While it may be tempting to skip filing, doing this step is crucial: it will help the acetone penetrate faster to remove your nails much easier. Be careful not to file down to your natural nails, since this could hurt.

For acrylics, make sure the cotton is centered over the area where you filed to expose the adhesive. For gel nails, make sure that the acetone-soaked cotton is covering the entire nail. Keep in mind that you can also use non-acetone nail polish remover, but it will take longer than using pure acetone.

Don’t worry if the foil doesn’t look as neat as the way they do it in the salon. As long as the foil is secure around your fingertips, the acetone-soaked cotton will stay put and do its work. Don’t have any foil? Use plastic wrap instead. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source

The acetone will break down the acrylic or gel polish on your nails, making it much easier to scrape off.

If the acrylic or gel polish will not come off easily, redo the wrap you just took off. Leave the rest of the wraps in place for another 5 minutes, and then check again. Remember, only remove 1 wrap at a time and scrape away the adhesive or gel polish immediately.

The olive oil helps protect your cuticles from getting dried out while you soak. The dish soap will break down the acrylic or gel polish, making it much easier to remove your nails without damage.

The dish soap is doing most of the heavy lifting here: since it’s meant to break down grease and grime, it takes care of your nail polish easily.

If your nails are still fairly stuck on, put them back in the water mixture and let them soak for another 5 to 10 minutes. If you had gel nail polish on, use the cuticle pusher to scrape the polish off your nails.

Having trouble loosening your nail? Soak your nails in hot water for 20 minutes first. The dental floss method may damage your natural nails. Always use caution with this method, and go slowly to avoid ripping or tearing your natural nail. [13] X Research source

If you have someone helping you using regular floss, then have them hold the floss taut and press it against your natural nail.

Make sure that you go slow! If you go too quickly, then you may pull off part of your natural nail. Once you have 1 nail off, repeat the process on all your other nails.

Wearing fake nails does have the potential to damage your natural nails slightly, especially if you remove them at home. Be sure to give your natural nails a break and be gentle with them so they can heal properly.

Plus, petroleum jelly helps reduce irritation that may come from using acetone.

Moisturizing your hands will also keep them looking younger longer, so it’s a win-win.