How to Take off Acrylic Nails With Vinegar

All good things must come to an end; yes, that includes your beloved acrylic manicure.

But when it comes to how to remove acrylic nails, things get tricky.

Most gals know not to pry and pull on them until they come off, but the next best option is acetone nail polish remover.

Is there a better way?

While the removal process might take a bit more time to be successful, you can successfully take off acrylic nails using a nail and skin-friendly vinegar solution instead.

That is thanks to the component ethyl acetate, the same active ingredient in nail polish remover.

Keep reading to find out how to take off acrylic nails with vinegar (and maybe another ingredient or two, if desired) - safely and effectively.

How to Take off Acrylic Nails With Vinegar

Most people know that acetone polish remover is the superior option when it comes to taking off acrylic nails.

But acetone is incredibly drying to the nails and surrounding skin, leaving your fingertips looking lackluster.

The better option is to try vinegar (white vinegar or cider vinegar - whichever one you have on hand is fine!).

There are two methods you can use, so let’s dive right into the first one!

How to Take off Acrylic Nails With Vinegar Method 1: Soak in Vinegar

The first method to remove acrylics involves soaking your fingertips in a vinegar solution for approximately 20 minutes.

Steps for Success

1. Remove the ends of the acrylics. Start by cutting off the ends of the acrylic nail using nail clippers. This is especially important if you go with some super long beauties.
2. Remove any nail polish, if desired. You can remove the nail polish on your acrylic nail, but make sure you use an acetone-free nail polish remover.
3. Buff down the top layer. Using a nail file, buffer, or electric nail drill, remove as much of the top coat as possible. This will make it much easier to remove the acrylic in the end.
4. Loosen the sides with an orangewood stick. You want the vinegar to be able to seep underneath the acrylics. Be gentle! You can use a cuticle pusher, too.
5. Soak your nails for 20 minutes. Stick with plain white vinegar, or add lemon juice to equal parts vinegar. You can also use a rubbing alcohol and vinegar solution.
6. Gently remove the fake nails. When you’re done soaking, use your orangewood stick to remove the rest of the acrylics. Repeat steps 3-5 if fake nails won’t come off.
7. Buff away any nail glue. Continue to buff until you can see your natural nails, glue-free.
8. Wash hands in warm/hot water. This will eliminate any leftover gunk that may be piled on the nails.
9. Take care of your natural nails. Your natural nail goes through some trauma with acrylic application and removal. Apply some petroleum jelly, cuticle oil, or hand cream.

Important Tip

Before you begin this method, you can soak your nails in a bowl of warm water. This will cause the cuticle to soften, rendering better and faster results.

How to Take off Acrylic Nails With Vinegar Method 2: Vinegar Wrap

The thought of sitting with your hands in a bowl for 20 minutes isn’t exactly thrilling.

(You did enough of that by getting your acrylic nails applied at nail salons!)

If you’re like me and don’t like to sit for an extended period, unable to use your hands, you might prefer the wrap method.

You can opt to stick with plain vinegar or add lemon juice or rubbing alcohol to the mixture for this method.

Steps for Success

1. Follow steps 1-4 as directed in the first method. Cut off the tips, remove nail polish using an acetone-free nail polish remover, buff the top coat, and gently lift.
2. Mix your ingredients in a bowl. This is only necessary to remove acrylic nails at home with more than just white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
3. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture. The cotton ball should be pretty soaked.
4. Press cotton balls on the nail bed, then wrap. You can use aluminum foil or professional nail clips like those found in a professional nail salon.
5. Let the nails soak for 20 minutes. Yes, the time frame is the same as method one. However, your hands are free to move around, which means less discomfort.
6. Remove and buff away any excess acrylic nails or glue.
7. Wash hands in soapy hot water. Don’t make it so hot that you burn yourself, though!
8. Apply cuticle oil, hand cream, olive oil, or other hydrating ingredients. Remember - just because we didn’t use acetone doesn’t mean our nails don’t need some love.

Important Tips

Tip #1: You can get deep into the nail bed using a cuticle pusher to push back the cuticles (thin layer of skin bordering the nail plate) before applying your moisturizing product.

Tip #2: Is your entire nail and skin in bad shape?

Apply your moisturizing product to all of your fingers. Then, place a hot, clean towel on top.

The heat will allow your nails to soak in the moisture, leaving you with fabulous nails.

(However, give your nails some time to “breathe” after removing the acrylics. The same is true for gel nails!)

FAQs

How do you remove acrylic nails with apple cider vinegar?

To remove acrylic nails using cider vinegar, simply follow one of the methods listed above.

You can use it alone or mix it with lemon juice and/or rubbing alcohol.

Some people have also successfully mixed with dish soap for removing acrylic nails.

What household items can take off acrylic nails?

Dental floss and credit cards are deemed as two great ways to remove acrylic nails at home, but I don’t recommend either as it could be potentially damaging, even if you gently scrape.

Does olive oil remove acrylic nails?

Yes, olive oil removes acrylic nails. Rub every fake nail with olive oil. Then, soak the fingers in warm water for 20 minutes. That should do the trick! (You can also add dish soap to the soak bowl!)