A Pricing Guide for Acrylic Nail Removal Cost

There’s no doubt the price of having acrylic nails can get costly depending on the type of manicure you want. A full set has a different charge from your polish and the accessories you want to add. Most people are aware of this, but what about the acrylic nail removal cost? Not many individuals truly understand the real cost of getting rid of the acrylic manicure, which can be expensive when not done properly.

In this post, we are going to discuss how much you should spend on the proper removal of your acrylic nails, how you can remove acrylic nails at home, the aftercare tips and other relevant information about the manicure. Keep reading to learn what they are!

Acrylic Nail Removal Cost

The removal cost varies on several factors, such as the salon, your location and the setup of your nails. But on average, a full acrylic set is $24, with $18 as the minimum and $59 as the maximum. Note that acrylic fills only include partially removing your acrylic nails and redoing the design, shape and colour. Nail techs will not cut your nails unless they are damaged or you want them shorter. A full set removal leaves you with only your natural nails.

Do You Need to Pay for the Acrylic Nail Removal?

Yes, you need to because the application and removal of acrylic nails are two different procedures. The removal itself requires time, effort and materials and products to have a safe process. Not only that, you also need to understand that the removal may take more time if there is more acrylic paint used. Some salons, however, may offer discounts or packages for the application and removal of acrylic nails.

2 Common Ways of Removing Acrylic Nails

Typically, there are two popular methods used in removing your acrylic nails, that is, by filing with a nail drill, which can take about 20 minutes, and soaking off, which can take 30 minutes.

Filing Off

This is the quickest method among the two. All you need is a high-quality nail drill to file off the acrylic nails. Although this method may take around 20 minutes, it still depends on the length of your nails. Here’s a quick overview of the steps to file off acrylic nails:

  • Cut down the acrylic nails using a clipper.
  • Use a nail drill to carefully file off the nails’ top layers.
  • For the bottom layer, use a traditional nail file to avoid damaging the natural nails.
  • Remove the acrylic nail residue with acetone.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.

It might be tempting to follow this method at home, but we strongly recommend asking for professional help if you opt for this. If you’re not skilled in using a nail drill, you can damage your natural nails.

Soaking Off

This method is similar to the removal process of a gel manicure. Most of the time, the manicure can be removed using acetone and doesn’t need any buffing anymore. (But you can always file the acrylic residue if you want to instead of using acetone.)

Here’s a simple guide you can follow using this method:

  • Shorten your acrylic nails by trimming them.
  • Buff the top layer to help acetone penetrate the polish layers.
  • Apply cuticle oil around your nails for protection from the solvent.
  • Dip a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail.
  • Cover it with foil for 20 minutes.
  • Use a cuticle pusher to remove the acrylic nails.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly.

If you’re in a rush, this method is not ideal as it requires more time than the previous process but a lot safer as it prevents the risk of filing your natural nails.

Are All Nail Salons Able to Remove Acrylic Nails?

Unfortunately, not all nail salons have the ability to remove acrylic nails. This is why it’s important to ask your salon if they can do the removal process if you decide to put on acrylic nails with them. In most cases, however, salons that offer acrylic manicures can perform the removal process as well.

Is It Safe to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home?

It depends entirely on the removal method you’ll use and your skills. If you haven’t tried removing acrylic nails on your own, it’s best to visit a salon for the removal. If you know how to use the nail drill, for example, you can try removing them at home, but be very gentle and careful with the process. Also, we always recommend using high-quality equipment or materials to ensure a safe removal process.

The acrylic nail removal cost at home is obviously much cheaper. You will only spend $3-$5 for the materials or products you need. This cost applies if you decide not to use the nail drill or already have one at home.

How to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home

There are a few ways you can remove acrylic nails at home, but the following method is the most common process you can try:

Step 1: Gather the Things You Need

Before you even start the procedure, you must secure the things you need first. Here’s a list:

  • Nail buffer
  • Cuticle oil/moisturiser
  • Warm water with soap
  • Cotton balls
  • Acetone
  • Hand gloves
  • Cuticle pusher

Step 2: Trim Down Your Acrylic Nails

Trimming down your acrylic nails helps make the removal process easier, especially when your nails are too long. Use a sharp nail clipper for more effective trimming and take time in cutting your nails.

Step 3: Soak Your Hands in Warm and Soapy Water

To help loosen the acrylic nails, soak your hands in warm and soapy water for 10-20 minutes. Move your fingers as you submerge them to help soften the adhesive. Dry your hands with a clean towel once done.

Step 4: Apply Acetone to the Acrylic Nails

Dip your cotton balls in acetone and apply them to your nails. Cover them with foil, just like what salons are doing, for 10-20 minutes. While waiting for the acrylic nails to loosen, cover your hands with a warm towel to speed up the process.

Step 5: Gently Remove the Acrylic Nails with a Cuticle Pusher

After soaking your acrylic nails with acetone, they are already loose enough to be removed using a cuticle pusher. Gently push each nail with the pusher from the base of the nail upwards. At this point, the adhesive has already softened, making it easy for the removal process.

Step 6: Remove Any Acrylic Nail Residue

For the residue, you can re-apply acetone and soak your nails again until the small pieces are removed. You can also try the option of drilling the residue with the nail drill. Again, be careful in using the device to avoid nail damage. Wash your hands clean when done.

Step 7: Apply Cuticle Oil or Hand Moisturiser

Acetone exposure and the application of acrylic nails leave your nails dry, which is why hydration is extremely important. Apply cuticle oil to your nails or hand moisturiser to hydrate your nails and skin. You can even do both, applying the moisturiser first and then the cuticle oil to beef up your hydration.

Tips to Take Care of Your Natural Nails After the Removal

Your job of keeping your nails in good condition doesn’t end when the acrylic nails are removed. You still have to do some healthy activities for your nails to help them recover after the removal. Here are several things you can do:

Cut Your Nails

It’s always beneficial to trim down your nails to avoid breaking or chipping as long nails tend to do so. Do this regularly since you can have stunning long nails again when you do your next acrylic manicure.

Shape Your Nails Round

Once you cut down to your desired length, file the edges of your nails to create a round shape. Leaving your nails square or pointed allows you to get caught on things easily, leading to nail breakage.

Apply a Nail Strengthener

Regardless of the type of manicure you do, always take a break between manicures. For acrylic nails, you can take a break for a week or two to allow some time for your nails to revive. During this period, apply a nail strengthener every day to help with the recovery of your nails.

Hydrate Every Day

Hydration is always healthy for the nails, which is required in every nail procedure and even during manicure breaks for nourishment. Apply cuticle oil on your nails as recommended on the packaging and hand cream to help with hydration.

Apply a Base Coat

Applying a base coat during manicure breaks is beneficial as well. The coat protects your natural nails from breakage caused by your everyday activities and environmental factors.

Don’t Cut Your Cuticles

We don’t recommend cutting your cuticles because they serve as a protective barrier from infection. You just need to push them back if you want a cleaner finish. You can cut hangnails as these can be troublesome at some point.

Eat Healthy Foods

We can’t stress this enough as healthy foods are the number one source of healthy nails. Foods rich in vitamin E and omega-3 are great for your nails, such as sweet potatoes, avocados, peanuts, walnuts and almonds.

Consult a Nail Technician if Your Nails Are Too Damaged

Never hesitate to visit a nail tech if your nails are too damaged. Nail professionals will give you a keratin treatment to fix the condition of your nails. Keratin has the ability to supply your nails with moisturising oils and protein, which are essential nutrients for nail growth.

The Takeaway

Considering the acrylic nail removal cost allows you to weigh your budget properly if you decide to have an acrylic manicure. Your expenses don’t stop on the application but continue to the maintenance and removal. So, go for the design that matches your budget on your acrylic nail manicure visit!