Nail extensions are a great way to create long and stylish nails, but removing them requires care and attention to avoid damaging the natural nail plate. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely remove nail extensions at home, keeping your natural nails in perfect condition.

What you will need to remove acrylic nails:

- Acrylic remover or acetone nail polish remover;
- Cotton pads;
- Foil (10 rectangles, approximately 12x7 mm in size);
- Nail file (100-180 grit);


- Orange stick or cuticle pusher;


- Nail buff;


- Moisturizer or cuticle oil;


- Brush to remove dust from nails;

Step 1: Removing the top layer

Remove the top layer of the extended nails with a coarse abrasive file (100/180) or soak with liquid with acetone. Be careful not to damage the natural nail. Be careful with cuticles and edges of the nails, trying not to injure them.

Step 2: Soaking the material

Apply the acrylic remover liquid to cotton pads, soaking them completely. Apply the pads to the nails and wrap each finger with foil to secure the pads to the nails. This will create heat, which will help the material dissolve faster. Wait 40-50 minutes for the material to soften. During this time, you can cover your hands with a warm towel to enhance the effect.

Step 3: Removing the material

Remove the foil and cotton pads from one finger. Do not remove everything at once, so as not to dry out the nails. Use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently remove the softened material. Work slowly, without applying excessive force, so as not to damage the natural nail. Repeat the process for each nail.

Step 4: Finishing

Use a buff to remove any rough edges and residue. Work gently so as not to thin the nail plate.

Step 5: Frequency

Wash your hands well with soap, then apply a moisturizer or cuticle oil. Gently massage the skin around the nails to improve blood circulation and restore natural moisture levels.

What you will need to remove gel polish

- Acetone for removing polish;
- Cotton pads;
- Nail files of various abrasiveness (80x100, 150x180 and 180x240 grit);



- Nippers;
- Moisturizer or cuticle oil;


- Brush for removing dust from nails;


Removing extended gel nails can take several hours, as they require careful processing and filing. It will take about 10 minutes to remove each extended nail.

Step 1. The first thing to do is to shorten the extended nails. To do this, you should use nippers, since manicure scissors are not suitable in this case due to the large thickness of the material.

Step 2. To remove the top coat, use a file with an abrasiveness of 180 grit or higher. Make sharp movements in the horizontal plane. Periodically wipe the nail with a cotton pad moistened with nail polish remover to remove the resulting dust. This will help to avoid accidentally filing off a layer of the native nail plate. To distinguish gel from a natural nail, lightly tap on the coating. If it is hard and makes a dull sound, you can continue to work with the file.

Step 3. After removing the top layer of gel, move on to a file with an abrasiveness of 150/180 grit and slow down the movements for more precise processing.

Step 4. At the end of the procedure, each nail should be carefully polished with a low-abrasive file (180x240).

Step 5. To restore and strengthen your nails after the procedure, make a warm bath with sea salt. Dilute 1 tablespoon of salt in 200 ml of warm water and immerse your hands in the medicinal solution for 15-20 minutes. After that, carefully dry your hands with a towel and treat the cuticle with nourishing oil, such as almond or apricot.

To speed up the process of removing extended nails, you can use a professional manicure milling cutter. However, it is worth noting that independent use of such a device requires certain skills and experience. Without the proper knowledge and skills, working with a milling cutter can be difficult and risky. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to seek help from a professional.


Removing artificial nails is a simple, but careful process. By following our step-by-step guide, you can safely remove the material and preserve the beauty and health of your nails. Don't forget about care and restoration so that your natural nails remain strong and healthy.

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