Nail Makeup

How To Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Using Acetone?

Removing dip powder nails made easy and safe with these 4 effortless techniques


Written by Anshita Singh

On Mar 20, 2023 – 11 minutes read

How to remove dip powder nails

Dip powder nails have garnered considerable attention for their longevity. Brands like SNS utilize a combination of nail resin and colored acrylic powder to create a durable manicure that can last up to five months. This durability has contributed to their widespread popularity. Removing these long-lasting nails can prove challenging, but several DIY techniques can simplify the process. If you’re looking for how to remove dip powder nails without acetone, you’ve come to the right source.

How To Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone?

Several home remedies exist for removing dip powder nails at home without acetone. You can opt for oil, soap, and water to delicately dissolve and remove the dip powder nails. Alternatively, hand sanitizer or mouthwash serve as effective alternatives using readily available household items. Isopropyl Alcohol is another option that gently softens the nails, preparing them for filing, without the harshness of acetone.

How To Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone

If you’re already over your gorgeous-looking dip powder nails and want to remove them, you might be in a pickle. But don’t worry, no matter how much the dip powder resists leaving your nails, our easy techniques will throw them right off. Or, well, you might need to get your hands dirty, ngl. But rest assured, you’re gonna see your natural nails, all well and safe, without the need for a dip powder removal kit, with these 4 methods of removing dip powder nails without using acetone.

Before delving into the removal methods, let’s take a moment to understand why using acetone to remove dip powder nails is discouraged. While you may already be aware of the detrimental effects of acetone, let’s explore why it poses risks. After all, a bit of extra knowledge never hurts.

Why You Should Not Use Acetone To Remove Dip Powder Nails

When it comes to removing dip powder nails at home, most salon gurus and fashionistas will suggest using acetone. However, a dermatologist would advise you to avoid using acetone. Who would you listen to when considering how to remove dip powder nails at home?

Acetone is not something you should be scared of but its excessive use can do some good damage to your nails. Acetone is a harsh chemical or solvent that can dehydrate your nails, taking away their natural oils. 

This strong solvent can make your nails dry and cause breakage in the long run. Besides, Acetone may cause skin irritation resulting in redness and itching. 

Acetone also causes dizziness and nausea in some people. And if you’re thinking, you can go for an acetone-free nail polish remover, you’ll not be doing a very smart thing because according to a study by JJ Brown, “acetone-free” nail polish removers are not safe either. 

Then what kind of expensive treatment do you need to remove your dip powder nails? — The answer is none! So how to remove your dip powder nails without acetone, you may ask. You can use home ingredients or easily accessible inexpensive items. That is what this blog is all about. 

So, let’s dive straight into how to remove powder dip nails without acetone and get the dip powder off your nails. Let’s go!

Top 4 Ways of Removing Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone

When considering how to remove dip powder nails at home without acetone, while acetone may expedite the process of removing your dip powder nails, the following four methods for how to remove dip powder nails without acetone can achieve the same results without causing damage to your nails. Admittedly, the process may be slower, but your nails will remain safe and healthy.

How To Remove Dip Powder Nails With Oil And Soap Water?

You got those at home, don’t you? Great! You’re halfway through removing your dip powder nails. Sure deal; soap, water, and oil are the best ingredients that will help you get rid of your dip powder nails without causing them damage. 

Things You Need

  • Soap (body soap or dish soap)
  • Any Oil (Though coconut oil or Olive oil is preferred)
  • Cuticle Pusher (Nail file would work too)
  • Hot Water
how to remove dip powder nails at home

The Process

  1. Start by using a nail cuticle pusher (or nail file) to gently thrust under the edges of your nails. This helps to facilitate the penetration of water into your nails in the subsequent steps.
  2. Next, apply oil to your nails, focusing particularly on the edges and sides.
  3. Prepare a bowl large enough to fully immerse your nails. In the bowl, combine hot water, soap, and oil.
  4. Submerge your nails in the mixture and allow them to soak for approximately 15–30 minutes. (This is a perfect opportunity to catch up on an episode of your favorite TV series during your manicure time!)
  5. After soaking, use the cuticle pusher to gently lift the dip powder nails. Take care to avoid damaging your natural nails.
  6. If the dip powder nails are still stubbornly attached, repeat the soaking process until they come off completely.

There, the effective, easily accessible, and cheap way when find answers to how to remove dip powder nails without acetone.  

Not convinced? Let’s look at another option. 

How To Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone: Mouthwash or Hand Sanitizer

Ever since the pandemic hit our already chaotic life, you cannot tell me you have no hand sanitizer. No hand sanitizer? At least you should have mouthwash. If you got none of these, we would be concerned about your hygiene situation. 

Anyway, Hand sanitizer and mouthwash are great ingredients to remove dip powder nails because they are not harsh chemicals like Acetone. So, let’s see how to use them for removing dip powder nails.

Things You Need

  • Hand Sanitizer/Mouthwash 
  • Cotton balls
  • Nail File
  • Aluminium Foil strips
how to remove dip powder nails at home without acetone

The Process

  1. Soak cotton balls thoroughly in hand sanitizer or mouthwash until they are damp.
  2. Gently rub your nails with these soaked cotton balls until you begin to see the desired results.
  3. Place a soaked cotton ball on each nail and cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
  4. Allow the hand sanitizer or mouthwash to work its magic for 30 minutes.
  5. After the allotted time, carefully remove the foil without causing any damage to your nails or cuticles. The dip powder nails should come off along with the foil.
  6. If any dip powder nails remain stubborn, repeat the wrapping process and continue until you are satisfied with the outcome.
  7. Finally, use a nail file to remove any remaining dip material from your nails.

Hand sanitizer/mouthwash is a good nemesis for dip powder nails. They are slow but effective.

How To Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone: Nail File and Hot Water?

In your quest to find ways to remove dip powder nails without acetone, you’ve likely encountered numerous DIY techniques involving nail files. These handy nail tools offer a straightforward approach to removing dip powder nails without the hassle of mixing and wrapping.

Whether you opt for a traditional nail file or an electric nail file (E-file), it’s essential to handle them with care and use them specifically to eliminate bulky dip powder layers from your nails.

Now, let’s delve into the steps for removing dip powder nails using a regular nail file and hot water.

Things you need 

  • 100 Grit Nail file
  • Hot Water
  • Moisturizer 
how to remove dip powder nails at home without foil

The Process

  1. Heat some water to a temperature that is tolerable for your fingers, ensuring not scald them.
  2. Soak your nails in a bowl of hot water, allowing them to soften.
  3. After your nails have softened, use the nail file to remove the bulk of the dip powder, taking care not to damage your natural nails.
  4. Once the dip powder is removed, gently file and smooth your nails.
  5. Given that your nails have undergone considerable abrasion, they require some tender loving care. Apply moisturizer or oil, such as coconut oil, to nourish your nails.

If you’re not interested in using any kind of chemical substance for removing your dip powder nails, then this method is just for you. 

But if you do not have any issues with using alcohol for removing nail dips, then you can try this next method. Also, check the article on how to remove fake nails at home.

How To Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone: Isopropyl Alcohol 

Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, serves various purposes such as a solvent, cleaning agent, and antiseptic.

When used to remove dip powder nails, isopropyl alcohol effectively breaks down the sealant and softens the nail coating, facilitating easier removal. It’s considered safer than acetone as it doesn’t dissolve as many compounds.

With isopropyl alcohol in hand, all you require is a bit of time and patience, as this method, unlike acetone, may take a little longer to achieve the desired results.

Things You Need 

  • Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Nail File 
how to remove dip powder nails with tips

The Process

  1. Begin by using a nail file or buffer to gently remove the top layer of your dip nails.
  2. Pour an adequate amount of Isopropyl Alcohol into a bowl, ensuring it can fully submerge your nails.
  3. Dip your fingernails into the solution, allowing them to soak briefly. Then, remove them and wipe away the softened polish.
  4. Repeat this process until you have completely removed the dip powder nails from your natural nails.

The merciful brother of evil Acetone is your messiah to remove dip powder nails without letting your nails lose their moisture and nourishment. 

Looking For More Ways On How To Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone?

While the aforementioned four techniques are generally regarded as more effective for how to remove dip powder nails at home without acetone, below are a few additional methods using commonly available ingredients found at home. It’s important to note that these methods may not be as effective as the previously mentioned techniques.

1. How to remove dip nails with toothpaste?

Mix baking soda and toothpaste in a bowl. Put a thick layer of the mixture on your nails and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rub the dip powder polish along with the paste off your nails. The baking soda along with hydrogen peroxide in the toothpaste helps break down the dip nails. 

2. How to remove dip nails with oil?

For this method, you’ll need olive oil, warm water, nail buffer, and a cuticle pusher. Start by removing the top layer of your dip nails using a nail buffer. Dip your nails in warm water for around 10-15 minutes and then gently pull your dip nail with a cuticle pusher. Rinse your hands, pat them dry, and hydrate your freshly groomed nails with olive oil. 

how to remove dip powder nails with toothpaste

3. How to remove dip nails with baking soda?

Begin by creating a thick paste of baking soda by mixing three tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl. Then, use a nail buffer to remove the top layer of your dip nails. Apply the baking soda paste onto your nails and wrap them with aluminum foil. Allow them to sit for 15-20 minutes until the dip nails soften. Finally, carefully unwrap the aluminum foil and gently push the dip powder off your nails.

4. How to remove dip nails with Vinegar?

To remove dip nails with vinegar, put a tablespoon of white vinegar per cup of water. Soak your nails into the solution for 10-15 minutes until the dip powder softens. Gently remove the nail using a cuticle pusher. Repeat the process until all the dip powder has been removed.

5. How to remove dip nails with Rice?

Rice is a gentler alternative to acetone for removing dip nail powder. Take a blender and grind  1 cup of uncooked rice into a fine powder. Add warm water to it and create a thick paste. To soften your nails, put your nails in warm water for around 10-15 minutes. Now apply a layer of rice mixture on your nails, wrap them up with aluminum foil, and wait for another 10-15 minutes. 

Gently remove the aluminum foil from your nails. Now using a nail buffer scrape off the dip powder. Rinse your hands and hydrate your nails using oil or moisturizer.

FAQ

1. How do you remove dip nails naturally?

To remove dip powder nails naturally, buff off the top layer of your dip nails using a nail filer. Then, soak your nails in hot water, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, or Isopropyl Alcohol for a few minutes. After soaking, gently push the dip powder layer off your nails using a cuticle pusher or a wooden stick. Moisturize your nails with coconut or any other oil to cure the nail damage

2. What is the easiest way to remove dip nails at home?

The easiest way of removing dip nails at home is by using just two ingredients: hot water and nail filer. Dip your nails in hot water for around 30 minutes and buff off the nail powder using a nail filer. You can also use vinegar, alcohol, oil, soap, or baking soda to remove dip nails at home.

3. Can you remove dip nails with regular nail polish remover?

Though regular nail polish could be used for removing dip nails, it is not a very effective method of doing that job. You would need to do more rubbing and scraping to get rid of the dip powder which might damage your natural nail underneath. For a quick and effective method of removing dip powder nails, you can also go for a dip powder removal kit.

4. Do oil and water remove dip nails?

Hot water helps in softening dip nails, allowing you to scrape off the dip nail with a nail filer. However, oil and water alone cannot do the job of removing dip nails. Although, oils do help in moisturizing and protecting your nails and cuticles. 

The End Note 

So, now you know how to remove dip powder nails without acetone at your home. Using harmful chemicals like Acetone is not necessary to get rid of stubborn dip powder nails. Easy DIYs and home ingredients like hot water, soap, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, etc. can also do a great job removing your dip powder nails without causing a dent in your nails and pockets. 

Isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar are a couple of other ingredients that are often effective in removing dip powder nails without acetone. 

Regarding the after-care that your nails need after scraping off your dip powder nails, put some gel base coat to strengthen your then weakened nails. 

Wash and moisturize your dip powder nails frequently. Use coconut oil to protect your nails and keep them safe from infections. 

  1. Informa UK Limited. (2023). Acetone-Free Nail Polish Removers: Are They Safe?. Available (Online) at:

    https://doi.org/10.1081/clt-66081

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Anshitha sigh

As a seasoned critic, a style icon, and a compassionate relationship advisor, Anshita has carved a distinctive niche in the world of entertainment and personal development.

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