If you're a beauty enthusiast, you know there are a few cardinal rules. Don't wear mascara with your eyelash extensions; don't wax after a spray tan; and absolutely never peel off your gel manicure. When sporting a supershiny gel set, it is always advised to go and see your nail tech for proper removal. But not all manicures are created equal [1]. When it comes to dip manicures [2], the rules are slightly different.
You don't need to wait to visit the salon when your nail are in need of removal, because with dip manicures, you can actually remove them at home. Risé Carter, director of education at LeChat Nails [3], gave POPSUGAR all the details of what to do and what not to do when it comes to removing dip manicure nails.
Carter explained that a dip manicure is "the easiest to remove because it uses a cyanoacrylate: a simple nail glue that is more sensitive to solvents," meaning that dip removes easier than traditional gel manicures. Of course, as with all at-home beauty experiences, there is a possibility of adverse reactions, but Carter said the worst thing a DIY [4] dip manicure could do is cause drying of the skin around the nails (that's nothing a good cuticle oil [5] or hand lotion [6] can't fix).
How do you actually remove dip manicures? First, buff the shine of the nail surface, Carter explained, then reach for 100 percent pure acetone (you can buy this from most beauty supply stores). Loosen the cap, and place the bottle of acetone into a glass bowl of warm water for approximately 10 minutes. This will warm the acetone and make the process quicker. Afterwards, empty the water out, and pour the acetone into the bowl. Carter said there are two options for removal: you can either soak the nails and place a dry towel over the hand and bowl, or use a saturated cotton pad on the nail and wrap your fingers in a small piece of foil.
Then kick back and relax, leaving the acetone to work its magic on the nails for 10 to 15 minutes. (Carter advises you don't keep looking to check it, just leave it be.) Finally, gently lift the dip powder off, wash your hands, and hydrate with lotion and oil. If the dip powder hasn't quite lifted, place back into the acetone for a further 10 minutes.
View this post on Instagram[8]