Dip powder nails have truly revolutionized manicure for thousands of women. They last longer, keeping the nail polish intact and chip-free for weeks, and look absolutely gorgeous. A high-quality dip powder nail manicure can last up to a month! Still, that moment comes when you need to take them off, which usually requires a trip to a salon. But that is not the only way you can do that! Here is how to remove dip powder nails at home in no time.
Preparation
Removing dip powder nails at home is quite easy and you will need just a few things to do it. Take 10 cotton balls big enough to cover your nails, a bottle of 100% pure acetone (make sure you have the right one because regular nail polish remover simply won’t do the trick), one nail clipper, aluminium foil (you’ll need to tear it into 10 small pieces), one nail file, and a bottle of cuticle oil.
Step 1: Clip off
Most of the time dip powder nails turn out a bit longer than your natural nails, which means you have some excessive nail extensions to get rid of. Simply clip them off to remove extra length and the rest of the procedure will go even faster. If your dip powder nails are short – just skip this step.
Step 2: File down
You need to break down the shiny top coat of your dip powder nails in order to take them off. Use a gritty nail file and file down the uppermost layer till a bit of powder appears on your nails. Be careful not to file down to your natural nails as it will damage them. Removing the top layer will allow the acetone to do its magic properly. No pricy salon procedures needed!
Step 3: Use acetone
Now is the time to use the power of 100% acetone. Take one cotton ball, fully soak it in acetone, and apply to one of your nails. Wrap a small piece of aluminium foil around it to secure the cotton ball. It will also create the right temperature for acetone to work. Repeat on each nail! It will take around 15 minutes for acetone to work.
Step 4: Take off foil
Now it’s time to check your nails! Take off pieces of foil one at a time to check if everything is removed properly. Gently wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in acetone to remove any excess that is left. If the dip still holds on – rewrap the nail with foil for another 10 minutes.
Step 5: Aftercare
Once your dip powder manicure is gone for good, it’s important to use cuticle oil to moisturize your nails and promote their health. In fact, you should be using cuticle oil on a daily basis if you’re having this kind of manicure! A nourishing treatment is necessary to keep your fingernails healthy and beautiful. If you’re getting dip powder manicures regularly it would be wise to take a break from time to time in-between the procedures. It will help your nails rejuvenate, giving them extra strength.
Alternative
Using foils is a bit time-consuming, but there is another method you can try. You will need to use two sandwich bags and two paper towels that you will put inside and soak in acetone until they’re properly wet. Prepare a bowl with hot water (but not too hot because your hands will go inside), put one hand into a sandwich bag, then into the bath of hot water (wearing the bag of course), and sit for a few minutes. Gently rub your nails against the soaked paper towel. Repeat with the other hand and carefully remove whatever excess dip powder is left on your nails with a file. This method may be faster, but it’s a whole lot messier, just keep that in mind. So that’s how to remove dip powder nails at home!