Everything you need to know about how to take off nail extensions without damaging your nails. Nail extensions are a popular way of getting long, strong, and beautiful nails ...
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Everything you need to know about how to take off nail extensions without damaging your nails.
Nail extensions are a popular way of getting long, strong, and beautiful nails that you can dress up in fun designs —a quick way to glam up your nails for any occasion. And while it is best that they are applied by a professional, it is even more important to have them removed by a professional.
Nail technicians are trained in ways to safely and effectively remove nail extensions without causing any damage to your natural nails. This involves assessing your natural nails’ health and using the right tools and products for you. Here’s all you need to know about how to remove nail extensions at home.
Nail extensions are artificial nails that are created using different materials on top of your natural nails. They can be used to get longer, stronger, more attractive nails in the shape that you desire. Longer nails also provide an opportunity for interesting nail art.
They are many types of nails extensions. Hard gel and acrylic nails are the most common types of nail extensions.
Acrylic nails are made by mixing a powder polymer and a liquid monomer to create a mixture that has dough-like consistency. An artificial nail tip is stuck at the end of your nail to create a longer length. The mixture is then applied on top of the entire surface (natural nail plus artificial tip) and then shaped as desired.
A similar process is used for hard gel nail extensions, except the product used is a wet, sap-like gel. After application, this gel needs to be ‘cured’ under a UV or LED light to set it into its final hard state.
When it is time for removal, nail extensions take longer to remove than regular nail polish. You need some products and tools to help remove the nail extensions, and the amount of time taken depends on the technique used and the effectiveness of the products being used. It typically takes around 30 – 45 mins to remove acrylic nails professionally, while hard gel nails take slightly lesser time.
It can be tempting to start picking away at your nails, but the damage you can inflict could take weeks to repair.
So, take the time to remove your nail extensions properly. Nail extensions can be removed at home, but there can be some side effects if this is not done properly. The safest and most effective to remove nail extensions is with a trained nail technician.
You can visit a salon, of course, or better yet, book an appointment with Urban Comopany. With the latter, there’s the comfort of being in your home, and you are guaranteed hygienic surroundings.
The method for removing acrylic and hard gel nail extensions is largely the same, only the removal time varies. The nail technician will first assess your nails and choose the right tools and products for safe and effective removal. Below are the steps for the popular soak-off method.
The nail technician starts by trimming your artificial nails as this will speed up the removal process. This has to be done carefully so as to not clip of damage the natural nails or the nail bed. Once the nail extensions have been trimmed, the technician will use a nail buffer / electric file / coarse nail file to rough up the surface. This is done till the shine is gone and the top later of the artificial nail has been filed down. The thinner the artificial nail, the easier it will be to remove. Filing down this top layer makes it easier for the acetone (which comes in the next step) to soften the artificial nail, which makes it easier to remove it. The problem lies in being able to expertly remove most but not all of the artificial nail, without damaging your natural nail or the surrounding skin. This is why we recommend having your nail extensions removed by a nail technician.
Now that majority of your nail extensions have been filed off, it is time to soak off the rest. The nail technician will first protect the skin around your nails by applying cuticle oil or cream to prevent any dryness. Next, the nails are wrapped in cotton balls or lint-free wipes that have been saturated in acetone or gel removers, as these will help dissolve the nail extensions. Doing this is a lot more efficient and less harmful to your skin than dipping your fingers in a bowl of acetone. Each nail is tightly wrapped with a saturated cotton ball, and then covered with a piece of foil to fix them in place. This cover is kept on your nails for about 15 to 20 minutes. The nail technician might take a peek to check on the progress and accordingly increase the soaking time if required.
Once the remover has done its job, the nail technician will, in a twisting motion, take out the foil and cotton together. Whatever part of the nail extension that has dissolved will come off with the cotton. Next, the technician will use a tool like a cuticle pusher to gently push off any part of the rtificial nail that is left. If any nail extension is proving difficult to remove, the nail technician might go back to soaking your nail in remover. This is done because any kind of harsh scraping, pushing or peeling before the artificial nail has completely dissolved, will damage your natural nail. The process is repeated till all the nail extensions have been removed.
Once the artificial nails have been removed, your natural nails will be exposed. The nail technician will gently shape your natural nails and buff them till they look shiny and healthy. Finally, cuticle oil or cream is massaged into your nails and fingers for hydration. Depending on the health of your nails, the nail technician might recommend a nail treatment or product to help strengthen and repair them.
Yes, it is possible to remove nail extensions without using acetone. Discuss this approach with your nail technician and check if this can be done safely for your nails. The method involves clipping the extensions and then filing down the artificial nails slowly and gently till you reach your natural nail.
The nail technician will switch between nail files/electric files of different shapes, sizes and grits to get the job done safely. This is especially important once the natural nail starts appearing, as overfiling will damage your nail. Once the extensions have been filed way, your natural nail shows through. Your natural nail is buffed for a shiny look and cuticle oil or cream is applied to provide nourishment.
Whatever approach you take, remember to select the removal method that is best suited for your nails and nail health. Unless you have prior experience and know how to handle the necessary tools, it is best to have a professional remove your nail extensions. Your nails will thank you!
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