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Stocksy

We love nothing better than a fresh manicure.

But, sadly its freshness doesn’t last forever.

Hands holding cotton rounds to take off nail polish

Stocksy

To find out how to remove dip powder nails correctly, we tapped three professional nail experts.

Meet the Experts

Byrdie | Design by Zackary Angeline

What are Dip Powder Nails?

For the best results, use a nail file/emery board and buff in a back-and-forth, then side-to-side motion.

How to Safely Remove Dip Powder Polish

Byrdie | Design by Zackary Angeline

Do this until you see the top layer of your dip powder is fully covered with fine white dust.

Instead, try nail foil wraps that already have a patch of cotton adhered to the inside.

This will help the acetone sink into the powder, effectively dissolving its bond to the nail.

Woman files nail

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Wrap each nail and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.

Rinse and repeat until all signs of dip powder are gone and your nails look clean and healthy.

Terrell suggests a week-long break between applications, and a two-week break every three applications.

Woman wraps finger in foil with an acetone-soaked piece of cotton

Dee Mills / Byrdie

And, of course, take longer, more frequent breaks if your nails feel particularly brittle after removal.

During your dip powder rest period, it’s important to use products like nail strengtheners and cuticle oil.

Consider giving your nails some TLC with Dr. DanasNail Renewal System.

Woman’s hand, with three fingers wrapped in foil

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Varnish Lane co-founder, Lauren Dunne says that another option is to sub in a nail strengthener.

Clients should also apply cuticle oil to the nails daily to keep nails and cuticles hydrated, Terrell advises.

Can You Remove Dip Powder Without Acetone?

Woman scraping her fingernail

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Woman with bare fingernails

Dee Mills / Byrdie