Woman painting her nails

How to Remove Dip Nails

There are countless perks to dip powder manicures. They last longer than any other type of manicure and will never chip, but they can be challenging to remove because they are applied in several durable layers. Because this manicure sticks so tightly to your nail, it is super important that you take great care to remove it correctly. If done right, the removal process should leave your nails looking as good as new. 

Don’t stress! The removal process is super easy and can be done at home in 30 minutes or less. Today, we will cover everything you need to know about how to remove your dip nails safely, as well as some professional tips and tricks. In no time, you’ll be removing your nails like a total pro!

What You’ll Need

Supplies:

  • Four-Way File
  • Cuticle Pusher
  • Removal Clips
  • Cotton Rounds 
  • Pure Acetone
  • Hand Lotion
  • Cuticle Oil (optional)
  • Nail Clippers (optional)

If you apply your manicure using a Nailboo Dip Kit, you already have most of the supplies you will need for safe removal. If you don’t have a Nailboo Dip Kit, then you should definitely consider getting one. This handy kit comes with everything you need from application to removal, so you can remove your dip mani and apply another color all from the comfort of your home. 

There are three different kits to choose from depending on how many jars of color powder you want. No matter which kit you choose, you will get all the tools you need to apply the manicure, as well as some handy Removal Clips that make the entire removal process so much easier. If you already have a dip kit, you can also buy these amazing Removal Clips on their own. 

Each kit comes complete with the three-step liquid kit for application, a handy cleaner for finishing effects, Build Powder, color powder, a brush, cuticle pusher, four-way file, and Removal Clips. All you have to do is pick out your color powders from the 58 vibrant shades available, and Nailboo will take care of the rest. 

You will need your four-way file, cuticle pusher, Removal Clips, a couple of cotton rounds, and some pure acetone for the removal process itself. The cotton rounds and acetone aren’t included in your Nailboo kit but can be purchased at any drug store. If you used Nail Tips for added length, you will also need a set of nail clippers. 

How To Remove Your Dip Nails

It is very important that you always remove your dip powder manicures properly, or you could damage your natural nails. Do not pick or peel at this manicure because you could potentially rip off a layer of your nail—ouch! Always approach the removal process like a pro with these simple steps.

1) Cut And Buff

If you used nail tips, then use a nail clipper to trim the fake tip so that the fake nail is the same length as your natural nail. This will help to speed up the removal process. Next, begin the removal process by using the coarse side of your four-way file to buff off the top layer of color. Move the coarse file back and forth over the top of the nail until no shiny areas remain. 

You want to remove as much of the color as possible during this step, stopping before you reach your natural nail. This will reduce the amount of time you need to soak your nails in the next step. Once you are happy with the amount of buffing you have done, it is time to move on to the next step. 

2) Acetone And Clip

Next, you will want to have your Removal Clips at the ready. Take one cotton round at a time and soak it in pure acetone. Put the acetone-soaked cotton round on the top of your nail, then use a Removal Clip to secure it to your finger. Repeat this with each finger until you have a clip on every nail. 

Now, you just need to wait 15 to 20 minutes for the acetone to do its work. This is a great time to listen to your favorite podcast or watch a TV show. If you can find a show that is about 20 to 30 minutes long, you can even use it as your timer. Just make sure you have it queued up ahead of time cause your fingers will be a bit tied up once the clips are on. 

3) Remove The Clips

Once your time is up, check one nail by removing the clip then twisting the cotton round back and forth to loosen up the polish. If the polish doesn’t budge, soak your nails for a few more minutes. The polish should lift up easily without too much pressure. If most of the polish is lifting in flakes, then you are ready to remove it.  

After you remove most of the polish with the cotton round, use your cuticle pusher to gently push any remaining bits off, starting at the cuticle and pushing forward toward the tip of your nail. You shouldn’t need to apply too much pressure to the nail. If you are having trouble, you can always re-apply the cotton round to soak the nail a little bit longer. 

4) Gentle Buff

At this point, all of your color should be removed except for really tiny, stubborn pieces. Use the gentle side of your four-way file to gently buff the tops of your nails, moving in a back and forth motion. This should remove any stubborn tiny pieces. It will also smooth out your natural nail and give it a healthy glow. 

5) Moisturize

Now that you are done removing the dip powder from your nails, give your nails a quick rinse, then generously apply lotion to your hands. Acetone can be very drying to the skin, so it is important to moisturize your fingertips after removal. This is also a nice opportunity to give your hands a massage, just like at the salon. After all, the hand massage is arguably the best part of any nail salon experience. 

If you want to add even more moisture to your cuticles, then you can massage cuticle oil into them for a couple of seconds. This will help to prevent any peeling or irritation after the removal process. It also feels amazing! 

All Done!

You’re finished with the removal process! If you want, give your nails a day or two to breathe or get started on a fresh dip powder mani with your handy Nailboo Dip Kit. It’s totally up to you! The only question is: What color will you pick next? 

If you want to apply a new set of dip powder nails right away, you will need to let the lotion or cuticle oil soak in for a few minutes and then wash it off before applying a fresh set. You don’t want any oils on your nails during dip powder application, or else your dip polish may not last as long as it should. For best results, start with clean, dry nails. 

 

 

Overall

Removing dip powder nails is easy once you get the hang of it. Although the removal process is a bit more complicated than with traditional nail polish, the long-lasting effects of dip polish make it completely worth it. With dip polish, you will have a stunning manicure that will last up to six whole weeks. You simply can’t beat that kind of durability. 

If you are looking for a fun way to up your nail game without breaking the bank, then Nailboo’s Dip Kit is perfect for you. You will be able to apply stunning sets of nails time and time again without expensive trips to the salon. With everything you need from application to removal, Nailboo can be your one-stop shop for gorgeous mani-pedis. 

Applying your nails at home can save you thousands of dollars compared to the nail salon, and dip powder makes it so easy. Traditional nail polish can be messy, hard to apply, and often gets smudged before it even dries. Dip powder dries instantly without UV lights and is very easy to apply no matter what your level of manicure experience is. 

With Nailboo, you won’t ever need to return to the time and expense of the salon. You’ll have everything you need for endless sets of gorgeous nails right at home. Your nails will look so good that your friends will wonder who your amazing new nail tech is. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with us!

 

Sources:

How to Remove Dip Nails at Home — Expert Advice | Allure

How to Remove Dip Powder Manicures at Home - Without Ruining Your Nails | In Style

Fingernails: Do's and don'ts for healthy nails | Mayo Clinic

Hand Massage Benefits and How to Give Your Hands a Great Massage | Healthline.

Cuticle: What Is It, Care, Removal, Signs of Infection, and More | Healthline.

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