Ruby nails have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their stunning and vibrant color options. However, as beautiful as they may be, there comes a time when you’ll need to remove them. While it’s always recommended to visit a professional nail technician for safe and efficient removal, there are times when you may not be able to make it to the salon. In such cases, it’s important to know how to remove your ruby nails at home without causing any damage to your natural nails.
Gather the necessary tools
Before you begin the removal process, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Acetone or nail polish remover containing acetone: Acetone is essential for breaking down the polish and making it easier to remove.
Cotton balls or pads: These will be used to apply the acetone and remove the polish.
Aluminum foil or nail wraps: These will help to hold the acetone-soaked cotton balls or pads in place.
Cuticle oil or a nourishing nail serum: This will help to moisturize and protect your nails after the removal process.
Nail file and buffer: These tools will be used to gently file away any remaining polish or residue once the nails are soaked in acetone.
Start by preparing your nails
Before you begin the removal process, it’s important to prepare your nails. Use a nail clipper to trim your nails to a manageable length. This will prevent any accidental snagging or tearing of the polish during the removal process.
Next, use a nail file to gently buff the surface of each nail. This will help to roughen up the polish and make it easier for the acetone to penetrate and dissolve the polish.
Soak your nails in acetone
Now it’s time to soak your nails in acetone. Pour enough acetone into a bowl to fully submerge your nails. If you don’t have a bowl large enough, you can also use a shallow dish or a glass.
Take a cotton ball or pad and saturate it with acetone. Place the soaked cotton ball or pad directly onto your nail, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. Repeat this process for each nail.
To keep the acetone in contact with your nails, you can wrap each finger with aluminum foil or use nail wraps. This will create a barrier and prevent the acetone from evaporating too quickly.
Wait for the polish to dissolve
Once your nails are soaked in acetone and wrapped in foil or nail wraps, it’s time to wait for the polish to dissolve. The amount of time this takes can vary depending on the type and brand of polish you’re using. On average, it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
During this waiting period, you can use this time to relax and pamper yourself. Put on some soothing music, read a book, or simply enjoy some quiet time.
Remove the foil and cotton balls
After the waiting period, carefully remove the foil or nail wraps from your nails. Gently press on each nail to check if the polish has softened and started to lift. If it has, you can proceed to the next step. If not, you may need to rewrap your nails and wait a little longer.
Gently remove the remaining polish
Now it’s time to gently remove the remaining polish. Take a fresh cotton ball or pad and soak it in acetone. Apply gentle pressure to each nail and wipe away the softened polish in a downward motion. If there are any stubborn areas, you can use a wooden cuticle stick or an orangewood stick to gently scrape away the remaining polish.
Avoid forcefully scraping or picking at your nails, as this can cause damage and thinning of the natural nail plate.
Clean and moisturize your nails
Once all the polish is removed, it’s important to clean and moisturize your nails. Wash your hands with warm water and a gentle soap to remove any remaining acetone residue.
Next, apply a generous amount of cuticle oil or a nourishing nail serum to each nail. Massage the oil or serum into your nails and cuticles to help replenish moisture and promote healthy nail growth.
File and buff your nails
To finish the removal process, use a nail file and buffer to gently file away any remaining residue or rough edges. Be careful not to file too aggressively, as this can weaken your natural nails.
Once you’re done filing, give your nails a final buff to smooth out the surface and give them a healthy shine. This will leave your nails looking clean and polished.