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Unfortunately, though, taking off acrylic nails can be challenging and time-consuming, to say the least.

It can also weaken the nail, upping the chance for peeling and breakage.

close-up of a person’s hand with designed acrylic nails

Photo: mikroman6/Getty Images, CSA Images/Getty Iamges

For starters, don’t just hack away at the polish with any old nail file.

To pull it off, all you’ll need are a few basic tools.

Acetone is flammable, so it shouldn’t go near the microwave.

(Here’show to remove dip powder nails at home, too.)

A nail file’s grit is a rating of how coarse it is, like sandpaper.

The lower the number, the coarser the file.

The higher the number, the finer the file.

C.Fill the plastic bags with enough acetone so that nails can completely submerge.

The hotter the water, the better, as warming the acetone makes it work faster, explains Yankee.

But it shouldn’t hurt.

And remember:do notput acetone in the microwave.

The water’s temperature will do a good enough job of heating the acetone to remove the acrylic nails.

F.Place each open baggie of acetone gently in each bowl of water.

Then, place fingertips inside the baggies, submerging them in the warm water.

Allow nails to soak for 1015 minutes.

H.Repeat steps CD as necessary until no residue remains.

I.Wash hands andapply cuticle oil.

Acetone is drying, so don’t skip this step!

Before adding the cotton balls, swipe some petroleum jelly onto your fingers to protect the skin.

Finish by washing your hands and moisturizing your nails with a cuticle cream or moisturizer.

This is best left for nails that are already really loose.

you might also try it before an acetone soak to see if the nails are coming off.

When Should Acrylic Nails Be Removed?

Acrylic nails typically start to lift after about two weeks.