How to Remove Dip Nails at Home

Dip powder nails (also referred to as SNS nails) are some of the easiest manicures to do at home - no trip to your favorite nail salon required.

Aside from being relatively easy to apply, another significant “plus” is that they’re hardy and robust, with an anti-chip coating that lasts for several weeks without hassle.

Of course, this also results in a durable manicure that can be a little tricky to remove.

But don’t panic - with the proper techniques, you can efficiently remove dip power nails at home without damaging or harming your natural nails.

Let’s dive in!

Three Methods for Removing Dip Powder Nails At Home

If there’s one piece of advice you follow today, let it be this: don’t ever try to peel off your SNS nails.

Peeling can lead to damaged nails that are brittle, cracked, and otherwise unhealthy.

Instead, follow one of these three quick and easy methods to remove dip powder nails.

Method 1: Acetone-Wrapped Tips

Pure acetone will always be your best option when it comes to removing dip powder polish. Why? Because dip powder nails might be strong, but pure acetone is stronger.

And no, regular nail polish remover won’t do the trick for removing dip powder nails from the nail bed.

To remove a dip powder manicure using acetone nail polish remover, do the following:

Step 1: Push back the cuticles with an orange stick or metal cuticle pusher

You don’t want to harm this delicate layer of skin surrounding your nails accidentally. Pushing them back will give you better access to your dip manicure.

Step 2: Buff away the bulk of the nail polish with a nail file

Be careful not to buff so much that you make contact with your natural nail. There should still be a generous amount of your dip manicure on the nail beds.

Step 3: Apply acetone-soaked cotton balls to your fingers

Dip a cotton ball into the polish remover. Then, place the cotton balls on your fingernails. Wrap with aluminum foil or professional nail clips.

Step 4: Soak your nails for ten minutes

Leave the acetone-soaked cotton balls on your nails for around ten minutes. Then, use your orangewood stick to remove any leftover dip powder.

Soak your nails in the drenched cotton ball for another five minutes if you’re struggling.

Step 5: Buff and Nourish

It’s no secret that acetone isn’t your nail bed’s best friend. Buff away any remaining polish, then apply moisturizing cuticle oil, hand cream, or petroleum jelly.

Massage into the cuticles, surrounding skin, and nails daily for the best results.

Method 2: Acetone Soak

Acetone again? Yes, I’m sorry. (If you are anti-acetone, look for the next method to remove dip nails).

If the thought of soaking cotton balls and wrapping your fingernails in aluminum foil sounds like a time-consuming nightmare, you’re not alone.

The good news is there is a more straightforward solution to remove SNS nails in the comfort of your home.

Step 1: Fill a small bowl with hot water

The water shouldn’t be so hot that it scalds you, but it shouldn’t be too warm either.

Step 2: Prepare your hands with cuticle oil

Soaking your hands in this chemical is a surefire way to end with brittle nails. Apply cuticle oil to your entire hand to reduce this negative effect and keep up nail health.

Step 3: Mix acetone and soak

Mix a generous amount into the hot water. Dip your fingertips inside and soak for around ten minutes.

Step 4: Wash your hands and buff away any leftover residue

Wash your hands with warm water and soap to get rid of the chemicals on your hands. Then, use a nail file to gently buff any residue left on the nail bed.

Step 5: Hydrate and Nourish

Soaking your hands in this chemical treatment can be highly drying. Proper aftercare is essential for your nail’s health.

Keep your surrounding skin and cuticles hydrated with a cuticle oil or moisturizing hand cream or lotion.

Some people will opt to apply a steaming hot towel on top of the moisturizer to “lock-in” hydration and improve the overall health of their fingernails.

Method 3: Toothbrush and Baking Soda

Wait - say that again? Yes, you can say sayonara to stuck-on dip powder nails by using a slurry of toothbrushes and baking soda.

I know this removal process is a bit out of the box. But hey - at least you’re not using any harsh chemicals that could potentially damage your natural fingernails.

(Don’t worry - you can thank me later).

Step 1: Mix toothpaste and baking soda in a bowl

This removal process begins by mixing toothpaste and baking soda, creating an abrasive mixture to safely remove dip nail polish.

Step 2: Apply the mixture for ten minutes

Simply swipe the mixture onto your nails and let it sit there. (No, you don’t need to cover them - unless you really want to).

Step 3: Use a nail file to buff away the dip powder

The abrasiveness of the mixture paired with your nail file will buff off any dip powder with ease.

Step 4: Wash and nourish bare nails

Once all of the “excess” has been removed, wash your hands with warm water and soap. You can use cuticle oil or moisturizing cream if desired.

Nails will not be as dried out or damaged using this removal method, but it’s always good to nourish and hydrate your nails and surrounding skin after any manicure.

As you see, dip powder removal is not that difficult!

Dip Nails Removal FAQs

What is the easiest way to remove dip nails at home?

The easiest way to remove dip powder is to buff away the top layer and soak in acetone.

How often should you take a break from Dip nails?

It’s imperative to give the nail a break after removing dip powder.

You should wait at least a week before your next manicure, whether you opt for SNS nails, gel manicures, or any other type of manicure, especially if it requires nail glue.

Can you remove dip nails with rubbing alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove SNS nails. To do this, you will simply replace the acetone in the first two methods mentioned above.