Liam Carter
Shellac manicures are long-lasting and chip-resistant, but they can be difficult to remove. While it is best to have a professional remove shellac, it is possible to do it at home safely. This paragraph will discuss how to remove shellac from natural nails at home.
How to remove shellac from natural nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Nail file, cuticle stick/manicuring brush, 100% acetone nail polish remover, cotton pads/balls, aluminium/tin foil, cuticle oil |
| Steps | 1. File nails to remove the top coat and shiny surface layer of manicure. 2. Soak cotton pads/balls in acetone and wrap around nails, then seal with foil. 3. Leave for 10-20 minutes. 4. Gently scrape off softened polish with a cuticle stick or manicuring brush. 5. Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary. 6. Moisturise nails and cuticles with cuticle oil. |
| Tips | Do not pick, bite or peel off shellac as this can damage the nail beds. Only remove shellac at home if you have patience and time to spare. |
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What You'll Learn
File nails to remove the top coat
While it is always best to have a professional remove your shellac nails, it is possible to do it at home. However, it is important to note that you should never pick or peel the shellac off, as this can cause serious long-term damage to your nail beds.
To remove shellac from your natural nails, you will need to file your nails to remove the top coat. Use a coarse nail file on the top coat layer until the surface is no longer shiny and smooth. Be careful not to over-file your nails. If you start seeing spots of natural nail, you've gone too far.
Once you have removed the top coat, you can move on to the next step of the shellac removal process. This usually involves soaking your nails in acetone to soften the shellac, before gently pushing or scraping it off.
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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 harsh on your skin and nails, causing dehydration and brittleness. Therefore, it is recommended to expose as little skin as possible to the acetone.
To begin the process, you will need to gather the necessary supplies: acetone, cotton balls or squares, and aluminium foil. It is important to use 100% acetone or a remover with at least 90% acetone concentration, as nail polish remover will not effectively remove shellac. Cotton balls are preferred over cotton pads as they saturate better and fit the nails more snugly, reducing the amount of harsh acetone that comes into contact with your skin.
Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:
- Partially ball up your hand so that all five nails are exposed.
- Dip your nails and cuticles into the acetone, being careful not to get it on your skin.
- Keep your nails submerged for 10 minutes. The shellac may start flaking off before the time is up, but it is important to keep your nails soaked for the full duration.
- After 10 minutes, gently scrape or wipe away the softened shellac with a manicure tool or an orange stick.
- If needed, repeat the process by soaking a fresh cotton ball in acetone, wrapping it around your nail, and securing it with aluminium foil for a few minutes before removing the remaining polish.
To protect your skin and nails from the harsh effects of acetone, you can apply a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around your nails before starting the removal process. Additionally, remember to moisturize and use cuticle oil after removing shellac to rehydrate your skin and keep your nails healthy and strong.
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Wrap nails in foil
While it is best to have a professional remove your shellac nails, you can do it yourself at home by wrapping your nails in foil. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare your nails
Lightly file off the top layer of your nails to break the seal of the top coat. Be careful to leave the other layers intact and not damage your nail plate. You can then inspect your nails under a light—you should still see some colour on your nails to ensure you are protecting the integrity of your natural nails.
Soak in acetone
Soak cotton balls or cotton wool in 100% acetone and place them on your nails. Cotton balls are recommended as they are smaller and better fit your nail, which means less harsh acetone on your cuticles.
Wrap your nails with the acetone-soaked cotton in tin foil or aluminium foil. This will help secure the cotton to your nail. Make sure it is a complete seal.
Wait
Wait for around 5 to 20 minutes. The polish should start to warp in appearance and soften.
Scrape off the polish
Remove the foil and cotton pad, then carefully scrape off the remaining polish with a metal cuticle pusher or wooden cuticle stick. Don't do anything by force! If the polish isn't sliding off with minimal pressure, soak a fresh cotton ball and wrap your nails in foil again for a few more minutes before trying again.
Moisturise
After removing the shellac, moisturising your nails is an absolute must! You can use many different products, such as cuticle oil or coconut oil, to help with nail repair.
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Scrape off remaining polish
Scraping off the remaining shellac nail polish is the final step in the removal process. Before you get to this stage, you will have soaked your nails in acetone for 10 minutes, either by placing your fingers in a shallow bowl of acetone or by wrapping your nails in acetone-soaked cotton balls and covering them with aluminium foil.
Once your nails have been soaked, you can begin to scrape off the shellac nail polish. Place the flat edge of an orange stick or manicure tool against the bottom of your nail. Gently push the tool along the length of the nail, beneath the shellac. Repeat this gesture until all the polish has been scraped off each nail. Be careful not to scrape too hard, as this could damage your natural nail bed. If the polish is not sliding off with minimal pressure, it may need to be soaked in acetone for longer.
If there is any sticky or chalky residue left after scraping, use a soft cloth or another soft buffer to gently wipe it away. Avoid using buffing tools that have a motor or a rough texture, as these can weaken your nails.
Finally, wash your hands with warm water and soap to remove any remaining residue. Apply lotion and cuticle oil to your hands and nails to replenish moisture.
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Moisturise nails
Removing shellac nail polish at home is possible, but it is a process that can leave your nails thinner and tender. It is recommended to let your nails breathe and recover after the removal. To restore the health of your nails, you can use a doctor-formulated nail polish that is full of nutrients and free from chemicals.
Moisturising your nails is an important step to restore their health and protect them from further damage. Cuticle oil is a great way to get moisture back into your nail beds and promote nail growth and protection. It is recommended to use cuticle oil at least once a day, preferably twice, and even more if possible. Massaging the oil into the cuticles stimulates the area, encouraging nail growth and strength. Oils such as CND Solar Oil, Daddy Oil, and Dadi Oil are recommended by experts.
You can also use a generous amount of moisturiser or hand cream, and then put on a pair of cotton gloves before going to sleep. The gloves will warm the lotion, helping your skin to absorb the moisture more effectively. This can also be done when washing up—simply apply your creams and then put on your washing-up gloves. The hot water will warm the creams, creating a heated hand treatment effect.
Supplements and multivitamins are another way to strengthen your nails from within. A good multivitamin containing biotin, magnesium, vitamin A, and zinc are great options for nail health.
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