How to Remove Dip Nails When You Can't Get to the Salon

Getting your nails done is all fun in games—until they start to grow out, and you can’t get to the salon. Not such a pretty sight, right? If you’ve decided you’d like to part ways with your dip powder manicure but can’t make it to the salon to do so, you’ve come to the right place. Removing your nails and polish, even if you have dip powder nails, can be done at home—so long as you follow the right tips and tricks to avoid damaging your natural nails underneath. Wondering how to remove dip nails? Read on for a step-by-step tutorial that will help you let your nails breathe.

HOW TO REMOVE DIP NAILS AT HOME

Ready to learn how to remove dip powder nails? Simply follow the steps below to bid your mani farewell.

What you’ll need:

Nail clippers

Nail file

Small bowl

Cotton balls

Acetone

Aluminum foil

Cuticle oil (optional)

What to do:

STEP #1. FILL YOUR BOWL

The key to removing dip powder nails is to use pure, 100 percent acetone. No, we don’t mean nail polish remover formulated with acetone! Regular nail polish remover won’t do the job. Fill a small bowl—large enough to fit your cotton balls in—with the acetone.

STEP #2. SOAK YOUR COTTONBALLS

Speaking of cotton balls, it’s time to prep them! Place 10 cotton balls, one for each finger, into the acetone bowl. Make sure they’re fully submerged. Set aside and give them time to soak.

STEP #3. PREP YOUR FOIL

We’re almost done with the prep work. To make your life easier in a few steps from now, you’ll want to cut your aluminum foil into small squares. You will use these squares to wrap your fingertips later on, so there’s no need to make them too large and waste excess foil. 

STEP #4. CLIP YOUR NAILS

Next, you’ll want to clip your nails to a shorter length. Typically, dip powder nails are a bit longer than your natural nail, so you want to remove that excess length now, especially if your manicure has been growing out for a while. Keep in mind, the shorter your nails, the less dip polish you’ll need to remove.

STEP #5. FILE AWAY

As you are likely aware, dip powder nails involve applying layer after layer of powder to create a long-lasting nail look, and all of those layers need to be removed. First, you’ll want to focus on the top layers, which seal in the coats of dip polish underneath. This is where you’ll need to turn to a nail file. Gently file and buff each of your nails until the shiny top coat is no more.

STEP #6. GRAB YOUR COTTON BALLS

You’re ready to soak your nails! Place a drenched cotton ball over the top of your nail, then wrap a small square of aluminum foil around your fingertip to secure it in place. Repeat this on the rest of your fingers.

STEP #7. WAIT IT OUT

You know what they say—good things take time. Give the acetone time to break down the dip powder. You’ll want to leave the aluminum foil-wrapped cotton balls on your fingertips for at least 15 minutes.

Editor’s note: Make use of those 15 minutes by catching up on a new read, choosing something from our article, The L’Oréal Paris Book Club: The Books You Need to Read this Spring.

STEP #8. REMOVE ANY EXCESS

After you remove the foil and cotton balls, most of the dip powder should peel right off! If you still notice a spot or two with polish, simply swipe a fresh cotton ball—dipped in acetone, of course—over the remaining polish. It should wipe away easily!

STEP #9. SHOW YOUR NAILS SOME TLC

As with most salon manicures, your nails will likely need some extra love post-dip powder. Apply cuticle oil to keep them looking healthy, hydrated, and happy.

Next up: Speaking of TLC for your nails, why stop at cuticle oil? Here are 16 Ways to Show Your Hands and Nails Some Major TLC.