Sophia Delgado
Shellac nails are a popular choice for those wanting a long-lasting manicure. However, the semi-permanent nature of shellac means that removing it incorrectly can cause damage to the nail bed, leading to weak and vulnerable nails. To avoid this, it is recommended to remove shellac nails in a salon, but if you are unable to do so, there are some key steps to follow to safely remove shellac glue from nails at home.
How to remove shellac glue from nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Foil squares, cotton balls, wooden cuticle sticks, nail buffer, nail file, acetone, petroleum jelly, cuticle oil |
| Steps | Place a cotton ball over each nail, wrap a foil square over the top, let the nail soak for 10-20 minutes, push the flakes of gel away with a wooden cuticle stick, buff the nail surface, file the nail, moisturise |
| Precautions | Do not pick at the shellac, do not tear off by force, do not file the natural nail |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove shellac glue from your nails. However, it is important to note that acetone can be harsh on your skin and nails, causing dehydration and weakness. Therefore, it is recommended to use at least 90% acetone solution for effective and quick removal. Pure acetone should be avoided as it can be extremely dehydrating, but it can be used occasionally. To protect your skin from the harsh effects of acetone, apply a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around your nails before soaking them in acetone.
To soak your nails in acetone, you can use a bowl or container large enough to fit your hand. Partially ball up your hand so that all five nails are exposed. Dip your nails and cuticles into the acetone, making sure to expose as little skin as possible. Keep your nails submerged for at least 10 minutes, even if the shellac starts flaking off earlier. If you are using cotton balls soaked in acetone, keep them on your nails for no longer than 10 minutes, or they may dry out and get stuck to your nails.
After soaking your nails in acetone, use an orange stick or a wooden cuticle stick to gently push or scrape off the softened shellac. Avoid using metal tools as they can be harsh on your natural nail surface. If there is any remaining glue or residue, use a soft nail buffer to gently buff your nails. Avoid using motorized or rough-textured buffing tools as they can weaken your nails.
It is important to take care of your nails after removing shellac glue. Your nails may become weaker and more prone to breakage or bending, so a consistent care routine and focus on long-term nail health are essential. Apply cuticle oil or moisturiser to rehydrate your skin and nails after removal.
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Use a nail file
Using a nail file is a good method to remove shellac glue from your nails. However, it is important to be careful when filing to avoid damaging your natural nails.
Firstly, you should file off the top layer of shellac. Make sure to file carefully and try to leave a layer of the base on the nail. Be cautious not to over-file your nail tops and thin your nails. You can use a nail file or a soft nail buffer, but avoid using an emery board. Filing the top layer will remove the shine from the glue, making it easier to remove.
If you have gel nails with a shellac overlay, you can try filing the shellac off first and then using a nail file to file down the gel. However, most people find it easier to soak off the shellac with acetone before filing down the gel. Soaking your nails in acetone will help to soften the shellac, making it easier to file. To do this, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail, then wrap your finger in foil to seal it. Leave it for 10-20 minutes, then remove the foil and cotton and carefully scrape off the softened shellac with a cuticle stick.
After filing, your nails may be weaker and more prone to breakage, so it is important to focus on long-term nail health and maintenance. This includes using a nail strengthener and cuticle oil to protect and strengthen your nails.
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Avoid picking or tearing
Shellac manicures are designed to be semi-permanent, so it is important to avoid picking or tearing at the polish. Picking at bits that start to lift away can damage the nail bed, leading to a long recovery time. This can leave your nails weak, vulnerable to damage, and prone to breakage or bending.
If you are removing shellac at home, it is recommended to use a soft nail buffer to buff the surface of the nail and remove any remaining glue. Be careful not to over-file your nail tops and thin your nails. Instead, use an acetone soak, as this is safer for your nails. If you wait long enough, the natural oils in your nails will eventually get the glue off.
If you are removing shellac in a salon, in-salon nail artists can easily assess whether you are wearing hard gel or soft gel. Attempting to remove hard gels yourself can cause severe damage, so it is recommended to go back to the salon to get them removed.
If you are removing false nails with nail glue, you can try the following methods:
- Soak your nails in warm, soapy water for 20 minutes, then see if the glue is lifting off and peel the bits that have lifted. Repeat until all the glue is off.
- Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and press it to your nails until the glue starts to come off.
- Use the Vaseline and hand cream method, which involves rubbing the products on your nails until the glue comes off.
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Moisturise and use cuticle oil
Using cuticle oil is an important step in the process of removing shellac glue from nails. Cuticle oil is designed to protect, soften, and moisturise your cuticles. It is a good idea to apply cuticle oil before removing shellac nail polish to provide a protective layer against the harsh, drying acetone needed for this process.
Cuticle oil will also help to reinforce your nail bed and prevent hangnails. It is recommended to use cuticle oil that is formulated with nourishing apricot kernel and jojoba oil, such as Essie's Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil, to keep your nails conditioned with just a few strokes of this fast-drying oil.
After removing the shellac nail polish, you may see a chalky white residue on your nails and fingers. This is residue left behind by the acetone and can be washed away with soap and water. After washing your hands, it is important to put some moisture back into them with hand lotion. Rub more cuticle oil into your cuticles and over your nails to further moisturise them.
Additionally, it is recommended to use cuticle oil consistently as part of a long-term nail health and maintenance routine, especially while the gels are freshly removed. This will help to target nail strength and create an invisible barrier to lock in moisture, protecting your nails from daily wear and tear.
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Buff nails
Buffing your nails is an important step in the process of removing shellac glue. It helps to break the seal of the top coat of the shellac and allows the acetone to penetrate through the gel. Leighton, a nail expert, recommends using a medium-grit file for this step as it is effective without being too abrasive. It is important to remember not to file down to the natural nail, only file enough to remove the shine and create an opaque appearance.
After filing, you can then soak your nails in acetone. This can be done by placing a cotton ball soaked in acetone on each nail and wrapping it with foil, or by dipping your nails into a shallow bowl of acetone. This helps to soften the shellac and makes it easier to remove.
Once the shellac has been softened, you can use a wooden cuticle stick to gently push off the flakes of gel. Be careful not to dig into the nail or scratch its surface. If there are any stubborn sections, you can repeat the acetone step and then use a soft nail buffer to gently buff the nail and remove any remaining glue. It is recommended to avoid buffing tools that use a motor or have a rough texture as these can weaken your nails.
After buffing, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water to remove any acetone residue. Moisturizing your hands and nails with lotion or cuticle oil will help to rehydrate and protect your nails.
Overall, buffing your nails is a key step in removing shellac glue safely and effectively, but it should be done gently and carefully to avoid damaging your natural nails.
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