How to Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone

Do your dip powder nails look like they’re rammed into the back of the struggle bus?

If your dip powder nails have seen better days, it might be time to give your nails a “hand” and say sayonara. But how?

Almost everyone will tell you that the easiest way to remove dip powder nails (SNS nails) is by using acetone. Technically, they’re right.

Acetone is the quickest and most efficient way to remove dip powder nails.

But it’s also the most abrasive. Acetone can cause dehydration of the nail plate, cuticle, and skin, creating brittle fingertips.

Who wants that?

If you’re looking for a better way to remove your dip powder manicure, keep reading.

Below, we’ve hand-picked three of the very best ways to remove dip powder nails without acetone.

Yes - techniques that actually work.

How to Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone: Three Ways

Removing dip powder nails isn’t the easiest thing to do.

But before you resort to acetone, harsh chemicals, or trying to pry them off with your bare hands (yes, it can be tempting), try one of these four easy ways to remove dip nails.

Technique 1: Hot Water + Oil + Dish Soap

This is by far the best technique for removing dip powder manicures without acetone. Why?

Because oil and dish soap are two of the very best products for removing stuck-on dirt, grime, and yes - dip nails.

Here is what you need:

• Oil - Any kind will work, but the best options are coconut oil or olive oil
• Dish Soap - Any brand is fine, but Dawn tends to work best
• Hot Water - Make it hot but not scalding
• Cuticle Pusher/Nail Tip/Credit Card - Basically anything with a flat surface that will help life the nails off

How To Remove Dip Powder Nails with Hot Water and Dish Soap

1. Gently push underneath your dip powder nails using your flat product.
2. Apply oil to your entire nails, especially at the spots that are “loosened up.”
3. Mix hot water, a few drops of oil, and dish soap in a large bowl.
4. Soak nails for approximately 20 minutes.
5. Try to lift the dip powder nails using your flat product once more.

Your nails should lift without a problem.

If you’re still struggling, make a new batch of hot water and oil, and dish soap and perform this technique a second time.

Technique 2: Hand Sanitizer + Cotton Balls + Aluminum Foil

In this day and age, almost everyone has hand sanitizer lying around.

Well, hand sanitizer isn’t just great for fending off germs and viruses; it can be the go-to for removing dip nails, too.

Don’t believe me? Just watch. (Yes, that was an Uptown Funk reference.)

How To Remove Dip Powder Nails With Hand Sanitizer and Cotton Balls

1. Soak cotton in hand sanitizer.
2. Press the soaked cotton ball onto your nails.
3. Cover your fingertips with aluminum foil.
4. Leave the mixture on your nails for 30 minutes.
5. Remove and wipe off hand sanitizer.
6. Use a nail file or buffer to buff away the rest of the dip nails.

Technique 3: Isopropyl Alcohol

The reason why acetone works so well is that it has the power to cut through the rigidity, thickness, and strength of dip nails, acrylic nails, etc.

Simply put, it’s not “regular nail polish” that can be wiped away in seconds.

Well, isopropyl alcohol is a close second to acetone. It does not have the same chemical compound as acetone, but it can still work as a dip nail remover.

It just requires more time and effort on your behalf.

I think we can all agree that saving our precious natural nails is worth the extra time necessary.

Follow these simple steps to remove dip nails at home:

How to Remove Dip Powder Nails with Isopropyl Alcohol

1. Buff away the top coat of your manicure using a nail file or buffer.
2. Pour Isopropyl alcohol into a small bowl.
3. Soak your nails inside until the nail polish starts to wear off.
4. Wipe away the polish and continue to soak.
5. Continue to repeat steps three and four until the nail comes off freely.

Note: You can use straight alcohol for this technique. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling too many alcohol fumes.

How to Care For Your Natural Nails After You Remove Your Dip Nails

If you’re avoiding acetone (or any other harsh chemical or chemical solvent) to remove your dipping powder nails, you likely have one goal in mind: to protect your natural nail, cuticles, and skin surrounding it.

While using one of these chemical-free options is a great starting point, you can’t forget about caring for the area after removing the dip nails.

Here are a few critical things to do after removal.

Wash Your Hands

Even though you’re not using a harsh chemical like acetone, you still want to get all of the products and leftover polish off your hands.

Give your hands a good wash in warm water and mild soap.

Moisturize

Dip nail removal isn’t exactly easy on the nails. Ensure your nails are in tip-top condition by applying a moisturizer.

Coconut oil works well, but commercial moisturizers and creams can be used. Applying cuticle oil is recommended, too.

Take a Break

I know you love manicures, but you need to give your nail surface a break. Let your nail bed, cuticles, and skin heal before heading back to the salon.

FAQ

Does hydrogen peroxide remove SNS nails?

You can use hydrogen peroxide to remove nail extensions. You will want to place the nails in a bowl of hydrogen peroxide and a bit of hot water.

Perform the steps listed in technique number three: buff away the top coat using a nail file.

Soak, remove nail polish, submerge, and continue this soaking process until there is no remaining polish and the nail lifts with ease.

Can you take off dip nails with nail polish remover?

Unfortunately, nail polish remover does not have the necessary power to get rid of dip nails. It should be used solely for regular nail polishes.