How to Remove Powder Nails

Co-authored by Mia Rubie

Powder nails are known for their quick and easy application process, making them a popular choice when visiting the nail salon. Their removal can be quick and easy as well, and you can do it right at home. You can remove powder nails using acetone and aluminum foil, or you can opt for the acetone soak. Whichever method you choose, you should be left with healthy and happy nails.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Aluminum Foil

1
Sand down the top layer of each nail with a nail file. Removing the shiny top coat of your powder nails is important for removal. File each nail thoroughly and evenly — this will make the powder come off much more efficiently.^{[1]
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2
Soak cotton balls in pure acetone. Either pull apart cotton balls so the pieces are the size of your fingernails, or use whole cotton balls to soak in 100% pure acetone. Each cotton ball will cover 1 fingernail.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
- The cotton balls shouldn’t be dripping with acetone, but they should contain plenty of acetone to properly soak your nails.
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3
Wrap your nails in foil to hold the cotton balls in place. Once the cotton balls have acetone on them, place each cotton ball on a corresponding nail. Wrap each nail in a small piece of aluminum foil, making sure the foil completely covers the nail and will hold the cotton ball in place.^{[3]
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- Wrapping a significant part of your finger as well as your fingernail will ensure the foil stays put.
4
Wait 10-15 minutes for the nails to soak in the acetone. Letting your nails soak for 10-15 minutes will ensure that the acetone does its job. Try not to move the foil or cotton balls around too much before the time has elapsed.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
5
Remove the foil and cotton balls from your nails. When removing the foil and cotton balls, press down slightly on each nail so that the cotton ball will help wipe off the powder. Remove all of the foil and cotton balls, and file off any residue left over from the powder.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Soaking in Acetone

1
File the surface of each of your nails. Use a nail file to sand down the top layer of the powder. Filing each nail thoroughly and evenly will help the acetone soak into the powder more efficiently.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
2
Fill a large bowl or dish with hot water. Find a bowl that will fit another smaller bowl inside of it, and fill the large bowl with hot water. The water doesn’t need to be boiling — it shouldn’t burn your fingers. You can easily heat up the water by microwaving it for less than 1 minute.
3
Place 1-2 smaller bowls in the hot water for soaking. If you want to soak both of your hands at the same time, you’ll need to find 2 bowls that will both fit in the larger bowl together. The easiest method is to choose 1 smaller bowl that will fit in the larger bowl and soak each hand 1 at a time.
- When choosing a smaller bowl, make sure it’s big enough to fit all 5 nails.
4
Dip a paper towel in acetone and place it in the smaller dish. Fold a paper towel into halves or thirds and thoroughly cover it in 100% pure acetone. It doesn’t need to be so saturated that it’s dripping, but it should be able to easily soak your nails.
5
Soak your nails in the dish for 10-15 minutes. Let your nails sit in the acetone for 10-15 minutes to ensure the acetone soaks into the powder. If you’re doing 1 hand at a time, soak 1 hand for 10-15 minutes and then soak the other hand for another 10-15 minutes.
- To prevent the smell of acetone from becoming overwhelming, place a towel over your hand and the bowl. It’s also smart to open a window or turn on a fan.
6
Wipe off the powder nails with a paper towel. After the 10 to 15 minutes have elapsed, remove your nails from the bowl and wipe them off with a paper towel. If there is any residue left, you can use a nail file to remove it.^{[7]
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References

↑ http://thebeautydepartment.com/2013/01/removing-gel-nails-at-home/
↑ Mia Rubie. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
↑ http://www.more.com/beauty/nails/nail-polish/how-remove-gel-nail-polish-home-without-ruining-your-nails
↑ Mia Rubie. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
↑ http://www.more.com/beauty/nails/nail-polish/how-remove-gel-nail-polish-home-without-ruining-your-nails
↑ Mia Rubie. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
↑ https://snsnails.com/for-salons/faq/

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you remove powder nails at home without acetone?

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.

Mia Rubie

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Honestly, there may be tips out there, but I wouldn't recommend any of them. Acetone is really the only efficient way to remove them. You can always swing by a nail salon and ask a pro to take them off for you if you don't want to use acetone at home.
Question

Where do I buy acetone?

Community Answer

You can buy acetone at a pharmacy, beauty shop, salon, and some local supermarkets sell it as well.
Question

How can I stop my eyelids from being droopy?

Community Answer

Try holding ice cubes on your eyes and under them on your eye bags. This should help refresh your face and make your eyelids appear less droopy.