Sophia Delgado
Shellac manicures are designed to be long-lasting, but this can make them tricky to remove. While it is recommended to have shellac nails removed professionally, it is possible to do so at home. However, it's important to remove them safely to avoid damaging your nails. So, what's the best way to remove shellac nail polish?
How to remove Shellac nail polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Acetone, cotton wool/balls, foil, nail file, wooden cuticle stick, petroleum jelly, cuticle oil, hand cream, hand mask |
| Preparation | File nails to remove the top layer of polish, apply petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to skin around nails to protect from acetone |
| Soaking | Soak cotton wool/balls in acetone, place on nails, wrap with foil, leave for 10-20 minutes |
| Removal | Scrape off softened polish with a wooden cuticle stick, repeat if necessary |
| Aftercare | Moisturise hands with hand cream or hand mask, apply cuticle oil to nails |
| Warnings | Do not pick, tear, bite or cut Shellac polish as this will damage nails and nail beds |
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What You'll Learn
File nails to remove the gloss
Filing your nails is an important step in removing shellac nail polish. While it is best to have a professional remove it, it is possible to remove gel polish at home safely. Filing your nails will help remove the gloss and shine from the nail polish, making it easier to remove.
When filing your nails, it is recommended to use a grit 240 file or a grit 180-240 file to remove the shine. These files are finer and gentler, reducing the risk of over-filing your natural nail. With a grit 240 file, you can still over-file your natural nail, so it is important to pay attention to how many times you file over the surface and the amount of pressure you apply. It is only necessary to carefully file the top nail plate layers to remove the shine.
The lower the grit number, the coarser the file. A grit 100 file, for example, is used to remove excess product and can be too harsh for newly applied acrylic. Similarly, a grit 150 file is good for rebalancing and shortening thicker enhancements but should not be used on newly applied acrylic.
It is important to note that any kind of buffing or filing will do damage to your nails as you are removing layers of your nail plate. Therefore, it is recommended to only file the shine from your natural nail when necessary and to be cautious when applying pressure during the filing process.
After filing your nails, you can proceed with the next steps to remove the shellac nail polish. This may include soaking your nails in acetone, depending on the method you choose for removal.
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Soak nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove Shellac nail polish at home. However, it is important to note that acetone can be drying to your skin and nails, so it is recommended to use a remover with a lower acetone content (60% or more) that is designed for removing Shellac or gel polish. Pure acetone is also an option but should be used with caution. If you have sensitive skin, applying a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around your nails before soaking can provide extra protection.
To begin the removal process, you will need to prepare an acetone bath for your nails to soak in. This can be done by soaking cotton balls or cotton wool pads in the acetone remover and then wrapping them around your nails. To keep the cotton in place, use small strips of tin foil or kitchen foil wrapped tightly around your fingertips. Make sure the cotton is in good contact with the Shellac layer.
The soaking time can vary depending on the products used and the condition of your nails. On average, it takes about 10 to 20 minutes for the acetone to dissolve the polish. You can check if it's ready by gently lifting a corner of the foil and pad. If the Shellac has lifted and started to crumble, you can move on to the next step. Otherwise, re-soak for another few minutes.
After soaking, carefully remove the foil, cotton pad, and softened polish. Use a metal cuticle pusher or a wooden cuticle stick to gently scrape off any remaining polish. Be cautious not to apply too much force, as this can damage your nails. If some areas are still stubborn, repeat the soaking step for those spots.
It is important to note that Shellac nail polish should never be torn off or picked at, as this can damage the nails and nail bed. Removing Shellac nails requires patience and careful execution. Always follow safe removal steps and give your nails the necessary care and attention during the process.
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Wrap nails in foil
To remove shellac nail polish by wrapping your nails in foil, you will need cotton balls, acetone, cuticle oil, and aluminium foil.
First, apply cuticle oil to the skin around your nails. Cuticle oil is designed to protect, soften, and moisturise your cuticles. Applying it before removing your nail polish will help to prevent your cuticles from drying out.
Next, cut the cotton balls to the size of your nails and soak them in acetone. It is important to use at least 90% acetone for the best results. Place the soaked cotton on each nail and wrap it with aluminium foil. Make sure the foil is wrapped tightly around your fingertips to hold the cotton in place and create a warm, sealed environment to help the acetone penetrate the gel.
Leave the foil wraps on for 15-20 minutes. After this time, remove one of the foil and cotton wraps and check if the gel appears lifted, flakey, and gooey. If so, use a cuticle stick to gently push off the softened polish. Be careful not to force or scrape too hard, or you could damage your natural nail bed.
Finally, wash your hands and apply cuticle oil to rehydrate your skin.
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Scrape off softened polish
Scraping off softened shellac nail polish is a safe way to remove it at home. However, it is important to note that removing shellac nail polish at home can be a lengthy process, requiring patience and the right tools. It is also recommended that you do one hand at a time.
Firstly, you will need to file the polished nail to remove the shine. Be careful not to go through the nail plate and try to leave a layer of the base on the nail.
Next, you will need to soak cotton wool pads or cotton balls in acetone nail polish remover. The acetone content should be at least 60%, but it is best to use one designed specifically for removing shellac or gel polish, as it will be less harsh on your skin and nails. You can also use pure acetone, but this can be drying. If acetone is too harsh on your skin, you can apply a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around your nails before wrapping them.
Place the soaked cotton on top of your nail and wrap a small piece of tin foil around your finger to keep the cotton in place. Leave for 10-20 minutes, checking occasionally to see if the shellac has lifted from the nail and started crumbling.
Once the shellac has softened, carefully scrape it off with a wooden cuticle stick or an orange stick. Be gentle and avoid using force, as this can damage the nail. If some of the polish is being stubborn, repeat the acetone step and try again.
After removing the shellac, it is important to moisturise and use cuticle oil to rehydrate your skin and nails.
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Moisturise and use cuticle oil
While removing shellac nail polish, it is important to remember that picking off the nail polish can cause your nails to peel. The best way to remove shellac nail polish is to soak cotton pads or cotton wool in 100% acetone, put them over your nails, and wrap tin foil around them, ensuring a complete seal. Leave the setup for 15-20 minutes and then scrape off the softened polish.
After removing your shellac nail polish, it is important to moisturise and use cuticle oil to rehydrate your skin. Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. Cuticle oil helps to soften and hydrate the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged. By regularly applying cuticle oil, you can promote healthy nail growth and improve the overall appearance of your nails. Cuticle oils are usually a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.
Cuticle oil can also protect your nail polish for a lasting shine. You only need to use a few drops of cuticle oil, as oils work best in small amounts. Depending on the product, you can either dab your cuticles with a cotton ball or brush the oil on. Apply a few drops to each cuticle and then massage it in for a few minutes. The best cuticle oils absorb quickly into your skin and are thin in consistency.
If you don't have cuticle oil, you can use natural oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, or vitamin E oil as substitutes. You can also use a moisturising hand cream or lotion to keep your cuticles hydrated. However, these alternatives may not have the same specialised ingredients and benefits as dedicated cuticle oils.
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