How to Remove Dip Nails at Home Without Ruining Your Nails (2024)

Again, if you want to remove dip nails without acetone, we have some disappointing news. We asked the experts and each one pretty much gave the same answer: Do not. Says Remark, "An alternative would be to file the product off, but this is time-consuming and comes with a big risk of over-filing and damaging the nail plate."

Beware of what you read on the internet and watch on YouTube: "Natural" ingredients such as distilled white vinegar and olive oil just don't have the properties to break down dip powder. If, for some reason, you really want to skip the acetone, head to your nail salon so they can use an e-file safely, says Remark.

Step 3: Gently Push the Dip Off Your Nails

After the dip loosens and begins to flake, take the metal pusher or orangewood stick and lightly scrape off the polish, starting from the cuticle area to the end of your nail. "The dip should come off without applying too much pressure on your nail bed," says Monserrat Rodriguez, nail artist and owner of Shears and Laque nail salon in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Step 4: Buff and Shape

If there are tiny pieces of polish remaining, don't worry. Take your buffer and gently rub them off. Buffing will also even out the texture of your nail and create a smooth finish. If the shape of your nails is jagged and uneven, take your nail file (180 grit) and create your ideal shape — but keep your length on the shorter side, especially if the nails seem weak. Johnson says this is the best way to prevent damaged nails from breaking or splitting.

Step 5: Hydrate and Massage

Last but certainly not least, replace all the moisture you just lost. Your nails (and skin) will likely be dehydrated from the acetone soaking and filing, not to mention the extreme hand-washing and hand-sanitizing, so go heavy with your favorite hand creams and oils.

Associate beauty editor Annie Blay loves Tenoverten's The Rose Oil for its lightweight feel and long-lasting moisture, while nail artist Johnson loves Byredo hand creams. "I'm big on scents, especially now, when a scent can really lift my spirits," says Johnson. “The little luxuries make a big difference.”

How to Remove Dip Nails at Home Without Ruining Your Nails (3)

Neutrogena

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hand Gel Cream

How to Remove Dip Nails at Home Without Ruining Your Nails (4)

Love Beauty and Planet

Love Beauty and Planet Hand Cream

For more affordable options, Allure editors recommend Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream and Beloved Cherry Blossom & Tea Rose Hand Cream Lotion.

How to Remove Dip Nails at Home Without Ruining Your Nails (2024)

FAQs

How to Remove Dip Nails at Home Without Ruining Your Nails? ›

While the removal process for dip nails isn't necessarily any more damaging than gel-nail removal (soaking in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes for dip, vs. soaking for 5 to 10 minutes then scraping off the layers for gel), it can still be super drying for your fingers and nails over time.

Does removing dip nails damage your nails? ›

While the removal process for dip nails isn't necessarily any more damaging than gel-nail removal (soaking in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes for dip, vs. soaking for 5 to 10 minutes then scraping off the layers for gel), it can still be super drying for your fingers and nails over time.

What do nail techs use to remove dip? ›

Both Laaouiti and Khan recommend using acetone to remove dip powder manicures, just as professional nail technicians do in salons.

How do I protect my nails after removing dip? ›

After nail removal, your daily regime to strengthen nails can start with applying a coat of Nail Strengthener. This treatment is as simple as applying a coat of strengthener every day for a week. The length of this treatment really depends on how much you want to strengthen nails and how damaged they already were.

Is gel or dip better for your nails? ›

Gels (and acrylics), while safe for most people, contain ingredients that can sometimes cause allergic reactions. If you've experienced an adverse reaction to manicure products in the past, we recommend using an all-natural dip powder instead of gels, acrylics, or nail varnish.

Why is dip bad for your nails? ›

Lipner says, “It's not dangerous to apply a dip powder every month. However, to remove these manicures, you need to put 100% acetone on your nails, which can damage your nails.” The acetone removes more than the nail color. “It peels off layers of nail and thins the nails over time,” says Dr.

How often should you give your nails a break from dip? ›

If you're unsure how often you should take breaks from dip nails, following a set schedule can be helpful. Dr. Lipner from AAD recommend taking a break every 3-4 weeks if you're using dip powder regularly. This allows your natural nails to grow out and replenish any nutrients that may have been depleted.

Is it bad to peel off dip nails? ›

It's not possible to safely remove dip nails without acetone, says Alabama-based nail artist and LeChat educator Syreeta Aaron. “Removing dip nails is very similar to removal of any artificial nail enhancement,” Aaron explains. “It's always best to file off the top layer of the artificial nail (the dip nail).

What is the best nail bit to remove dip? ›

It would help if you had a medium or coarse flame shape nail drill bit for dip powder. The flame shape medium or coarse version has a unique build that quickly removes the enhancement.

How to fix lifting dip nails at home? ›

The workaround? Lightly buff nails. This will allow the product to better adhere to your nail bed. Also, remove cuticles carefully since powder that is applied on top of cuticles can lead to lifting.

Does baking soda and toothpaste remove dip nails? ›

"There are hacks that suggest soaking nails in acetone substitutions like white vinegar and alcohol or using baking soda and toothpaste mix, but I do not recommend these options," she explains. "If you want to fully remove the dip powder safely and effectively, I strongly suggest utilizing acetone."

What is the healthiest way to remove dip powder? ›

The Right Way to Remove Dip

"Filing away the utmost amount of product allows for less soaking and scraping time," she says. After buffing the nails, soak them in an acetone bath (one to two inches of nail polish remover should fill up a bowl) for 10 to 20 minutes, repeating as necessary.

Can I remove dip nails without acetone? ›

If you want to remove dip powder nails without acetone, all you need are the following ingredients: One cup of warm water. One teaspoon of dish soap. Two teaspoons of rubbing alcohol.

What is the least damaging way to remove fake nails? ›

Pour 100 percent pure acetone into a tray or bowl and soak your nails in it for five minutes. With a metal cuticle pusher, gently push the polish off your nails, pushing from your cuticles downward. Redip your nails for five mins, then gently push again. Repeat until your acrylics have completely soaked off.

Does regular acetone remove dip nails? ›

Want to remove your dip powder nails at home? There are two methods Terrell recommends, and an absolute essential for both is pure acetone. Standard nail polish remover simply won't do the job when it comes to removing dip powder nails. "Pure acetone is the only solvent able to break down the layers," says Terrell.

Is acetone bad for your nails? ›

Acetone Damages Your Nails and Skin

Acetone nail polish remover dehydrates the skin around your nails, causing your cuticles to crack, bleed, and become susceptible to infection. It also dehydrates the nail itself, leading to brittle nails that break, crack, and peel easily.

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