Hello, and welcome back to another article where I will be giving you an overview along with the steps on how to take off Acrylic nails with hot water. If you are someone who is researching this topic, either you are someone who has fallen in love with using acrylic nails and wants to learn a quick trick in removing them with the hot water method, or you are just a beginner who wants to learn more about the application and removal of acrylic nails before going for your first try. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Firstly, let me give you a brief overview of what exactly acrylic nails are and why there is such a craze for them in the market. If you are a recent Instagram user, I am sure you must have seen a lot of top-rated celebrities promote and show off their acrylic nails. The major reason is that, in this everyday struggle of life, not every one of us has the time to personally take care of our natural nails, but somewhere we all love to dress up and try to look pretty in society. Acrylic nails are one of the best ways to enhance our fashion at any event or occasion.
But it is seriously recommended to take the help of an expert or professional in applying acrylic nails because you might hurt yourself and your really strong nails in doing so.
Applying acrylic nails has a lot of steps and procedures so that they look exactly like the layout of your natural nails. I will be covering all the information you need, along with the main topic: How to take off acrylic Nails with hot water. To learn more, keep scrolling down.
1. What Exactly are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails can be described as a thick coating over our natural nails. Every single natural nail of ours is given a special extra layer of coating made of a mixture of polymer powder and monomer liquid. The professional creates a solid mixture of these two chemicals, which later gives your nails a shimmer and shine for any event, party, or occasion.
These nails have been on the market for decades, and hardly anyone used to apply the scared that their nail beds might get damaged and the natural nail bed might lose its strength. But because of the internet and social media, these nails are becoming more popular compared to gel nails, the main reason being that these nails are more durable compared to gel nails, and also that acrylic nails dry quicker compared to gel nails. Gel nails also have different types of gel nail polish which only suit gel nails. These nails also help to protect our damaged nails from any further damage and keep them protected all the way.
2. Acrylic Nails vs Gel Nails: Which is Better?
Acrylic nails and gel nails both serve different purposes depending on what kind of design a person wants. In the case of Acrylic nails, every nail is coated with a mix of chemicals that creates a layer on our natural nails. Even though these nails look like fake nails, the protective coating over the nails helps secure the natural nails. In the case of gel nails, each nail is coated with a gel-based substance, which uses UV ray lighting to dry and fix them on our nail bed.
The major difference between these two nails is that Acrylic nails quickly dry compared to Gel nails and also give artificial nails a glamorous look. These artificial nails are considered to protect our nail cuticles and entire nail area from the harsh chemicals that come into contact with our nails when we apply nail polish.
3. What are the Few Things We Should Remember While Applying Acrylic Nails?
3.1 Never Force Any Nail on Natural Nails
The First and foremost thing we should remember is that we should never forcefully apply any nail just because we want to look pretty or hide our natural nails. We should always be aware of what we are applying to our nails because harsh chemicals might cause them to crack and swell. It is advisable to go to the nearest expert or professional in a salon to apply your acrylic nails.
3.2 Check the Kind of Nail Salon you Visit
Always check whether the nail salon or the nail expert is using properly softened acrylic that suits your skin type. This is very essential before you apply any kind of acrylics.
3.3 Always Check the Products
If you are applying the acrylic nails yourself, then do not forget to check the product to see whether it has any harsh chemicals or not.
3.4 Apply Cuticle Oil before Pushing Cuticles
Always remember to apply cuticle oil and massage them nicely on your fingers and nails before you apply acrylic nails.
3.5 Disinfecting is Important
Always disinfect the acrylic nail products or nail tech before you use them again.
3.6 Check for Your Nails Before Applying Products
Do not apply acrylic nails if you are allergic to certain products or if you have unhealthy nails.
4. How to apply Acrylic Nails?
If you are a beginner who is interested in applying acrylic nails and is trying to do it for the first time, I am here to help you. Read more to learn more:
Step 1: Buy your Equipment
The first and most important thing that you should remember is that you should buy your separate equipment to remove acrylics.
Step 2: Remove any old nail polish from your nails
The next step is to properly remove any old nail polish from your nails. Use any acetone nail polish remover or any rubbing alcohol-based nail polish remover to completely clear your nails before you apply any acrylic or gel-based nails.
If you are someone who has already applied acrylic nails before and is trying to apply a new type, then dip the remaining nails completely in the acetone-based remover until it gets removed naturally. Do not pull the fake acrylic nails off, as it might cause your real nails to peel off too, resulting in them losing their natural coating.
Step 3: Trim your Nails
The next step is to trim your nails using nail clippers or a nail cutter to give them a beautiful end. Apply some nail cutter cuticle oil before cutting your nails.
Step 4: Scrape the Uneven Edges to Give Proper Base
Gently scrape the uneven edges using a nail file to give the acrylic nails a proper base to stick on. Also, giving the nails a rough surface makes it easier for the glue to stick to easily stick to the nail.
Step 5: Apply Cuticle Oil
The next major step is to properly apply a few drops of cuticle oil to the nails to soften them up and gently pry to push back the cuticles. Also, try using an orange stick moisturizer to push back the cuticles too and make space to fix the acrylic nails.
Step 6: Apply a Nail Primer
The next step is to use a nail primer. Use a cotton pad and dab on the nail to remove excess cuticle oil. Then apply the primer, which will help in removing excess cuticle oil from the nails and locking moisture in the nails.
Step 7: Apply the Nail Tips
Next, apply the nail tips. First, find the right size that will fit your nails, and then, using nail glue, apply the acrylic nails. On your first try, if you apply it wrong, dip your finger in hot water so that the nail detaches from your finger, and then reapply it again. Use a nail buffer to polish the sides, and cut the remaining nail to give it a nice texture. But be careful that no excess glue gets stuck to your finger other than the nail.
Step 8: Mix the Powder and the Liquid to Create the Acrylics
Next, bring out the powder and the liquid and keep them in separate bowls. Then dab the applier on the liquid, place it on the powder to create a mixture, and then apply it to the nail, giving it equilibrium and a real nail-like texture.
Step 9: Give Time for The Nails to Properly Dry
Wait for 10 minutes to give the nails a proper time to dry. After 10 minutes, check the surface of the nail with your acrylic brush. If the surface makes a ticking sound, it will be easy to remove acrylic nails. If it does not make a ticking sound, then keep it steady for a few more minutes.
Step 10: Shape the Edges of The Nail to Finish
In the Next Step, We Just Need to Finish the Last Work on Our Acrylic Nails. Using a Nail File, We Have to Shape the Edges of The Nails to Give Them a Perfect Finish. but Do Not Forget to Brush Off the Excess Dust so That It Does Not Collide with The Nail Polish.
Step 11: Apply a Nail Polish of Your Choice
Apply any preferred nail polish of your choice to give it a dazzling look.
Step 12: Maintain the Acrylic Nails
In the last step, maintain the acrylic nails. Be careful not to pull off your fake nails, as it might damage your natural nail layers too.
In the next portion, we will see how to remove acrylic nails in a few different methods as well as how to take off acrylic nails with hot water. Keep scrolling for more.
5. How to Remove Acrylic Nails?
After learning the huge process of how to apply acrylic nails, the major question comes up: how to remove the acrylic nails? Now there are a lot of methods for removing fake nails.
Usually, it is advised to remove the nails with the help of an expert or professional who deals with such techniques. But if you cannot afford to go over to a nail salon, there are some tricks you can focus on, or what we call DIY nail care.
I will be suggesting some quick methods on how you can remove acrylic nails and go forward with easy acrylic nail removal.
5.1 Removing fake nails using an acetone-based nail remover or rubbing alcohol-based nail remover: This is an easy method that can be helpful. There are two types of nail removers: acid-based and non-acid-based. In the case of acid-based products, we need to be extra careful, as acid coming into contact with our fingers can be harmful to our skin.
5.2 Dipping the nails in hot water: Dipping all the nails in warm water can help melt the nail glue, which makes it easier for the nails to come off. You can also dab a cotton ball in warm water and apply it to your nails and cuticles. Do not try to pull out the nail forcefully; wait for it to come out itself.
5.3 Dipping the nails in hot water: this is a trick on whether it will be easy to dip the nails in hot water, but trust me, this is one of the quick and easy methods if you are scared to try any other methods. (Keep scrolling if you want to learn more!)
5.4 This method is also one of the simplest, but it requires you to borrow help from another person. In this method, you need a cuticle stick and dental floss. In this step, first,t try removing the acrylic from the edges using the cuticle stick. If it comes off slowly and easily, then ask your friend or helper to help you with the next step. Hold the dental floss between the fake nail and the real nail and pull it like a saw, passing it through the acrylic nail. This will help the nail to come off.
6. How to Remove Acrylic Nails using Hot water?
Till now, we have figured out what exactly acrylic nails are, how they are different from the gel, how to take off acrylic nails with hot water, and how to apply them. We have also tried to understand what things we need to keep in mind regarding the application of acrylic nails.
Now we will be learning how to remove acrylic nails at home using hot water. There are a few basic steps and a few pieces of equipment you will need to remove acrylic nails easily and painlessly. One thing we need to keep in mind all the time is that we should never try to take off acrylic nails anyhow by pulling them hard, or we might be destroying the protective coating of our skin underneath.
Let’s move on with the items we need from a nail salon or any nail shop:
- A bowl
- Hot water
- Cotton balls
- Cuticle oil or olive oil
- Cuticle stick
- Orange Stick Moisturiser
- A towel
Step 1: Filling the Bowl with Hot Water
The first and most important step of the removal process is to keep all the equipment ready before you sit down to remove your acrylic nails. Fill a bowl with hot or warm water and keep it ready on the table along with the towel. But keep in mind that you only need to heat the water to a certain temperature so that you do not burn your fingers. This is usually taken care of to remove the leftover excess glue and make the acrylic nails come off faster.
Step 2: Dip your Fingers in the Hot water
In this step, you need to dip your hands into the hot water. You need to keep your hands dipped for at least 10–15 minutes. Now it is up to you to decide whether to put all your fingers together or put one finger after the other. But do not pull the nail, or you might harm the skin underneath.
Step 3: Keep your Fingers Soaked in it for 20–30 minutes Straight
In this step, you need to keep your finger soaked in the warm water for at least 20–30 minutes. After some time, you will see that the acrylic nails start to slowly swell up. But it is a very normal process and nothing to worry about. After some time, you will see that every fake nail will start to detach from your fingers.
Step 4: Try to Remove the Fake Nails
Once you see the nails coming off, use dental floss to gently remove the remaining acrylic nail. When you start removing the nail, you will see the adhesive starting to dissolve. The nail will automatically start to wear off. At that time, take a cuticle pusher, an orange stick, or any other sharp object to slowly remove the nail.
Step 5: Remove the Leftover Glue from the Entire Nail area
Once you finish the whole removal process, your nail plate will be visible. You will be able to see some glue on the nail bed. Dip your finger in the hot water for some more time while you watch the leftover glue slowly wash off from your natural nail bed. Use a cuticle pusher and a cotton ball to gently scrape off the remaining glue.
Now you are finally successful in removing the acrylic nails safely from your fingers.
7. DIY Nail Care Tips We Should Know After Removing The Acrylic Nails at Home
After completing the removal process, we should go through a nail aftercare process to keep our natural nails healthy and safe.
7.1 Dry your Nails Properly:
Dry your nails properly with a towel or use cotton balls. There should be no water remaining in the nails. Just because you have soaked your nails in hot water for a long time, be extra careful when drying them because your natural nails might still be fragile.
7.2 Use Orange Stick Moisturizer
Use an orange stick moisturizer or apply cuticle oil to your real nails once you have completely dried them. Also, apply them properly to your cuticles to prevent your nails from being further damaged.
7.3 Keep your Nails at Rest
Keep your nails for rest and let them re-energize themselves for a minimum of 2–3 months before you again apply acrylic nails.
So this was all about the information on Acrylic nails and how to take off acrylic nails with hot water. I hope this information was helpful to you! Now go ahead and apply your favourite acrylic nails at home and dress up all pretty and glamorous.
