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

FAQs

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

Acetone is a must for removal, but save yourself the time and effort of rubbing your nails raw with a plain, soaked cotton ball. Instead, try nail foil wraps that already have a patch of cotton adhered to the inside. (Or, cut up foil you already have and use an acetone-soaked cotton ball inside the wrap, instead.)

Acetone is a must for removal, but save yourself the time and effort of rubbing your nails raw with a plain, soaked cotton ball. Instead, try nail foil wraps that already have a patch of cotton adhered to the inside. (Or, cut up foil you already have and use an acetone-soaked cotton ball inside the wrap, instead.)

Dip powder isn't necessarily “good” for your nails (because no nail technique—other than having bare nails—truly is), but they shouldn't create any long-term damage either, so long as your technician is taking safety measures into account (more on this below...).

Lipner from AAD recommend taking a break every 3-4 weeks if you're using dip powder regularly.

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.

Depending on the salon you go to, your nail technician, as described by nail artist Sonya Meesh, will either hand file or use an e-file to remove the initial layers of dip. They will then soak cotton in acetone and wrap each finger with aluminum foil to prevent the acetone from evaporating.

The dipping process involves multiple layers of powder and liquids being applied to your nails, which can strip away essential oils and moisture from your natural nails. As a result caused by any poor quality product, your nails may become dry and brittle, making them feel sensitive and uncomfortable.

Post-Removal Nail Care

After successfully removing dip nails, your natural nails may be left brittle and in need of nourishment. To restore moisture and strength, use cuticle oil, nail serums, or strengthening treatments.

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

What is better for your nails, gel or dip? ›

Though dip powders are generally considered the gentlest option, both gels and dips can be used long-term without damaging your nails. Once again, choosing a high-quality product – and taking care of your nails properly – are the most important factors when it comes to nail health.

Ways to repair damage: If your nails are weak post-dip, keep them short and rounded to prevent breakage. “File them regularly to fix snags and stimulate blood flow,” says Remark.

Pros and Cons of Dip Nails

"Dip powders also tend to temporally dehydrate the nails." If you're already addicted to dip manicures, don't fret: there are no long-term effects. While Allen says that dip powders aren't necessarily healthier than other types of manicures, the products are not permanently damaging.

“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). Once that top layer has been removed, you may then soak in pure acetone for a faster soak.”

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.

If you can't get to the salon for a professional refill, a little pop of regular nail polish can hide any obvious and unsightly growth gaps. For block colours, pair your regular polish with your manicured gel polish colour and simply fill the gap.

Though dip powders are generally considered the gentlest option, both gels and dips can be used long-term without damaging your nails. Once again, choosing a high-quality product – and taking care of your nails properly – are the most important factors when it comes to nail health.

If there's one thing you don't want to do to your nails or your skin, it's soaking them in acetone. Soaking your nails for long periods to break down nail polish or gel is far from ideal, and can cause some serious irritations. Acetone can dehydrate the nail bed, cuticles, and skin.

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.