Kayla Young
Have you ever gotten acrylic nails and suddenly noticed you’ve smudged them with a sharpie? No, it’s not the end of the world. But it sucks, particularly given how much acrylics can cost!
You may even intentionally use a sharpie to make a pattern on your acrylic nails, and after a change of heart, you’re wondering how to get the sharpie off.
In this article, we are going to take a look at how to get sharpie off acrylic nails.
You don’t need to worry. Getting sharpie off your acrylic nails isn’t a tedious process.
Let’s get to it!
Contents
Items Needed to Get Sharpie off Acrylic Nails
You can utilize different methods when trying to get sharpie off your acrylic nails. You’ll need different items depending on the method you’re using. Some of these items include:
- Clean cloth or tissueÂ
- Alcohol
- Acetone
- Nose swab
- Cotton pads
- Hand sanitizer
- Hairspray
- Water
- Toothpaste
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Bleach
How to Get Sharpie off Acrylic Nails
Here are some of the best methods for removing sharpie from acrylic nails. If you’re not sure you’ve used a Sharpie, you may find our article on how to remove ink from acrylic nails helpful.
1. Using Alcohol and Acetone
To get sharpie off your acrylic nails, you may use non-toxic isopropyl alcohol. It is used to sterilize implements, clean surfaces, and prevent infection of minor injuries. To get sharpie off your nails, dip a nose swab into isopropyl alcohol and scrub till the marks disappear.
You have to be more careful while using acetone. Acetone is well known for removing nail polish, and it also works for acrylics. Nail polish remover contains acetone, so you may choose to use it without isopropyl alcohol.
Use a small amount of acetone and gently scrub till the sharpie leaves. Avoid overdoing it, as you may remove all the polish and damage the acrylic itself.
2. Using Hairspray
For this method, you’ll need hairspray and a clean cloth. Spray a good amount of hairspray on the cloth.
When you have enough hairspray on the dry cloth, gently scrub the stain, careful not to damage the nail. But your scrubbing action should be firm enough to remove the sharpie.
You may also choose to use the hairspray directly on the affected nail. Start with a little bit to ensure your acrylic nail doesn’t get damaged. Gently wipe the sharpie off.
If it remains, use more hairspray on it.
3. Using Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are also excellent for removing sharpies.
Apply the sanitizer to the nail, ensuring it covers all the marks. Leave it for 30 seconds before gently wiping the sharpie with a clean cloth.Â
4. Using Toothpaste
It may not be the most effective method, but it’s one of the safest. Apply some toothpaste to the affected area and leave for about 2 minutes, allowing the sharpie to dissolve.
Gently scrub till the sharpie leaves.
5. Using White Vinegar or Lemon JuiceÂ
Another effective way of getting rid of sharpies on your acrylic nail is by using vinegar or lemon juice. They’re both mildly acidic and can effectively remove the stains.
Soak a nose swab in vinegar or lemon juice, and use it to scrub the sharpie away.
Just note that if you keep your fingers in the vinegar too long, you may loosen the acrylic nail.
6. Using Bleach and Water
This is a great method to fall back on when others have failed you. All you need is water and a small amount of bleach. Grab a bowl, and mix water with liquid cleaning bleach in a ratio of 1 to 10. Soak a nose swab in the mixture, and use it to scrub the sharpie.
You may also choose to dip the affected nail directly into the mixture.
However, it is important to note that bleach causes your nails and skin to dry up, and it really isn’t very good for you.
Try using other methods before opting for bleach and water.
But if all other methods fail, you can rest assured that this will work.
Are Sharpies Safe for Nail Art?
You may have already used sharpies on your nails, and you’re left wondering if they are non-toxic and safe to use.
Most sharpies are non-toxic.
Your fingernails are made of keratin, which prevents the sharpie ink from reaching your skin. Your acrylic nails further serve as a barrier to the sharpie ink.Â
However, some sharpies contain harmful compounds that are unhealthy. These compounds pose a risk via ingestion, inhalation, or absorption across mucous membranes and the skin.
So, even though you can safely use sharpies on your nails, we don’t recommend using them on your skin, ingesting the ink, or inhaling the fumes.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to treat your acrylic nails gently. When removing sharpie stains, try not to be tempted to add more than the necessary amount of whichever cleaning material you decide to use.
Ensure the cloth you’re using is soft, clean, and dry. You don’t want to use a fabric that will further damage your nails.
Try the above methods to get that sharpie off your acrylic nail. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is!
