.

After 15 minutes, grab an orange wood stick and gently push along the sides of your acrylic nails to help separate them from your natural nails, to coax off bits of acrylic and remove nail polish.

Do this slowly and carefully so as not to cause damage to your natural nails. Once the acrylic nails are separated from your natural nails, use tweezers to slowly pull them off.

You can then use a nail file to buff out any remaining adhesive that is left on your nail with a nail buffer, or trim with nail clippers. You should also use cuticle oil or lotion to help soothe and nourish your nails.

Note that this method should only be used if your acrylics are not too old or damaged, as it can potentially cause even more damage.

Always rinse your nails afterward, with warm water, to get rid of vinegar remnants on your nails.

Why Is Vinegar Effective In Removing Acrylic Nails?

Vinegar has been used for generations to cleanse and disinfect surfaces. It’s no surprise then that vinegar also serves as an effective alternative for removing acrylic nails and fake nails.

Acrylic nails typically require an acetone-based remover, which is an incredibly harsh chemical. It can often cause skin irritation and its pungent smell can be overwhelming.

Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) is a much more environmentally friendly alternative. It’s made from the fermentation of ethanol and water and is a natural disinfectant.

Not to mention that it’s also much less expensive. White vinegar works by softening the acrylic nails and breaking down the adhesive that holds them in place.

Some people also like to do steps to remove their nails, like soak their nails in vinegar for a couple of minutes before using the cotton swab to cut it off.

Doing this allows the vinegar to fully penetrate and soften the acrylic application, making it an easy way to remove your acrylic nails.

Once you’ve loosened the acrylic with the vinegar, you can use a pair of tweezers or an orange stick to gently pull off any remaining pieces.

Be sure to use the orange stick carefully, as you don’t want to damage your nail bed in any way, whilst trying to remove the acrylic and nail glue.

If you have stubborn pieces that won’t come off with tweezers, go back and use the cotton swab with vinegar, buffing away at the acrylic, until you remove it from your real nails. You might even need a nail filer to slough away the stubborn acrylic.

What Should You Do If You Use Vinegar And It Isn’t Working To Remove Your Acrylic Nails?

If vinegar isn’t working to remove your acrylic nails, you should try soaking your nails in warm, soapy water. You could also try vinegar and lemon juice combined, as an effective way to remove acrylics safely.

This will help to loosen the adhesive bond between the nail and the acrylic, making it easier for you to take them off. Also soak a cotton pad in vinegar can help.

You can also use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently pry away any stubborn patches of acrylic that won’t come off with soaking alone, until the acrylic begins to lift away from the edge.

If those methods don’t work, you could try wrapping your nails in aluminum foil soaked in acetone nail polish remover, to try and dissolve the bonds.

Summary

Vinegar acrylic nail removal is a cost-effective and easy way to take off your old set of acrylic nails from the comfort of your own home.

While the vinegar itself is unlikely to damage your natural nails, it can leave them dry and brittle after a prolonged soaking time.

It’s also important to be careful when using an abrasive tool, like a cuticle stick, as this can cause damage to your nail plates.

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Makeup Muddle

Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.