How To Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone?

Dip powder nails are a popular manicure trend that offers long-lasting and durable results. However, removing them can be a challenge, especially if you want to avoid using acetone.

Don’t worry about that. There is no need to make a nail salon appointment to deal with the problem. Follow us to learn about the healthiest and easiest DIY methods to get things right! 

Why Should Not Use Acetone To Remove Dip Powder Nails?

While acetone is the easiest and most common way to remove dip powder nails, this is not always a good idea for your sensitive skin. 

The solvent will wreak havoc with your fingernails with its high potency. One of the most concerning things about acetone is breaking your nails. 

After removing dip powder nails, acetone in an excessive amount tends to dry them out, leading to splitting, breakage, brittleness, and peeling. 

Worse, it can damage your cuticles and the sensitive surrounding skin. For vulnerable skin, the substance might leave redness and mild irritation. 

For this reason, this type of polish remover should only be used for infrequent polish removal. It also works for those using dark polish colors and removing shellac manicures.

However, don’t worry if you are a frequent user of dip powder. Non-acetone polish removers are available on the market, employing less aggressive solvents. Propylene carbonate, ethyl acetate, and isopropyl alcohol are just a few to name.

Besides being a solvent, those products also offer moisturizing agents such as soy, panthenol, and glycerin to avoid the unwanted drying effects.

What Do You Need To Take Off Dip Nails At Home Without Acetone?

To remove dip powder nails without acetone, you must prepare two major things. 

The very first thing you should always check before removing dip nails is their age. At least three weeks old is an acceptable point. Most newly applied dip nails show a fresh, strong, and adhesive bond to your natural nails. 

Thus, trying to remove these nails can eventually lead to peeling your natural nails off and ruin their shapes and lengths. Wait for at least three weeks when your normal use of hands and fingers offers this bond enough stress and strength. After this period, it will be weakened.

Besides, washing your hands and showering, especially with hot and warm water, can facilitate the removal process. These temperature changes are linked to the expansion and contraction of your dip powder nails. These factors will also weaken the bonds greatly.

Hot water is also essential to submerge your old dip powder nails. Without a doubt, heat makes dip powder expand and contract at different rates. This way, they can slide to each other relatively. 

You will have to prepare compatible tools and chemicals with different peeling methods, such as acetone-free nail polish remover, alcohol, vinegar, oil, electric nail file, etc. 

Alternatives to Acetone for Removing Dip Powder Nails

Acetone-Free Nail Polish Removers

Most acetone-free nail polish removers have some chemicals in acetone-based types. Yet, this type comes with other ingredients to nourish and hydrate your nails, such as essential oils, soy esther, etc. That’s why it will not cause harsh effects like using straight acetone. Also, this product can remove dip powder nails fast.

The steps are also easy to follow. Firstly, soak your hands in nail polish removers. Wait time will depend on the number of nail powder layers. A thin layer requires only less than 15 minutes.

If you fail to peel off the layers easily after waiting several minutes, let’s use a cuticle pusher to remove all the remaining nail polish.

Then, re-shape your nails with a buffer and apply cuticle oil fully to moisturize and prevent cracking.

Alcohol And White Vinegar

Erasing the dip powder with alcohol is a time-consuming yet safe process. Also, vinegar can assist in removing the dip powder nails, so the pair make a great substitute for acetone. Here are some basic steps for this method:

• Step 1: Remove the topcoat. Peeling off this first layer will simplify the removal process and reduce the time required to eliminate nail gel. Using a nail file will be a great option.
• Step 2: Soak your nails into alcohol and vinegar mixture: A product with the highest concentration of alcohol would do the trick. Soak your hands into a bowl of alcohol and wait for the nail polish to get soft and melt. Repeat this step until the whole gel comes off without forcing.
• Step 3: Buff nails: Wash your hands thoroughly before using a nail buffer to buff the layers. Now it’s time to smoothen and give your nails a favorite shape. 
• Step 4: Apply cuticle oil. Your nails can get dehydrated during the removal process, so apply this oil to keep them healthy.

Oil, Soap, And Water

Don’t underestimate the power of oil and soap, two common household products available on hand! A fusion of oil, soap, and hot water can remove your dip powder manicures.

This technique is highly recommended for worn-out and many-days-old powder. Otherwise, you will have to soak a lot to remove the dip powder nails with oil and soap successfully.

To get started, prepare:

• Cooking oils like olive or canola oil. Baby oil or body oil is also workable. 
• Body wash or dish soap: any available brand will do the job.
• Hot water can
• A nail tip or cuticle pusher: those tools should be flat to lift your nails.

The process to remove dip nails naturally should be as follow:

• Step 1: Take a nail tip or cuticle pusher and push underneath your nails’ sides gently. This will loosen up the manicures and let the mixture seep under effectively.
• Step 2: Apply oil on your nails directly and get a bowl of hot water and dish wash. It’s time to soak them in this mixture for 20 minutes. 
• Step 3: Use a cuticle pusher and lift your dip nails gently. If you still struggle to get them coming off, let’s dip them again in the above mixture. 

Toothpaste and Baking Soda

Here is how to remove dip powder nails with toothpaste and baking soda:

Blend the two ingredients well in a bowl. Soak and deeply cover your nails in the mixture. Let them sit within 15-20 minutes. Then, rub the powder off your nails.

Electric Nail File

Employing an electric nail file is also recommended to remove your dip powder nails. A nail file (100/180 grit type) works best for manually filling dip powder ones. 

The first thing to do is to cut nail extensions with a nail clipper. Then, file the colored dip powder bulk away using the nail file’s 100 grit side. 

Once this layer has been taken off, it’s time to use the 180 grit side to smooth out and even your dip nails. Manually filling can cost you a lot of time. 

Therefore, you can also utilize an electric file. This powerful and quickly operating product can be difficult for first-time users. Here are a few basic steps for beginners to follow:

• Step 1: Remove the dip powder top parts with this tool
• Step 2: Soak the nails in any acetone-free solvents to remove the remaining layers. It would be best to soak cotton pads in the solvent before applying directly to the nails and secure them with foil wrap.
• Step 3: Wait for 10 minutes, then scrape off the dip powder using a cuticle pusher.

How To Care For Your Hands After Removing Dip Nails

Although you don’t have to use harsh chemicals to do the trick, it’s essential to provide enough care and maintenance for your nails. 

Wash Your Hands

After getting rid of all the pigment from the dip manicure, you should first wash your hands with warm water and mild soap. Don’t forget to pay attention to your fingers’ tips and nails. 

There should not be any acetone or removing chemical left on your hand. These products can dry out and affect your skin. After rinsing, keep your hands and nails dry well. 

Moisturize

It will be a pity if you fail to treat your nails with some moisturizer. Moisturizing products allow them to recover from contact with harsh chemicals and keep them soft at the touch.

Coconut oil is one of the best and most natural products, which can work wonders on nails. It includes fatty acids and protects your skin against fungal infections. Cuticle oil offers expected results if you don’t have coconut oil.

Olive oil is another great option. Submerge your freshly naked nails in this oil to leave them healthy and hydrated. After this step, use your favorite hand cuticle cream to keep the surrounding skin of your nails pampering and moist.

Give Your Nails A Break

There is no good if you immediately re-decorate your manicure and get a new nail look. This practice can make your hands sensitive and prone to scratches. 

Therefore, don’t forget to wait for at least one month to give them a great recovery period before reapplying. Or you should be in an urgent need, a week will suffice for your nails to rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Remove Dip Nails With Rubbing Alcohol?

Yes, you can. Although rubbing alcohol is not as powerful and intensive as other removing agents, a high concentration will remove your dip nails of light colors.

The steps to exploit this technique are the same as using acetone. It is worth noting that there is a huge difference between using those two agents.

Unlike acetone, alcohol can remove only one layer of manicure per time. Thus, you need to repeat this process depending upon the layers your nails have.

Using rubbing alcohol is not always highly recommended by nail salons. It makes the skin dry and irritating while being so cytotoxic. You can easily get sick if you are exposed to alcohol fumes for a long time. Only use this method when you are in a well-ventilated area.

Can I Use Isopropyl Alcohol To Remove Dip Nails?

The answer should always be an absolute YES. 

Isopropyl alcohol is a commonly used non-acetone nail remover with an effective performance. Instead of preparing a wide range of tools, you can use straight alcohol in this technique.

Yet, make sure that your hands are well-ventilated to minimize the amount of inhaled alcohol fumes. There are four steps to following the technique. 

• Step 1: Peel your manicure’s topcoat with a buffer or nail file.
• Step 2: Pour the alcohol into a small bowl and soak your nails.
• Step 3: Wait until the polish appears to strip off and then wipe it away.
• Step 4: Continue soaking three or four times until the nails come off freely.

Does Hand Sanitizer Work?

A hand sanitizer is not a powerful nail remover, yet it still has the potential to peel thin dip powder with a light color. To use this product effectively, you need to prepare some cotton balls and aluminum foil and follow these steps:

• Step 1: Soak the balls in the hand sanitizer component.
• Step 2: Press them onto your nails.
• Step 3: Cover all fingertips with aluminum foil.
• Step 4: Wait for at least 30 minutes before removing and wiping it off.
• Step 4: Use a nail file to buff the remaining dip nails.

Why Does Distilled White Vinegar Not Work?

Distilled white vinegar is often hailed as an acetone-free technique to remove dip powder nails. This product offers various benefits, including antifungal and anti-bacterial to your hands. However, it doesn’t work as it doesn’t include any chemical makeup.

This dilute solution shows a relatively weak and high pH of two acids. Thus, it is not acidic enough to dissolve anything. The only function that distilled white vinegar can do is soften your nails. This way, you can scrape it off.

However, we don’t recommend you use this approach as it will harm your natural nails. 

Can Hydrogen Peroxide Remove Dip Nails?

Unfortunately, the answer is a NO.

Two portions of this chemical in a small bowl of hot water are believed to have the effect. Yet, there is nothing to guarantee its effectiveness. 

The only visible effect of this technique is to turn the fingertips pale as it will dry your nails out.

Conclusion

Although no alternative tends to be as effective as acetone, those natural options will surely ease the harsh effects of acetone over an extended period.

No matter which approaches to choose, don’t forget to give your nails enough care and maintenance to keep them soft and hydrated.