Isla Bennett
Shellac nails are a long-lasting manicure option that dries quickly under UV light and can take weeks before chipping. While it is recommended to have shellac nails removed at a salon, it is possible to remove them at home with nail polish remover that contains acetone. The process involves filing the top layer of the nail to break the seal, soaking cotton pads or balls in acetone, placing them on the nails, and wrapping them in foil. After 10-15 minutes, the shellac can be gently scraped off with an orange stick or wooden cuticle stick.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can shellac nails be removed at home? | Yes |
| Safe removal at home | Possible, but requires patience and the right tools |
| Tools required | Acetone, cotton wool/pads/balls, foil, nail file, manicure/orange stick, soap, lotion, cuticle oil |
| Alternative tools | Emery board, petroleum jelly, cuticle oil |
| Acetone concentration | 60% or more; pure acetone is effective but drying |
| Soak time | 2–15 minutes |
| Removal process | File the top layer of the gel polish, soak cotton in acetone and place on nails, wrap nails with foil, wait, scrape off shellac, wash hands |
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What You'll Learn
Removing shellac nails at home
Although it is recommended to have shellac nails removed by a professional, it is possible to do so at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove shellac nails safely at home:
Step 1: File Nails
Firstly, you will need to gently file the top layer of the gel polish with a nail file. This will remove the glossiness and the top coat, breaking the seal of the top coat. It is important to be gentle and not file down to the natural nail.
Step 2: Prepare Acetone
Next, you will need to prepare your acetone. It is recommended to use at least 90% acetone for the best results. If you have sensitive skin, you can apply a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to the skin around your nails to protect them from the acetone. Then, soak cotton pads or cotton wool in the acetone.
Step 3: Soak Nails
Place the acetone-soaked cotton pads/wool over your nails and wrap them tightly with aluminium foil. This will help the acetone penetrate the gel polish. Leave the cotton pads/wool on your nails for 5-10 minutes. The shellac will start to peel away after 2 minutes, but leaving it on for longer will be more effective.
Step 4: Scrape Off Shellac
After soaking, remove the foil and cotton, and gently scrape off the flaking shellac with an orange stick or manicure stick. Place the flat edge of the tool at the bottom of your nail and gently push it along the length of the nail to remove the polish. You can also use another cotton pad soaked in acetone to wipe away any remaining polish.
Step 5: Wash and Moisturise
Finally, wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove any remaining acetone and shellac residue. Then, apply a moisturiser and cuticle oil to rehydrate your nails and skin. Your nails may feel fragile or dehydrated after this process, so it is important to nourish them.
Overall, this process should take around 20-30 minutes. It is important to be gentle and patient throughout to avoid damaging your nails.
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Soaking nails in acetone
After filing, cut cotton pads or balls into quarters so that they fit neatly onto each nail. Saturate each piece of cotton with acetone, ensuring they are wet but not dripping excessively. Place the soaked cotton on each nail and wrap it with aluminium foil or nail remover tape, creating a warm, sealed environment to help the acetone work on the gel.
Leave the nails wrapped for around 5-20 minutes. The shellac will start to peel away after 2 minutes, but leaving it for longer will make it more effective. After removing the wrapping, use an orange stick or manicure tool to gently scrape the length of the nail, removing the flaking shellac. If needed, repeat the acetone step or wipe away the remaining polish with a cotton pad soaked in acetone remover.
Finally, wash your hands with warm water and soap to remove any acetone and shellac residue. It is recommended to apply moisturiser and cuticle oil to rehydrate the skin after this process. It is important to note that acetone can be harsh on the skin, so applying a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around the nails before wrapping can provide protection.
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Scraping off shellac with an orange stick
Shellac nails can be removed at home without damaging them, although it is recommended to get them removed at a salon. The process involves using acetone to soak the nails and then scraping off the softened polish. An orange stick is a useful tool for this process.
An orange stick is a manicure tool used for cleaning fingernails and pushing back cuticles. One end of the stick is pointed and sharp, while the other end is flat and angled. It is a versatile, inexpensive, and portable tool that can be used for various purposes, including removing shellac nails.
To remove shellac nails with an orange stick, start by gently filing the top layer of the gel polish with a nail file to remove the top coat. Cut cotton pads or balls into quarters and soak them in acetone. Place the soaked cotton on each nail and wrap it with aluminium foil to create a warm, sealed environment. Wait for 2 to 10 minutes, and then remove the foil and cotton.
Now, it's time to use the orange stick. Place the flat edge of the orange stick at the bottom of your nail and gently push it along the length of the nail, beneath the shellac. Repeat this process until all the polish has been scraped off. You can also start scraping after 8 minutes while keeping your hand submerged in acetone to tackle stubborn spots.
After removing the shellac, wash your hands with warm water and soap to get rid of any acetone and shellac residue. It is important to be gentle and patient throughout the process to avoid damaging your nails.
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Using a nail file to break the seal of the top coat
Shellac nail polish is long-lasting, but it can be removed at home without damaging the nails. It is important to note that the following advice is specifically for removing Shellac and soft gel manicures. It does not apply to anything described as 'hard gel' or 'builder gel'.
To remove shellac nails at home, the first step is to use a nail file to break the seal of the top coat. This will allow acetone to penetrate through all the layers. It is important to be careful during this step to avoid damaging the nail plate and cuticles. The goal is to remove the top coat without filing down to the natural nail. A medium-grit file is ideal as it is effective without being too abrasive.
After filing, the next step is to soak the nails in acetone. This can be done by cutting cotton pads into quarters, saturating them with acetone, and placing them on each nail. The cotton-covered nails are then wrapped in aluminium foil to create a warm, sealed environment that helps the acetone penetrate the gel. The nails should soak for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the product used.
Once the shellac has lifted and started to crumble, the foil and cotton pads can be removed. Any remaining polish can be gently scraped off with a metal cuticle pusher or wooden cuticle stick. It is important to avoid using force during this process to prevent damaging the nails. If some of the polish is still stuck, the nail can be soaked in acetone again before trying to remove the remaining shellac.
After removing the shellac, it is important to wash the hands with warm water and soap to remove any acetone and shellac residue. Moisturizing the nails with cuticle oil or coconut oil can help with nail repair.
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Moisturising and rehydrating nails after removal
Shellac nail polish manicures are long-lasting, but sometimes you need a change. Removing shellac nail polish at home is possible, but it requires patience and the right tools. The process involves filing the top layer of the gel polish, soaking cotton pads in acetone and placing them on the nails, and then scraping off the softened polish. However, this removal process can be intensive and leave nails thinner, tender, brittle, and dry.
To moisturise and rehydrate nails after shellac removal, it is recommended to use cuticle oils or nail oils to stimulate nail growth and protect the nail bed. Cuticle oils, such as "Nourish My Cuticles," can penetrate deep into the nail bed to hydrate and soften dry cuticles. Natural nail oils, such as jojoba-based oil or pure jojoba oil, can also be used a minimum of three times a day to promote blood flow and growth. Jojoba oil is particularly beneficial due to its molecular similarity to the body's natural sebum, allowing it to penetrate the layers of keratin and keep the nail flexible.
It is important to give nails a break from shellac and other polishes to promote healthy nail growth. Nail technicians suggest giving nails at least a week-long break every eight weeks. During this break, nails should be kept short, and a glass file can be used instead of nail clippers to avoid accidental cuts. Ridge-filling base coats and nail strengtheners can be applied to protect the nails while the damage grows out.
Repairing damaged nails after shellac removal takes time and consistent care. It can take four to six months for the nail to fully grow out and recover. During this period, it is crucial to avoid picking or peeling off the shellac, as this can cause further damage to the nail bed and lead to breakage and flaking. Instead, it is recommended to soak off shellac with acetone or have it professionally removed to minimise the risk of damage.
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Frequently asked questions
First, use a nail file to gently buff the surface of your nail, removing the top coat. Then, soak cotton wool pads in nail polish remover with an acetone content of 60% or more. Place a cotton pad on each nail and wrap your fingertips in tin foil, leaving it on for 10-15 minutes. Finally, gently scrape off the shellac with a manicure stick.
Shellac nails can last for weeks without chipping.
Yes, shellac nails can be removed at home. However, it is recommended to get them removed professionally to avoid damaging your nails.
