Why Proper Removal Matters
Removing your acrylic dip powder manicure correctly is just as important as applying it. When done properly, removal is easy, fast, and maintains the integrity of your natural nails. Improper removal techniques like peeling, picking, or forcing the product off can damage your nail bed and leave your nails weak and brittle.
Our removal method is designed to be gentle on your nails while effectively dissolving the acrylic, so you can start fresh with healthy, strong nails ready for your next manicure.
What You'll Need
Gather these simple supplies before you begin:
- Bowl of hot water - The hotter the better (but not scalding)
- Large Ziplock baggie - Gallon size works best
- 100% acetone - Pure acetone is essential for dissolving acrylic
- Dryer sheet or lint-free nail wipe - For rubbing the nails during soaking
- Nail file or buffer - To remove the top coat shine
- Cuticle oil and hand lotion - For aftercare
Step-by-Step Removal Process
Step 1: Buff Off the Shine
Using a nail file or buffer, gently buff the shiny top coat off all your nails. You don't need to remove all the color—just break through the glossy seal. This allows the acetone to penetrate the acrylic layers faster and more effectively.
Pro tip: Focus on removing the shine, not filing down to your natural nail. You're just creating a pathway for the acetone to work.
Step 2: Prepare Your Soaking Station
Place the dryer sheet (or paper towel or lint-free wipe) inside the large Ziplock baggie. Pour approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of the bottle of 100% acetone into the baggie over the dryer sheet.
Why this works: The dryer sheet gives you something to rub against your nails while soaking, which speeds up the removal process significantly.
Step 3: Create a Warm Water Bath
Fill your bowl with hot water—as hot as you can comfortably tolerate. Place the acetone-filled baggie inside the bowl of hot water. The heat from the water will warm the acetone, which accelerates the breakdown of the acrylic.
Safety note: Acetone is flammable, so never heat it directly. The warm water bath is the safe way to speed up removal.
Step 4: Soak and Rub
Place your hands inside the baggie, submerging your nails in the acetone. While your hands soak, continuously rub the dryer sheet against each nail. This rubbing action combined with the warm acetone will dissolve the dip powder quickly.
Keep rubbing: The more you rub, the faster the removal. Don't just let your hands sit—actively work the dryer sheet against your nails the entire time.
Step 5: Wait for Complete Removal
Continue soaking and rubbing for the appropriate time:
- Natural nails: 5-10 minutes
- Press-on nails: 10-15 minutes
You'll notice the dip powder starting to dissolve and come off on the dryer sheet. When the product easily rubs away, your nails are ready.
Step 6: Final Cleanup
Once all the dip powder has dissolved, remove your hands from the baggie and wash them thoroughly with soap and water. Gently push back your cuticles if needed and file your nails to your desired shape.
Aftercare: Restore and Protect
Acetone is drying, so it's important to restore moisture to your nails and hands immediately after removal:
- Apply cuticle oil generously to each nail and cuticle area
- Massage in hand lotion to rehydrate your skin
- Let your nails breathe for a few hours (or overnight) before applying a new manicure
- Consider a nail strengthener if you plan to go polish-free for a while
Common Removal Mistakes to Avoid
- Peeling or picking off the dip powder: This removes layers of your natural nail and causes damage
- Using regular nail polish remover: Only 100% acetone will effectively dissolve acrylic dip powder
- Skipping the buffing step: The top coat seal prevents acetone from penetrating efficiently
- Not rubbing during soaking: Passive soaking takes much longer—active rubbing is key
- Forcing product off too early: If it's not dissolving easily, soak longer rather than scraping
- Forgetting aftercare: Skipping moisturizer leaves nails dry and brittle
Troubleshooting Tips
Dip powder isn't coming off: Make sure you're using 100% acetone (not regular remover), the water is hot enough, and you've buffed off the top coat shine. Soak a bit longer and rub more vigorously.
Acetone is cooling down: Refresh the hot water in the bowl as needed to maintain warmth throughout the removal process.
Some product remains stubborn: Focus your rubbing on those specific areas, or remove your hands, re-buff those spots, and soak again for a few more minutes.
Nails feel dry and weak: This is normal after acetone exposure. Apply cuticle oil and lotion generously, and give your nails a break before your next manicure.
How Often Should You Remove?
For healthy nails, we recommend:
- Removing and replacing your dip manicure every 2-3 weeks
- Taking a break from dip powder every few months to let nails breathe
- Never letting dip powder grow out excessively—this puts stress on the nail
Can You Reuse the Acetone?
While you can technically reuse acetone for one or two more removals, it becomes less effective as it dissolves product. For best results and fastest removal, use fresh acetone each time.
Ready for Your Next Manicure?
Once you've removed your dip powder and given your nails some TLC with cuticle oil and moisturizer, you're ready to start fresh! Whether you're applying a new color or giving your nails a break, proper removal ensures your natural nails stay healthy and strong.
Remember: Never force, peel, or pick at your dip powder. The few extra minutes of proper soaking will save your nails from damage and keep them in perfect condition for your next beautiful manicure.
Need Help?
If you have questions about removal or run into any issues, please email our support team—we're happy to help! For complete application instructions, tips and tricks, and liquid care information, visit our instructions page.