How to Remove Nail Extensions At Home

There are many reasons why you might want to try out some nail extensions. Not only are they the easiest way to have long and beautiful nails, but there’s also the fact that you can play around with their designs. Nail extensions will need to be regularly maintained, but sometimes, you might want to remove them altogether.

This can be difficult, especially if you don’t have time to swing by a nail salon, but don’t worry because you can remove nail extensions at home!

How to Remove Gel Nail Extensions

Gel nail extensions, also known as gel-x nails, come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to help you achieve the nails of your dreams. These nail extensions are known to be incredibly durable and long-lasting, mainly because they’re attached to your nail with glue and are cured under a UV lamp. While this allows these nail extensions to last around three to four weeks, it can also mean that gel nail extensions can be tricky to remove.

Here’s how you can remove gel nail extensions at home without damaging your natural nails:

1. Start trimming off as much of the gel extensions as possible. Then, use a nail file or electric file to buff the surface of the extensions.
2. Pour enough acetone into a bowl or container to fully submerge your nail extensions in. Soak your fingers for around 20 minutes to dissolve the nail glue.
3. Gently scrape off your nail extensions. If you feel any resistance, soak your nails in acetone for another 20 minutes before trying again.
4. After removing all your extensions, buff the surface of your natural nails with a nail file to remove any remaining nail glue. Then, apply some cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to your nails to moisturize them.

How to Remove Acrylic Nail Extensions

Compared to gel nail extensions that already come in the shape of a nail, acrylic nail extensions start off as a paste that is then applied to your nails. Once it hardens, it is then molded into your desired shape and length to give you a sturdy and scratch-resistant finish. Here’s how you can remove acrylic nail extensions at home:

1. Clip off the excess length of your acrylics, making sure to cut them as close to your real nails as possible. Then, roughen up the surface of the nail polish with a nail file or buffer until the surface is no longer shiny.
2. Pour enough acetone into a small bowl or container to submerge your nails in. Let your acrylics soak for around five minutes.
3. With a cuticle pusher, start pushing the nail polish off of your nails, starting from your cuticles and working your way to the tip of the nail.
4. Soak the extensions in acetone for another five minutes and repeat the previous step until the extensions have fully soaked off.
5. After removing your acrylics, use a nail buffer to remove any remnants left behind. Then, massage some cuticle oil or petroleum jelly into your nails to finish.

How to Remove Nail Extensions Glue

While you may have fully removed your nail extensions, there’s a chance that some of the glue will still be stuck to your nails. While this can be tricky and tedious to remove, here’s how you can remove nail glue easily at home:

1. Fill a small bowl or container with warm water before adding a few drops of cuticle oil. After mixing the two together, soak your nails in this solution for at least ten minutes.
2. In another bowl or container, combine equal parts warm water and acetone before mixing them together. Soak your nails in this solution for around ten minutes.
3. Remove any remaining bits of nail glue by buffing your nails with a nail buffer. Then, apply some cuticle oil to your nails to ensure that they’re as healthy as possible.

How to Remove Nail Extensions Without Acetone

If you’re looking to remove your nail extensions without using acetone, then here’s how you can do it with some warm and soapy water:

1. Fill a small bowl or container with warm water before adding a few drops of gentle dish soap. Mix everything together before soaking your nails in it for around 20 minutes to soften up the glue.
2. After soaking your nails, try to lift the edges of the extensions with a stick or a cuticle pusher. If you’re still having a hard time removing the extensions, then feel free to soak your nails again. Repeat this as many times as needed until you can easily remove the nail extensions.
3. When you’ve removed the extensions, use a nail buffer to clean off any remaining nail glue on your nails before applying cuticle oil to your fingertips.

The Takeaway

Nail extensions can leave your hands looking fabulous, but they also need to be properly removed. It’s worth mentioning that simply trying to pull your nail extensions out without any preparations whatsoever is a one-way street that’ll lead to damaged nails.

In case you don’t have time to have your extensions professionally removed, make sure that you follow these steps to remove your nail extensions at home without damaging them. If you don’t feel comfortable handling this yourself, or you simply want to remove your extensions in the safest way possible, then you’re in luck because Luce offers a wide range of at-home manicure services to keep your nails as pretty and healthy as possible!