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How to Get Fake Tan from Under Nails? (7 Methods)

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!

Contents

    • Method #1: Warm, soapy water
    • Method #2: An old toothbrush or nail brush
    • Method #3: Lemon juice and a cotton pad
    • Method #4: White vinegar
    • Method #5: Rubbing alcohol or acetone
    • Method #6: Baking soda
    • Method #7: Self-tanner remover
  • Final thoughts

Method #1: Warm, soapy water

soapy water for nails by Anastasija thirsty for tan

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

old toothbrush by Anastasija Thirsty for tan

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

Konex Non-Slip Wooden Two-sided Hand and Nail Brush. Fingernail Brush for Nail Cleaning and Scrubbing. Heavy duty Stiff Nail Brush for Travel. Mechanic hand scrub brush with molded grip.
Konex Non-Slip Wooden Two-sided Hand and Nail Brush. Fingernail Brush for Nail Cleaning and Scrubbing. Heavy duty Stiff Nail Brush for Travel. Mechanic hand scrub brush with molded grip.
  • Best fingernail scrub brush cleaner among nail brushes for cleaning hands, toes, finger and toe nails. This Brush for nails is great for men and women.
  • Classic design of this Non slip Hand Scrub and Under-nail Brush provides for cleaning even heavily soiled fingernails. This nail brush for cleaning fingernails is also effective on nuckle, elbow, heels and soles.
$7.69
Buy on Amazon Last update on 2022-08-23

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Method #3: Lemon juice and a cotton pad

lemon juice for naikls by Anastasija thirsty for tan

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

removing tan from nails by Anastasija Thirsty for tan

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

Super Nail Pure Acetone, 4 Fl Oz
Super Nail Pure Acetone, 4 Fl Oz
  • Easy to use
  • Best Beauty product
$6.00
Buy on Amazon Last update on 2022-08-23

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Eternal 100% Pure Acetone

Eternal 100% Pure Acetone- Acetona pura – Quick Professional Ultra-Powerful Nail Polish Remover for Natural, Gel, Acrylic, Shellac Nails and Dark Colored Paints (8 FL. OZ.)
Eternal 100% Pure Acetone- Acetona pura – Quick Professional Ultra-Powerful Nail Polish Remover for Natural, Gel, Acrylic, Shellac Nails and Dark Colored Paints (8 FL. OZ.)
  • 100% PURE ACETONE – ACETONA PURA. Eternal Nail Polish Remover is 100% pure acetone It eliminates 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!
$9.75
Buy on Amazon Last update on 2022-09-30

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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

self tan eraser by Anastasija thirsty for tan

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

St. Tropez Prep & Maintain Tan Remover Mousse, 6.7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
417 Reviews
St. Tropez Prep & Maintain Tan Remover Mousse, 6.7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • Item Package Length: 4.826cm
  • Item Package Width: 5.334cm
$19.00
Buy on Amazon Last update on 2022-11-19

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Tanologist Self Tan Eraser 

Tanologist Self Tan Eraser and Primer - Hydrating Tan Remover and Exfoliator with Glycolic Acid, Vegan and Cruelty Free, 6.76 Fl Oz
2 Reviews
Tanologist Self Tan Eraser and Primer - Hydrating Tan Remover and Exfoliator with Glycolic Acid, Vegan and Cruelty Free, 6.76 Fl Oz
  • 1 BOTTLE, 2 USES | Our multi-use, hydrating foaming mousse removes traces of self tan and primes skin for fresh tanner application.
  • TAN ERASER | Effectively removes remnants of self tan while moisturizing skin. Apply to dry skin at least 3 days after tan application and leave on
$15.99
Buy on Amazon Last update on 2022-08-12

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How to Get Fake Tan from Under Nails pin by ThirstForTan

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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Hi there! I’m Anastasija and I personally became thirsty for tan approximately 4 years ago when I decided I have had enough of showing my pale legs.

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