How To Remove Dip Nails At Home (Hot Rice Method)

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Difficulty
Easy
Time required
20 Minutes Or Less
Salon price
$10 With A Mani
DipWell price
$5
Removing your dip powder nails doesn't have to be daunting. In fact, you don't need any drills, special equipment, or expensive kits for taking off dip nails. All you need are common household items to save a trip to the salon for a dip nail removal. Our favorite technique for removing dip powder nails is the hot rice method, which saves both time and money. We'll walk you through the basics of how to remove dip nails at home - read on for the full tutorial and video.
PRO TIP: Make sure you are using uncooked rice and you don't eat it after 😉 DISCLAIMER: Heat time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Please monitor your rice while it is being heated up to avoid any hazard. As a precaution, you can heat the rice in increments of 30 seconds at a time.
Step 1
  • Grow out your mani or if you're itching to rock a new color, start with a semi-fresh set!
  • Using our buffer & file set, buff off the shiny layer of dip. Make sure you don't buff all the way to the natural nail!

PRO TIP: Buff off as much dip as you can (without going all the way to your nail plate), this will shorten the soak time later on

Step 2
  • Heat uncooked rice in a microwave safe bowl for 1 to 2 minutes

DISCLAIMER: Heat time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Please monitor your rice while it is being heated up to avoid any hazard. As a precaution, you can heat the rice in increments of 30 seconds at a time.

  • Fill an acetone-safe bowl or baggie with 100% pure acetone. Place it in the bowl of rice

PRO TIP: Coat fingers with cuticle / coconut oil. This prevents residue from sticking to your skin & keeps cuticles from drying out!

Step 3
  • Place cotton into the bowl or baggie filled with acetone. Allow nails to soak as long as needed

PRO TIP: Ran out of cotton pads? Use any other household materials like a paper towel, dryer sheet, or an old toothbrush!

Step 4A
  • Place a towel over your hands to prevent heat from escaping. The residual heat will activate the acetone and help to break down the dip powder naturally.
Step 4B
  • Every few minutes when dip powder becomes gummy, rub your nails against the cotton to help the acetone penetrate through dip layers.
  • Continue rubbing nails until the product is completely removed.
Step 5
  • Gently file off any remaining product

PRO TIP: Avoid filing the natural nail plate or harshly picking off larger pieces

Step 6
  • Use a clean lint-free cloth soaked in acetone to remove any remaining residue
Step 7
  • If you’re proceeding with a fresh dip mani, buff & file your nails. Don’t forget to prep the cuticles! Do not use cuticle oil.
  • If you’re taking a mani break, treat your hands to some cuticle oil and lotion.
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