Dip nails, otherwise known as SNS, has been gaining tons of popularity lately. It lasts way longer than most other nail polishes (yes, even gel). Also, it is supposed to be a lot healthier for your nails compared to other products. They use layers of resin and acrylic powder to create a long-lasting and beautiful manicure.
So why doesn’t everyone get dip nails? Well, like other nail polishes, they do have their downfalls. The main one is that they can be incredibly difficult to remove. This is due to the many layers of powder and resin used in the application process. Most people would go to a salon to have them professionally removed.
But don’t lose hope. Luckily, there are safe ways to remove dip nails without compromising your nail health. To find everything you need to know about removing dip nails, follow our step by step process.
Tools Needed:
Before attempting to remove your dip nails by yourself at home, here a few tools you are going to need. Some you might find around your house, but you may need to invest in a few of them. Remember: having the proper tools to remove your dip nails is crucial to ensuring your nails remain in good health!
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Acetone/nail polish remover
- Nail buffer
- Cotton balls or pads
- Any bowl you don’t mind getting dirty
How To Remove Dip Nails
Now that you have all of the materials, let’s dive into how to actually remove the dip nails:
- Cut & File Your Nails
- Soak Your Nails In Acetone
- Rub The Dip Powder Off Of Your Nails
- Buff & File
Step 1 – Cut and file your nails
The first step that you are going to want to do is to cut and file your nails. If you have any outgrowth from the dip nails, cut it down to where it meets your natural nail. Then, use your nail file to remove the shiny topcoat on the tops of your nails.
Using the coarse, flat side of the file, you are going to want to file the topcoat down until it becomes dull. You can also use the coarse side of the nail buffer to do this step. This will remove one of the layers of the dip nails, making it easier to soak your nails later.
Step 2 – Soak your nails in acetone
Next, grab your acetone or nail polish remover. Pour it into a bowl, and fully soak all of your nails in the acetone. If you have any hangnails or cuts around your nails or cuticles, use vaseline around your nails to avoid the acetone stinging you.
After about 15-20 minutes of soaking your nails, the dip powder should start to loosen. You’ll know when this happens when the product starts to flake off your nails.
Step 3 – Rub the dip powder off of your nails
After patiently soaking your nails in the acetone, you should notice the polish start to become flaky. This is an indicator that you can start removing the product.
Take your cotton balls or pads and gently rub the polish off. It should come off easily. But if it doesn’t, you may need to soak your nails for a bit longer and repeat the process.
Step 4 – Finishing touches
Finally, once all or most of the product is removed from your nails, you can touch up your natural nails. Grab your buffer to buff the excess product or polish off your natural nails. If there are any sharp or jagged edges to your nails, use the nail file to shape them.
Final Thoughts
Dip nails are becoming a highly popular manicure choice among the nail community, and for good reason! They are incredibly long-lasting and they leave a stunning finish. The drawback? They can be quite challenging to remove by yourself.
Compromising your nail’s health is something no one wants to do. So, make sure to use the steps and products listed above. Doing this will seamlessly remove your dip nails while also ensuring proper nail health in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
After removing the dip nails, how long should I wait to get my nails done again?
Once you fully remove your dip nails, it can be tempting to move on to the next nail look. But wait! Any sort of artificial nail product, no matter how healthy it may be, can take a toll on your overall nail health.
Between manicures, take a few days to let your nails breathe. During this time, do some sort of nail treatment and moisturize your hands/nails.
Doing either an at-home DIY nail treatment or one bought at the store is going to greatly strengthen and nourish your nails. This is going to make sure your nails are in good shape for any future manicures.
What kinds of nail health products are worth purchasing?
Buying additional nail products and treatments is a great step to ensuring the health and strength of your nails! It is something everyone should do, especially when getting acrylic or dip nails. But what products are worth buying?
One of the best products you can get is cuticle oil. Cuticle oil is going to help hydrate the cuticles and actual nails for proper growth.
Another great product to buy is some sort of nail strengthener. Something that is going to exfoliate and strengthen your nails is essential for preparing the nails for any type of manicure.
How do I maintain dip nails?
Even though dip nails already last for a longer period of time, there are some things you can do to maintain the integrity of them. If you are reapplying polish on the dip nails, do not go over the cuticle.
This will encourage the polish to lift from the nail. When drying your nails, use cool air. The heat will also encourage the polish to lift from the nail.
Also, apply a top coat a few times a week to ensure the polish doesn’t chip.