No matter how beautiful your SNS dip powder nails are, they will lose their luster in a matter of weeks and you might need to get them removed so you can wear a new one. This is why you need to learn how to remove SNS nails at home real quick!
How to Remove SNS Nails and Dip Powder at Home
The interesting thing about SNS nails is that you do not necessarily need to visit a specialist salon to get them off your fingers. You can do that from the comfort of your home, with or without the use of acetone.
In a jiffy, we would teach you how to remove your SNS manicure on your own.
We are ready when you are.
So, let’s get started then…
There are two (2) ways of removing SNS nails. The officially recognized method is ‘with acetone.’
How To Remove SNS Nails At Home with Acetone
These are the steps in the removal of SNS nails with acetone:
- The officially recognized procedure for SNS nails removal is first sanding, and then placing in acetone solution for several minutes. You do not have to try to eliminate the underlying colors of the nail; all you need is to keep sanding until the gloss on the top shine fades off.
- For the next step, your acetone should be ready in a container (one that can allow you to place both hands in them). Place both hands in the solution for around 10-20 minutes before drying it off with a paper towel. The SNS nails manufacturers advise that the nails should be in acetone for 10 minutes, but practically, you would discover that the nail polish takes more than that (around 20 minutes) to loosen up and dissolve. Alternatively, you can soak cotton buds in acetone and wrap them around each of your nails, fastening them with foil paper.
- After several minutes of soaking them, you should check to see if the nail polish is soft and sticky. If it is, then it can be easily wiped off with a paper towel.
One of the upsides of the acetone method of SNS nail removal is its universality. Any nail tech salon that you go to, you will find the same method being used all over. Plus, it is time-saving and effective, as acetone is believed to be the most reliable solution for removing SNS nails and dip powder nails in entirety.
On the downside, acetone doesn’t settle well with nose, eyes, skin, and even the throat as it irritates, with its strong odor capable of causing headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
But what if you do not have pure acetone at home? You can remove SNS nails without the use of acetone. Read on.
SNS Nail Removal without Acetone
With Nail Polish Remover
This system doesn’t necessarily do away with acetone as nail polish removers comprise of impure acetone. They sometimes contain perfumes and some chemicals that are useful in protecting nails and skin from getting dry to the point of cracking.
When using nail polish remover, you should soak your fingers longer than you would have for pure acetone. It follows necessarily the same steps as is with acetone use except that the soaking time is a bit longer. After sanding, soak the fingers for at least 20 minutes until the polish becomes sticky and soft and can be easily wiped off.
Removal with Alcohol
Alcohol doesn’t have any traces of acetone. But it is an excellent choice in the removal of SNS nails on your own. Vodka, hand sanitizer, or even rubbing alcohol is an excellent choice that can be easily found in the home. Ensure they have a high alcohol concentration.
Alcohol is a less efficient solvent for this than nail polish, so chances are that you may have to soak your fingers for longer periods (at least 25-30 minutes). However, the process is slightly different.
Begin the process by sanding off the top layer of SNS nail coating. Then soak your fingers in alcohol until the next layer becomes sticky and soft. You can wipe it off with paper and repeat the process for as many layers until you’re done.
Quick advice: Inhaling alcohol fumes for extended periods can make one ill. It is expedient that you wear a mask or sit close to your fan so the odor is blown away.
SNS Nail Removal with Other Items in the Home
In case you are left with nothing – no alcohol and no acetone, what do you do?
You can rely on a slow-drying polish for answers. Paint a layer of the slow-drying polish on each of the nails and just before they become dried, wipe them with a tissue paper or paper towel. This process should be repeated until the whole manicure has been disintegrated.
Don’t have slow-drying polish? You can use distilled white vinegar. The acidity of vinegar makes it able to disintegrate nail polish with ease. You can follow the process as is with acetone removal (that is sanding first and then soaking) but do not attempt to scratch off the manicure as vinegar might harm your nails.
Using hydrogen peroxide (two parts) and hot water could also do the trick. If you soak your hands in this mixture, they will become white, but the manicure will also get weakened. So you may file them back into shape afterward.
You can also use toothpaste and baking soda as an abrasive to scrub off your SNS nail polish. Although mineral spirits and turpentine are both solvents, they are also excellent in disintegrating the nail polish.
Care of the Nails after Manicure Removal
The fingers may look pale and unhealthy as a result of the prolonged dipping inside these solvents and chemicals. It is important to pay a little attention so they snap back to normal expeditiously.
After rinsing your hands with warm water and soap, dry them with a clean towel before applying your cuticle oil.
A mixture of tea tree oil and olive/coconut oil can be a perfect antifungal. You may also try out sweet almond and lavender oil. These oils are antibacterial and improve healing time.
Don’t have any of the above oils? Massage your hands with a hand cream or olive/coconut oil.
Final Thoughts
If your hands become unhealthy with discoloration, rough patches, and/or peels, it may be an indication that you need to stay off nail polish for a while. At least three weeks break would be excellent. However, nothing beats consulting a doctor.
Nail tech salons aren’t necessary for the removal of manicure. We’ve shown you how to remove SNS nails at home, and as far you have the above household items plus your nail file and a little patience, you are good to go.