How to Take Off Acrylic Nails with Hot Water: the Truth Exposed!

Today’s post is all about how to take off acrylic nails with hot water.

But, full disclosure. The title is misleading. 

The truth is, soaking acrylic nails in hot water doesn’t work. 

Believe me, I’ve tested the method.

Think about it.

If removing acrylic nails was as easy as soaking them in water, people wouldn’t be using e-files and acetone to remove acrylics.

But don’t despair! 

There is a way to use hot water to help speed up the removal process. 

If you use it alongside acetone.

How to take off acrylic nails with hot water

Hot water alone cannot remove acrylic nails, but it can be used to help speed up the process if you’re using acetone.

To remove acrylic nails with hot water, you can use a technique called a “bain marie.” 

This involves pouring the acetone into a heatproof container, such as a glass bowl, and placing it in a larger container filled with hot water.

This heats up the acetone safely which makes removal faster.

Now that I’ve saved you the time, trouble and disappointment of trying to remove your acrylics using water alone, let’s go over how to take off acrylic nails using warm water and acetone.

How to take off acrylic nails with hot water and acetone

Here’s a step-by-step guide for removing acrylics with the hot water bath method:

What You’ll Need:

  • A heatproof bowl
  • A large container, such as a saucepan
  • Hot water
  • Acetone
  • Cuticle pusher or orangewood stick
  • Cuticle oil or moisturizer

Step 1: 

Fill the large container with hot water (the water should be steaming but not boiling hot) and place the heatproof bowl containing the acetone inside. 

This will create a “bain marie” which will heat up the acetone and make it faster at removing the acrylic nails.

Step 2: 

Soak your nails in the warmed-up acetone for 10-15 minutes. 

Make sure the water isn’t too hot, as it can be damaging to the skin.

Step 3: 

After soaking your nails, use a metal cuticle pusher or a wooden orangewood stick to gently scrape away any loose or softened acrylic.

Step 4: 

Repeat the soaking process if you still have some acrylic stuck to your nails.

Step 5: 

Buff your nails lightly to smooth them out and remove any last bits.

Once all of the acrylics have been removed, wash your hands thoroughly and moisturize your skin with cuticle oil or a moisturizer.

And that’s it! 

With this simple and effective method, you’ll be able to say goodbye to your acrylic nails in no time. 

Just remember to always use acetone in a well-ventilated area and take care of your skin afterward.

How to take off acrylic nails with hot water and olive oil

Unfortunately, the method of removing acrylic nails with hot water and olive oil is a myth and does not actually work. 

Hot water cannot dissolve acrylic nails on its own, and olive oil alone is not strong enough to remove them.

If you want to remove your acrylics, the only way hot water can help is by using it to heat up acetone in a water bath.

The steps for removing acrylics with hot water and acetone are the same as described above.

However, after removing the acrylic nails, you can use olive oil as a cuticle moisturizer to help nourish and hydrate your skin. 

Simply massage a small amount of olive oil into your cuticles and nails for a few minutes, and then wipe away any excess with a soft cloth. 

This will help to restore moisture to your skin and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.

How do you take off acrylic nails with hot water and soap?

Unfortunately, the method of removing acrylic nails with hot water and soap is not effective. 

Soap and hot water cannot dissolve or soften the acrylic nails enough to remove them.

You can use a hot water soak to remove acrylic press on nails, as the hot water will help to dissolve the nail glue. 

However, hot water alone is pretty much useless for removing non-press on acrylic nails.

So there you have it! 

The hot water and soap method for removing acrylic nails is also a myth.

So save yourself the frustration and use an E-file or acetone instead.

Does dish Soap remove acrylic nails?

No, dish soap does not remove acrylic nails. 

Dish soap is not formulated to dissolve or soften the acrylic material, and it will not be effective in removing the nails.

If you want to remove your acrylic nails, it’s important to use a safe and effective method, such as acetone or a nail drill.

Acetone is the most effective method for removing your nails, but it does dry out the skin and nails.

If you are looking for a chemical or acetone-free way to get your nails off, your best option is to invest in a nail drill.

Nail drills allow you to file off the acrylic nails without exposing your skin and nails to acetone.

Nail drills (aka e-files) are healthier for your nails and are also quick and easy to use.

Can I mix hot water and acetone? 

No, you should not mix hot water and acetone. 

Instead, you should use a “bain marie” technique to heat up the acetone. 

A bain marie involves heating up the acetone in a heatproof container, such as a bowl, and placing it in a larger container filled with hot water. 

This will heat up the acetone and make it faster at removing the acrylic nails.

It’s important to note that acetone is highly flammable and should not be heated using a microwave or stove. 

Heating acetone in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area can pose a fire hazard and should be avoided. 

Always follow safety precautions when using acetone and make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area.

Does hot water remove gel nails?

No, hot water alone does not remove gel nails. 

Hot water can help to soften the gel, making it easier to remove, but it cannot dissolve or break down the gel.

To remove gel nails, you need to use a product specifically designed for removing gel polish, such as an acetone-based soak-off solution or a gel polish remover. 

You can also use a combination of a gentle file and a soak-off solution to break down the gel and remove it from the nails.

It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and to make sure to use the product in a well-ventilated area.

Removing gel nails can be a time-consuming process, so be patient and take your time to avoid damaging your natural nails. 

After removing the gel, be sure to moisturize your skin and nails to help restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Final thoughts and key takeaways:

Removing acrylic nails can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a breeze. 

Whether you choose to use hot water and acetone or an e-file or nail drill, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and use the product in a well-ventilated area.

Hot water can be useful in speeding up the removal process, but it cannot dissolve or remove acrylic nails on its own. 

Olive oil and soap are not effective in removing acrylic nails, and mixing hot water and acetone is not recommended.

When removing gel nails, it’s important to use a product specifically designed for removing gel polish, such as an acetone-based soak-off solution or a gel polish remover.

I hope that you found my how to take off acrylic nails with hot water post useful.

Thanks for reading!

Author

  • Phoebe Meadows

    Phoebe Meadows is a self-proclaimed nail addict, always on the lookout for the latest trends and techniques. When she's not creating stunning nail designs, you can find her researching the latest nail care products or experimenting with new techniques.