Welcome to Dip Nail Removal 101. We’re going to cover a lot of information in this article, but it’s all crucial to keeping your nails healthy and dip-free. This is where most people get scared off, as they think dip nail removal is complicated. It’s not! All you need is patience and the right tools.

Dip Nail Removal 101: How To Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Damaged Nails

Here’s what we’ll go over:

Using acetone or a dip nail remover kit

Dipping your fingers in acetone for 8-10 minutes

Using an e-file or a metal tool to file off the top layer of the dip powder coating

Buffing away any excess powder and adding cuticle oil and moisturizer to your nails

If you’re a dip powder devotee, you know how long-lasting and durable it is. And once your nails have grown out, you might be tempted to simply peel it off — but this can lead to damage and even infection. Instead, ask your technician for an acetone soak-off at the salon. Or if you want to remove dip nails at home, follow these steps:

1. Soak cotton balls in 100% acetone and place them on each nail bed, then wrap each finger in foil.

2. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently scrape away the softened dip powder.

3. Use a nail buffer to smooth out any remaining bits of product and restore shine.

Peel-off dip nail removal is a quick and simple process that results in a salon-quality manicure. Dip powder nails are what we call an “acrylic overlay” or “acrylic on tips,” meaning that you do not have to worry about damaging the natural nail plate.

It’s important to note that, once the dip powder is removed, nails will look the same as they did prior to application. Unlike traditional acrylics and gels, dip powder contains no harmful chemicals like MMA (methyl methacrylate) or etching gel.

Dip powder is made with a liquid resin base and a matching powder base pigment. Because it has no monomer (the liquid component in acrylic and gel), there is no liquid-to-powder ratio necessary for application. This means that dip powder is significantly more durable than traditional liquid acrylics and gel polish.

The dip manicure is still a relatively new trend, so some salons may not have the right supplies to properly remove your dip manicure. At those salons, your nail technician may soak your nails in 100 percent acetone (the same chemical used in regular acrylic removal) to take off the polish.

Acetone is a solvent that breaks down gel and dip powders. It’s also used to remove artificial nails and acrylics and prepare your nails for new artificial nails.

While acetone does work to remove dip powder, it’s also highly flammable and can be harsh on your skin and nails if you don’t use it correctly.

Dip Powder Removal

1.File off the top layer of color using a 100 grit file or remover tool (not included). Do not buff off the top layer with a buffer until after soaking in acetone.

2.Soak cotton balls in 100% acetone, then wrap them around each nail with aluminum foil, securing at the base of the nail with tape (not included). Let sit for 10-15 minutes or until all product has been removed from the nail bed.

3.Using a 200 grit file or remover tool, buff off remaining product from nail bed. Do not

If you’re ready to give up your dip powder nails, you might be anxious about removing the polish and leaving your nails in good shape. You’ll first need to remove the powdery topcoat before soaking your nails in acetone to break down the base coat. Once the base coat is dissolved, you can push it off of your nails with a cuticle pusher. Always take care of your hands by moisturizing them after removing the polish.

Preparation is the key to successfully removing dip powder from your nails. Start by cutting your nails short and filing away the top layer of dip powder. Next, soak cotton balls in 100 percent acetone, a strong chemical solvent. Place the cotton balls on each nail and then wrap tin foil around your fingertips to hold the cotton balls in place. Wait for at least 10 minutes for the dip powder to completely dissolve and soften.

Use a manicure stick to scrape off any remaining bits of dip powder. Wash your hands and moisturize them thoroughly with lotion or oil.

1. Fill a bowl with acetone nail polish remover.

2. Soak nails in the acetone for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Remove nails from the acetone, and scrape off the dip powder with an orange stick or cuticle pusher.

4. Cleanse nails with water, then apply cuticle oil to hydrate and nourish the nail bed