Removing dip nails can be done by yourself at home, but it's essential that you use the correct tools. Do not force the dip powder from your nails as you could severely damage your nail bed.
How To Remove Powder Dip Nails With The Foil-Wrap Method
To remove dip powder nails at home, you can use the foil-wrap method, a common method used at nail salons.
Tools needed for dip powder removal: Foil-wrap method
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Foil
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Pure acetone or regular nail polish remover
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Cotton balls or cotton pads
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Nail file
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Nail and cuticle pusher or cleaner
Steps to removing dip nails
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File down the top layer of your dip powder nails. You'll have filed enough when the top layer of your nails are covered in white dust and look dull.
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Soak the cotton balls or pads with acetone. Make sure they're entirely drenched in acetone.
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Place the acetone-soaked cotton ball on top of each nail bed and wrap foil around your finger to hold it in place.
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Wait 10-15 minutes.
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Remove the foil from one nail to test whether you need to soak your nails longer. The powder should easily rub off your nail—if it doesn't, place the cotton ball and foil back on your finger for another 10 minutes.
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Rub the dip powder manicure off each of your nail beds.
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Using the cuticle pusher, scrape away any remaining dip powder from your nails.
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Apply a nail strengthener and cuticle oil to help your nails repair themselves from any damage.
Pro Tip: Rub petroleum jelly on your fingertips and cuticles (avoiding the nail bed) to protect the skin around your nails.
Remove dip nails without foil
You can similarly remove dip powder manicures but without the hassle of wrapping each fingernail in foil. Follow the steps above, but instead of soaking your nail beds in acetone-soaked cotton balls and wrapping them with foil, you can pour the acetone into a bowl and place your nails in it.
You'll need to soak your nails for at least 10 minutes (maybe more), so this method may be a bit too restricting for some, but it will save you some time (and hassle).
Note that this method will use more acetone than the foil-wrapped method.
How To Remove Dip Powder Nails At Home Without Acetone
If you don't have acetone or don't want to use something so hard on your nails and skin, there are some alternatives you could try, although they won't work as quickly. You can try:
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White vinegar
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Baking soda and toothpaste (mix together)
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Alcohol
Simply replace the acetone in the instructions above with either of these options.
Best way to remove dip nails
If you've never done it before, the best way to remove dip nails is to visit your local nail salon and ask them to remove them. If you have a good nail artist, they will remove dip powder from your nails safely and efficiently.
How to Take Care of Your Nails After Removal
Now that you've removed your dip nails, it's important to look after your natural nails to ensure optimal nail growth and to keep your cuticles and surrounding skin healthy.
Use a nail treatment
Nail treatments usually come in serum form and provide your nails with the essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth. Rocket Nail Fuel can be applied to your nails like regular nail polish, and you can even paint color over the top.
Use cuticle oil and hand cream often
Cuticle oil is essential to protecting your nails, keeping your surrounding skin hydrated, and preventing cracks and splitting. You should rub cuticle oil on your fingernails and surrounding skin at least once a day, usually at night when you won't be washing your hands regularly (and therefore washing off the cuticle oil).
Take a break between manicures
While getting manicures (whether dip powder nails or gel manicures) can be fun and keep your nails looking stylish and trendy, it's important to take a break between manicures to give your nails time to heal and restore.
Avoid dip powder nails, gel nail polish, and acrylic nails altogether
Getting false nails and using polish other than regular nail polish damages your nails. The best way to keep your nails healthy and strong is to avoid getting these types of manicures altogether.
