How to Remove Dip Nail Polish

If you’re looking for a long-wearing manicure that is flexible and durable, then dip nail polish is for you.

A dip powder manicure is like a hybrid between a gel manicure and acrylics – this means that dip nail polish is harder to remove than traditional nail polish.

In this article, we’ll tell you exactly how to remove dip nail polish. We have three fool-proof methods, and we will tell you exactly what you need, and how to do it.

Follow our step-by-step guide to remove dip nail polish in the comfort of your home, without damaging your nails.

3 Methods for Removing Dip Nail Polish

We will give you a step-by-step guide for removing dip nail polish at home. There are three ways to do this. You will need pure acetone for all of them.

You’re probably familiar with how to use nail polish remover, but it won’t do the trick with dip powder nails.

Dip powder manicures and gel manicures are usually removed with acetone.

You can remove gel nail polish at home without acetone. But acetone is the only solvent that would be able to break down the layers of a dip powder manicure.

You will use foil and acetone-soaked cotton balls for the first method. You’ll soak your fingers in a bowl filled with acetone for the second method. The third method is a bit trickier.

With the third method, you’ll place your hands into sandwich bags with acetone-soaked paper towels, and soak them in warm water.

how to remove dip powder nail polish at home

Method 1: Foil and Cotton Ball Method

What You’ll Need

Pure acetone
Cotton balls
Foil sheets
Coarse grit nail file
Orangewood stick
Petroleum jelly
Two hand towels (optional)
Two small plastic bags (optional)

How to Do It

Step 1: File Down Topcoat

Before we tell you how to remove nail polish after your dip powder manicure, we’ll tell you how to prep your nails.

Before you file down the top coat of the dip nail polish, use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back. Make sure to do this gently.

The top coat is the shiny layer of your dip nail polish. Use the coarse grit nail file to file down the top coat. This allows the acetone to penetrate the dip powder manicure.

Step 2: Protect Your Skin and Cuticles

It is possible to skip this step of the process, but we would urge you to protect your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails.

Acetone dries out the skin and can take a toll on its health. Apply petroleum jelly to the skin around your nails and any skin that will be exposed to acetone.

This will moisturize and protect your skin.

Step 3: Prepare Foil and Cotton Balls

Cut the sheet of foil into 10 smaller squares that would fit over your nails and wrap around your fingers.

Cut cotton balls into 10 smaller pieces that would cover your nails. The foil will be wrapped around each finger to keep the cotton balls in place.

Step 4: Soak Each Nail in Acetone

Complete this part of the process one nail at a time.

Soak every piece of cotton ball in acetone. Place each piece of acetone-soaked cotton ball on your fingernail. Make sure that each fingernail is covered entirely.

Wrap the foil pieces around each finger so that they keep the acetone-soaked cotton balls in place. Let your nails soak for 10 – 15 minutes.

This next part is optional, but it can speed up the removal process. You can place either hot towels or plastic bags on each hand to remove the dip nail polish faster.

Step 5: Remove Foil Wraps and Residue Powder

After waiting for 10 – 15 minutes you can remove the foil wraps and cotton balls from your fingers.

The dip powder will likely come off without any problems. But there might be some residue powder left on your nails.

If the residue powder is thin you can swipe it off with an acetone-soaked cotton ball. If this doesn’t work you can use the orangewood stick to push the residue off your nails.

Remember to be gentle. Never peel the nail polish or pick at it. This can damage your nails.

Method 2: Acetone Bowl Soak Method

What You’ll Need

Pure acetone
Coarse grit nail file
Orangewood stick
Small bowl
Paper towel
Petroleum jelly
Cotton balls
Steaming hot towel (optional)

How to Do It

Step 1: File Down Topcoat

Use the orangewood stick to push back your cuticles. Use the coarse grit nail file to file down the shiny topcoat of your dip powder manicure.

Step 2: Protect Your Skin and Cuticles

It’s very important to protect your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails.

If you were wondering how to get rid of nail polish on the skin, acetone will do the trick. But moisturizing is key. Acetone dries out the skin and can affect skin health.

Apply petroleum jelly to the skin around your nails and any skin that will be exposed to acetone to moisturize and protect your skin.

Step 3: Prepare the Acetone Bowl

Fill a small bowl with acetone that would be able to fit all 10 of your fingers. Fold a paper towel and place it at the bottom of the bowl.

Step 4: Soak Your Nails

Place your fingers in the acetone-filled bowl. Make sure that the acetone soaks each nail completely. Soak for 10-15 minutes.

The paper towel at the bottom of the bowl creates friction to speed up the removal process. Rub and move your nails back and forth on the paper towel to dissolve the dip powder faster.

This part is optional, but it can also speed up the removal process. Place a wet and steaming hot towel over the bowl as you soak your nails.

Step 5: Remove Dip Nail Polish

After soaking your hands for 10-15 minutes you can remove them from the bowl. Soak cotton balls in acetone and wipe the dip powder from your nails.

You can use the orangewood stick to push off any stubborn residue, but it’s important to be gentle.

Method 3: Sandwich Bag and Paper Towel Method

What You’ll Need

Pure acetone
Coarse grit nail file
Large bowl
Two paper towels
Two plastic sandwich bags
Petroleum jelly
Orangewood stick
Cotton balls (optional)

How to Do It

Step 1: File Down Topcoat

Before you find out how to get nail polish off your nails after a dip manicure, you should know how to prepare your nails.

Push back your cuticles with an orangewood stick. File down the shiny topcoat of your dip powder manicure with a nail file.

Step 2: Protect Your Skin and Cuticles

Acetone dries out the skin and can affect its health. Apply petroleum jelly to the skin around your nails and any skin that will be exposed to acetone.

Step 3: Prepare Bowl of Water

Heat some water and fill the bowl with it. You can microwave the water for about two minutes.

Make sure that the water is hot, but not scalding. It shouldn’t burn your hands.

Step 4: Prepare Paper Towels

Fold your paper towel in half and place it at the bottom of the sandwich bag. Do this with two sandwich bags – one for each hand.

Pour acetone into the sandwich bags until the paper towels are soaked with acetone.

Step 5: Soak Your Nails

Place each hand inside a sandwich bag. Push and nestle your nails into the folded paper towel. Make sure that each nail can be soaked in acetone.

Place your hands, covered in sandwich bags into the bowl of hot water. Let it soak for about 5 minutes.

Rub and move your nails back and forth on the paper towel to dissolve the dip powder faster.

Step 6: Remove Dip Nail Polish

You will probably be able to rinse away any residue dip powder after soaking your nails for 5 minutes.

If there is residue dip left, you can soak cotton balls in acetone and wipe it from your nails.

Stubborn dip residue can gently be pushed off nails with an orangewood stick.

Conclusion

Dip nail polish is a popular manicure option because it has the durability of acrylics and the flexibility of gel nails. These manicures can last for up to 3 or 4 weeks.

Removing your dip powder manicure can be tricky. But you don’t have to fret if you follow our step-by-step guide to three different methods for removing dip nail polish.

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