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How to Remove Manicured Nails

Jun 10, 2011 / By Heather Vecchioni

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Fake, manicured nails are fairly easy to remove.

Photo: Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images

So you're over your acrylic manicured nails. What's a girl to do? For starters, avoid ripping them off of your nails. Not only does doing so hurt, but it also can cause serious damage to your natural nails and even cause parts of them to come off. Going to a nail salon for removal is an option, but if you want to do it yourself, a few products will help.

Clip your fake, manicured nails down as far as you can. The more you take off now, the easier removal is later.

Pour nail polish that contains acetone inside a small bowl. This is some powerful stuff, so open your windows or turn on a fan to avoid getting an acetone-induced headache.

Slather some petroleum jelly on the skin around your nails. This slippery stuff protects your delicate hands during removal.

Plunge your fingernails into the acetone. Since acetone is harsh and drying, try to put only your nails in the solution and not your fingers. Allow the acetone to work its magic on your nails for about 15 to 20 minutes. Acrylic nail adhesive is some pretty strong stuff, so it may take a little bit longer for the acetone to kick it in the tush and get it off of your nails.

Pull your fingers out of the acetone, and dry those babies off with a towel. With your fingers, try to peel the acrylic off. If they are stubborn, encourage them to take a hike by pushing down on them and with an orange stick. If you can tell there's just no way the nails are coming loose, resoak the nails and try again in about five minutes.

Rinse your hands, and use a nail brush to remove any excess gunk left on your fingers. Moisturize since that acetone likely dried your skin. Your nails are likely weak and thin right now, but give them some time to get back to their normal selves.

1.Nail clippers

3.Bowl

5.Towel

2.Petroleum jelly

4.Acetone

6.Moisturizer

As a clever alternative to dipping your nails, you can soak 10 cotton balls in acetone and place one on top of each of your fingers. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the balls and allow them to soak in for about 10 or 15 minutes. Remove the balls and wrap, then go to town trying to get those manicured nails off of your originals.