How To Get Fake Nails Off At Home

TAKING off gel and acrylic nails roughly can result in long-lasting damage to nail beds - not to mention how unsightly the end result would be.

Here are the easiest and most gentle ways to remove your mani at home so you don't have to go to the salon - so get your acetone and tin foil ready.

Failing to remove your fake nails safely could lead to your real nails cracking or flaking Credit: Getty Images

How can I remove my gel nails at home?

Gel nails tend to be easier to remove than acrylics.

Here are the most effective and least damaging ways to do it.

File off the gels

Use a large buffer to remove the topcoat off your nails
When this process is complete, get the difficult-to-reach areas with a smaller file
Make sure to apply a nail strengthener or conditioning treatment after buffing the polish off. This will strengthen the cuticle and prevent your nails from scratching and breaking.

If these gentle removal tips don't work, it's advisable to return to your local salon Credit: Getty Images

Apply nail polish remover and wrap in foil

Soak a ball of cotton wool in nail polish remover
Place a section on each of your nails
Cover with aluminium foil
Leave for around 20 minutes
Remove the aluminium foil
You should then be able to lift the false nails off

If your skin begins showing signs of irritation, it's advisable to stop the removal process immediately.

In this instance, you may have to head back to the salon to get your acrylics taken off.

Gel nails are slightly easier to budge and you may be able to buff them off Credit: Getty Images

Use a gel nail polish remover

There are a number of different gel nail polish removers on the market.
SensatioNail Gel Polish Remover is a budget-friendly liquid that helps budge the long-lasting product.

SalonsDirect is another brand that sells a cheap remover for manicure-lovers.

Using the two acrylic nail removal methods should also be successful for getting your gel polish off.

How can I remove my acrylic nails at home?

Acrylic nails are notoriously more difficult to remove - and it's important to be careful if you are attempting to take them off without professional assistance.

These two methods involve lifting the falsies off your nails without using force or damaging your cuticles:

Use Acetone

Avoiding the nail bed, use a nail clipper to trim down your acrylics
If they're too tricky to snip off, try filing them down
Carefully use a buffer to file the topcoat off your nails
Fill a small container with acetone
Apply petroleum jelly or Vaseline to the skin surrounding your nails to protect it
Dunk your hands in the acetone for 30 minutes
Use the nail buffer to remove any remaining acrylic residue
Moisturise your hands

To keep your nails looking as healthy as possible, never attempt to pick at them Credit: Alamy

Why should I be careful taking off acrylic or gel nails?

If you peel off your false nails without using one of these methods, you risk scraping off the top layers of your delicate nails.

This can lead to breakages or unsightly white patches on your cuticles.

Scrubbing at your nails without caution could also lead to them becoming coarse, dry and flaky.

This affects the skin texture, making any future manicures look a lot less polished.

Alternatively, if you want to avoid risking it yourself, you can maintain them for as long as possible simply by giving them a fresh coat of paint with a little extra detail.

Try these quick and easy hacks for impressive nail art you can do on yourself