About Elyse C Perry Expertise I can answer most questions about nail enhancements (acrylic,gel, and wraps), natural nail care, sanitation and disinfection, nail anatomy, and nail diseases (please note, however, that I am not qualified to make medical diagnoses.). I work days and evenings, so please give me a few hours to answer your questions.
Experience I've been a licensed nail tech since 1999, and I'm sole proprietor of my own business.
Education/Credentials I attended Gene Juarez Acadamy of Beauty in Federal Way, WA, and then the Gene Juarez Advanced Training Salon in Seattle. I've been diligent in seeking out continuing education since then, and currently have my Grand Master from CND. My focus now is to get on track to become an Education Ambassador for that company.
Awards and Honors 1st Place winner Jr Enhancements in the Strut Your Stuff online nail competition, November 2006; 5th place in the same category November 2005.
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Nail Care & Manicures - removing black tiped french nails and what to do with my natural nail after taking them off?
Expert: Elyse C Perry - 5/12/2008
Question So im 16 years old and i have always wanted to get black tipped french nails! i finally got them and i have had them for about 3 to 4 weeks. And now their just getting in the way! some are even starting to peel off! But just the edges! like on my index finger the top part is peeling! and had them done last year but i had white tips and they did a way better job!! yet i need to know how to take them off with out going to any place? and i also need to know what do i do after i do take them off? last time i had them removed my nail had this ugly line going through it and half of my nail was ok yet the other half looked like i took a file to it!! please help!! i want to take them off really bad yet i want to have ok looking nails when i do take them off!! i really need your help!! i have looked so many other places and i don't know what to do!!
Answer Hi Robyn!
The best way for you to remove your enhancements yourself is to get some pure acetone from your local beauty supply (Sally's is good for this if you have one). Find some in a pump if you can (it's easier to dispense). Also get some cotton balls and a good cuticle pusher or some wood sticks. Cut some aluminum foil into squares (about 3-4 inches), and get a couple of small garbage bags or plastic grocery bags.
Using a rough-grit file (100 grit is good), rough up the surface of the enhancement. Clip the extensions off too, to save soaking time.
Saturate your cotton balls in the acetone and put one on each nail, then wrap the foil square around it to keep it firmly in place.
Slide the plastic bag over your hand, and let it sit for at least half an hour. After that time has passed, check the first finger you wrapped to see if the product is melting enough to slide off. If it's still pretty solid, let them sit for another 10-15 minutes. Use the cuticle pusher or wood stick to gently push the melted product off. You may end up needing to buff off the remainder of the product; it's okay to leave a very thin layer on your nails if you're afraid of over-filing your nail plates.
Once the first hand is done, do the same with the other. I recommend popping in your favorite movie so you won't be bored while you're waiting for the acrylic to dissolve. :)
Once you're all done, you'll want to give yourself a good, hydrating manicure, because the acetone will dehydrate your nail plate and the skin around it. Use only 240 grit and higher on your natural nail to buff them smooth, and especially use a good cuticle oil, on the cuticles and nail plates as well. Use a good nail strengthener to protect your natural nails.
I hope this helps! Let me know how you did, and feel free to ask any follow up questions if you need clarification!
