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Dip nails are a stylish and long-lasting alternative to a traditional manicure. Unlike regular nail polish, dip nails last at least 3 weeks, giving you more time with chip-free nails.[1] The most time-consuming part of this beauty trend is removing the dip nail product completely. While you can get your dip nails removed at a nail salon, you can also take them off with acetone or a few other household agents. Within an hour, your nails will be bare and ready to go!

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    File down the top layer of the manicure to make the process easier. Use a nail file to scuff away the top layer of the dip nail product. While it may be tempting to try and scrape away as much as possible, focus on removing the shiny seal on the surface of the nail. Use short, quick motions to make the filing process as efficient as possible.[2]

    • Use an electric nail file if you'd like to do this even more quickly.[3]

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    Dip your nails into a bowl of acetone for 10 minutes. Fill a small bowl at least a third of the way with acetone. Hold your fingers in a claw-like position, and submerge them completely in the acetone. Leave your nails like that for at least 10 minutes, or until the dip product comes loose.[4]

    Tip: Try expediting the process by placing a hot towel over the bowl of acetone!

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    Rub off any extra powder with a cotton ball dipped in acetone. Take a cotton ball and soak it with acetone. Using your free hand, dab the cotton ball along the surface of your fingernails to remove any remaining dip powder from the nails. Depending on how much product is left over on your nails, you might need more than 1 cotton ball.[5]

    • Since you're not scratching off any of the remaining dip product, your nails won't be damaged.

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    Sand down the top of your dip nails with a file. Use a nail file to grind away the top layer of your dipped nails. Since these nails are especially hard, do your best to scuff off the glossy surface—this will make it easier to remove the dip nails later on.[6]

    • Don't worry about scraping off all of the nail—for this, just focus on scuffing up the surface.

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    Soak the dipped nails in a bowl of alcohol for 20 minutes. Take a small bowl and fill it up about halfway with rubbing alcohol. Bend your fingers so that your nails are facing down, and place them into the bowl. Depending on how much product is on each nail, you might have to file off the dip polish in layers.[7]

    • If you don't have rubbing alcohol on hand, try using another alcoholic substance, like regular vodka or hand sanitizer.

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    Try using vinegar if you'd prefer not to use alcohol. Pour distilled white vinegar into a small bowl, filling it up around halfway. Soak your nails in the vinegar for a few minutes, removing them periodically so you can file them down. Continue this process until the polish is completely removed.[8]

    • Try not to scratch or scrape at your nails while they're soaking, as this could damage them in the long run.

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  • Rinse off your hands with warm water to wash any excess acetone from your skin.[9]

  • If you don't feel comfortable removing dip nails at home, feel free to go to a salon to get them removed.[10]

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