We’re probably all aware of at least some of the benefits of wearing fake tan, but anyone who’s tried it before will know it’s not always so easy to apply. During your first applications in particular, complications are inevitable. If you want to remove your fake tan from under your nails, read on to find some solutions!
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Method #1: Warm, soapy water
For this first method, you’ll simply need regular household items which are probably already in your bathroom, along with a cuticle clipper. The method is very simple and it’s a great solution if your hands are sensitive or you suffer from dry skin, as it’s not too harsh or damaging.
All you need to do is fill a sink or basin with some warm water, allowing enough to fully cover your fingertips when you put your hands in. Add some liquid soap or dishwashing liquid of your choice to this and mix it in to create a soapy solution.
Dip your hands into the basin for a few minutes, gently rubbing at them with your fingers to help loosen the product. Then, use some cuticle clippers to trim at the dead skin around your nails which is still coated so there are no remains of fake tan around your nails in sight.
Method #2: An old toothbrush or nail brush
For a solution that utilises the act of physical exfoliation, his method is the ticket, and all you’ll need is some water and a toothbrush or nail brush. This solution is a great one for both fresh and older tan, and will work effectively on any stubborn areas, allowing you more precision to focus on the areas that need it.
Start by soaking your hands in a little water for a short time. This will loosen the skin and the product slightly and make it much easier to exfoliate than when it’s dry. Then, take your toothbrush or nail brush and use it to buff around the areas where the fake tan is.
Konex Non-Slip Wooden Two-Sided Hand and Nail Brush
- Variable Length Fiber Bristles
- Non slip Hand Scrub and Under-nail Brush
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Method #3: Lemon juice and a cotton pad
Lemon juice is a saviour for many things tan-related and can be used to solve many of your application problems. For this instance, we’re going to utilise it’s a mildly acidic properties to exfoliate away the skin underneath the nail and gently remove any lingering fake tan.
All you’ll need is some lemon juice, in a concentrated form, along with a cotton pad or Q tip, depending on what’s easiest for you to work with.
Soak the cotton pad or Q tip in some lemon juice and use it to rub at the skin, lifting away the fake tan. Once you’re happy, rinse your hands with some soapy water an apply some hand cream to restore the moisture.
Also read: How to Protect Acrylic Nails When Tanning? (Explained)
Method #4: White vinegar
Like lemon juice, vinegar is another universal saviour in the home, and it’s an effective remedy for removing self-tanner from beneath the fingernails. Also like lemon, it contains a mild, natural citric acid, which can be helpful for exfoliating and also has some astringent properties to restore the skin’s natural pH.
All you need to do is apply some vinegar to the area beneath your nails, making sure to cover every spot of tan, using a wipe, tissue, or cotton pad. Once everything’s in place, leave the vinegar there to soak for up to 10 minutes. After the time is up, rinse and you should be left without tan beneath your fingertips.
Method #5: Rubbing alcohol or acetone
While they shouldn’t be used too often on the skin, acetone and rubbing alcohol are both effective products for removing fake tan from beneath your nail, and they’re great for when you’re in a rush. Most regular nail polish removers will also work, too.
Take a cotton pad and, just as it you were removing nail polish from your nails as you normally would, swipe the pad across the underneath of your fingertips to loosen the product and remove it. Once you’ve worked on it for a short while, the tan will ease off from beneath your nails.
Just make sure that you rinse your hands after this is completed, to remove any excess product, and make sure to give your fingertips a good moisturisation using a hand cream. Rubbing alcohol and acetone can both be very stripping for your skin, so use with caution!
Super Nail Pure Acetone
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Eternal 100% Pure Acetone
- 100% PURE ACETONE – Eternal Nail Polish Remover is 100% pure acetone for fast and easy at home manicure and pedicure. It helps eliminate any type of enamel in record time. Our formula acts quickly and effectively, removing even the toughest polish, leaving your nails ready for your next manicure!
- NO RESIDUE – It removes nail glue, gel, shellac, glitter, nail polish, dark colors and even artificial nails easily without drying your nails. They will be residue free and clean from any oily substance. Eternal acetone will leave your finger nails and toe nails ready for your next manicure and pedicure, you will not need to visit the salon to get your mani removed!
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Method #6: Baking soda
If you’re desperate for something that’s powerful and controllable so you can remove fake tan form certain areas without needing to concern the other areas of your fingertips, baking soda may be just the ingredient for you.
The process is simple, and all you’re doing with it is making a body scrub. Simply mix one part of baking soda with one part water and use this mixture as a mechanical exfoliant. Make sure to get it into all the small gaps and keep scrubbing it around until you’re completely fake-tan-free.
Method #7: Self-tanner remover
Finally, the last choice on this list can be a little more difficult to work with, but it’s still a very valid option when it comes to removing your self-tan. There are lots of these fake tan removers on the market, available for you to use, so there’s something for you out there.
Each product will list the individual instructions on the packaging, as every product is different, so follow the instructions that come with yours, focusing on the areas beneath your fingertips, and any other areas where you which to remove your self-tanner.
St. Tropez Prep & Maintain Tan Remover Mousse
- Item Package Length: 4.826cm
- Item Package Width: 5.334cm
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Tanologist Self Tan Eraser
- TAN ERASER: Effectively removes remnants of self-tan while conditioning your skin for your next application. For optimum results, apply to dry skin at least 3 days after initial tan application.
- Pre-Tan Primer: vegan glycolic acid deeply exfoliates & primes skin creating the ultimate tanning canvas.
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Also read: Does Self-Tanner Remover Work? (Is It Worth Buying?)
Final thoughts
As you can see, you have plenty of options when it comes to removing fake tan from under your fingernails, and there’s something for everyone. Different methods are particularly suitable for different people, occasions, and circumstances, so be sure to consider these when trying out any methods. And, if one doesn’t work for you, have a go at another!
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