Isla Bennett
Shellac nails are a long-lasting manicure option that combines the gloss of traditional polish with the durability of gel polish. While it is generally recommended to have shellac nails removed professionally, it is possible to do so at home with the right tools and techniques. The process requires patience and careful execution to avoid damaging your nails and skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required tools | Nail-polish remover with acetone content of 60% or more, pure acetone, cotton balls/pads/triangles, foil, wooden cuticle stick, soft nail buffer, hand cream, cuticle oil |
| Process | Soak cotton in acetone, place on nails, wrap with foil, soak for 10-20 minutes, push away flakes of gel, buff nails, trim and file, wash and dry hands, moisturise |
| Tips | Avoid picking at nails, use a wooden cuticle stick instead of metal, apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to protect skin, be patient |
| Professional removal | Recommended for hard gel manicures, professionals have the right tools and techniques to minimise risk of damage, can be more efficient and less messy |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your work area
Before you begin the process of removing shellac nails, it is important to prepare your work area. This will ensure that you have all the necessary tools within reach and that your workspace remains clean and tidy.
Firstly, gather all the supplies you will need, including acetone-based nail polish remover, cotton balls or pads, foil squares or rectangles, a wooden cuticle pusher or stick, a rough file, a soft nail buffer, cuticle oil, and hand cream or a hand mask. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands from the acetone. If you do not have cotton balls or pads, you can cut cotton rounds into four neat triangles, with one triangle for each nail. Similarly, you can tear foil into long, thin strips and then divide them into small rectangles that will cover your entire fingernail.
Once you have gathered your supplies, line your work surface with sheet masks or cloth to catch any mess from filing or spillage of the remover. This will make cleaning up easier and protect your work area.
It is also important to note that acetone can be harsh on the skin and nails, so if you are using it, apply a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around your nails beforehand to protect them. Alternatively, you can use a remover that is designed specifically for removing shellac or gel polish, as these tend to be less harsh.
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Soak nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove Shellac nails at home. However, it is important to note that acetone can be harsh on your skin and nails, so it is recommended to use a remover with an acetone content of 60% or more, rather than pure acetone. If you do use pure acetone, make sure to expose as little skin as possible to avoid dehydration. You can also apply a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around your nails before soaking to protect your skin.
To soak your nails in acetone, start by filing the polish to remove the shiny topcoat. This will help the acetone penetrate the shellac. Next, soak five cotton balls or cotton pads in the acetone. Place a cotton ball on each nail, then wrap a foil square around your fingertip to hold the cotton in place. Make sure the cotton is in contact with the shellac layer.
Let your nails soak for 10 to 15 minutes. You may need to leave them for up to 20 minutes if using pure acetone. During this time, you can partially ball your hand, exposing all five nails to the acetone. Keep your nails submerged even if the polish starts to flake off before the time is up.
After soaking, gently push or scrape the flakes of gel away from the nail with a wooden cuticle stick or orange stick. Avoid using metal tools as these can be harsh on your nails. If there is any sticky or chalky residue, use a soft cloth or buffer to wipe it away. Finally, make sure to moisturize your hands and nails and apply cuticle oil to rehydrate your skin.
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Remove shellac with a cuticle pusher
Removing shellac nails at home is a straightforward process, but it requires some tools and a bit of patience. It is important to note that professionals have the right tools and techniques to remove shellac safely, so going to a salon is always a smart investment in nail health. However, if you want to remove shellac nails yourself, here is a step-by-step guide focused on using a cuticle pusher:
First, lightly file off the top layer of your nails to break the seal of the top coat. This will allow acetone to penetrate through all the layers. Be very careful during this step, as you want to leave the other layers intact and not damage your nail plate or cuticles. Next, grab some cotton pads or cotton balls and soak them in acetone. Place one on each nail, then wrap a foil square around your finger to keep the cotton in contact with the shellac. Let your nails soak for 10 to 20 minutes, or until you see the polish start to flake or crumble at the edges.
Now, it's time to use the cuticle pusher. Working on one nail at a time, remove the foil and use a metal cuticle pusher or wooden cuticle stick to gently scrape the gel from your nail. Try not to dig into the nail or scratch its surface. If the gel polish isn't lifting easily, your nails may need more time to soak. After removing the shellac, use the cuticle pusher or a soft nail buffer to gently remove any remaining glue and smooth out the natural nail surface. Finally, wash your hands and apply cuticle oil or coconut oil to your nails and cuticles to rehydrate and repair your nails.
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Buff and file nails
Buffing and filing your nails is an important step in the process of removing shellac nails at home. It is recommended to use a traditional medium-grit (180 grit) nail file to buff the top layer of your gel nails. This will help break the seal of the gel effectively without being too harsh.
Leighton, a nail expert, advises against filing down to the natural nail. Instead, you should aim to file just enough to allow the acetone to penetrate through the gel. You can use a soft nail buffer to buff the surface of the nail and remove any remaining glue. Be sure not to use an emery board for this step.
After buffing, you can trim and file your nails to your desired shape. Filing the face of the polish before the acetone treatment is also recommended by some sources. This helps to rough up the surface of the polish, allowing the acetone to sink more deeply and facilitate the removal process.
It is important to note that over-filing your natural nail can cause damage. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional removal for certain types of gels and to follow safe removal steps closely when attempting a DIY removal.
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Moisturise
Moisturising is an important step in the process of removing shellac nails. After removing the shellac nails, your hands may feel dry and sapped of moisture. To combat this, you can moisturise your nails and hands with cuticle oil and a good quality hand cream or lotion. You can also try a hand mask to deeply nourish your skin.
If your skin is feeling particularly dry, you can apply a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to your skin before beginning the removal process. This will create a protective barrier and prevent the skin from drying out further.
Additionally, if you are using pure acetone to remove the shellac nails, it is important to note that it can be drying to your skin and nail beds. In this case, moisturising after removal is crucial to rehydrate and nourish your skin and nails.
Remember to always wash your hands and dry them thoroughly before applying any moisturising products. This will ensure that any residual nail polish remover or acetone is removed and that your skin is prepared to absorb the moisturising treatment.
By following these steps and including moisturising as a key part of your DIY shellac nail removal routine, you can help maintain healthy and hydrated hands and nails.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need acetone nail polish remover, cotton balls or pads, foil, a wooden cuticle pusher, a soft nail buffer, and cuticle oil or hand cream. First, buff away the top shiny layer of your shellac nails. Then, soak the cotton balls in the nail polish remover and place them on your nails. Wrap each nail with foil to keep the cotton in place and leave for 10-20 minutes. The shellac should now be lifting and crumbling. Use the wooden cuticle pusher to gently scrape the gel from your nails. Finally, moisturise your nails and the area around them with cuticle oil or hand cream.
Acetone is the most effective way to remove shellac nails. While pure acetone is very effective, it can be drying to your skin and nail beds. Therefore, it is best to find a remover designed to remove shellac nails, as it will be less harsh on your skin and nail beds.
If you don't have access to acetone remover, you can remove shellac nails without it. First, file the polished nails to take away the shininess. Then, wrap your nails in tin foil and leave for 15-20 minutes. Finally, scrape off the softened polish and repeat the process if needed. Be sure to moisturise and use cuticle oil after to rehydrate your skin.
If you are not confident in your ability to remove shellac nails, consider booking an appointment with a professional nail artist. Attempting to remove shellac nails yourself can cause severe damage to your nails. In particular, if your nails are already weak, going back to the salon to get them removed is a smart investment in nail health.
