Noah Sinclair
Shellac nail polish is a long-lasting manicure option, but it can be tricky to remove. The process can be done at home, but it is important to do it safely to avoid damaging your nails. The first step is to buff the surface of the nail with a nail file, removing the top layer of polish. Then, soak cotton balls or cotton wool in nail polish remover with an acetone content of 60% or more, or pure acetone, and place them on top of each nail. Wrap foil squares around your fingertips to hold the cotton in place and let the nails soak for 10-20 minutes. The nail polish should then be soft and can be gently scraped off with a wooden cuticle stick.
How to Remove Shellac Nail Paint
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Nail file, 100% acetone, cotton wool/balls, foil, cuticle stick/brush, nail buffer, nail scissors, hand cream, cuticle oil |
| Steps | 1. File the polished surface to remove the glossiness. 2. Soak cotton wool/balls in acetone and place over the nail. 3. Wrap foil around the nail to secure the cotton in place. 4. Wait 10-20 minutes. 5. Scrape off the softened polish gently. 6. Buff the nail surface to remove any remaining glue. 7. Trim and file the nails, then wash and dry hands. 8. Moisturise hands and apply cuticle oil. |
| Precautions | Do not tear off or pick at the shellac nail paint as this can damage the nail bed and lead to weak, thin, and brittle nails. Do not use nail scissors or glue to fix chips or nicks. |
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What You'll Learn
Don't pick or peel the shellac off
Don't pick or peel off the shellac nail paint. While it may be tempting to pick at bits that start to lift away, this can damage the nail bed, which can lead to a long recovery time. As OPI’s North America Education Manager, Sigourney Nunez, explains, "it’s not just the colour you’re removing: it’s very likely you’re peeling a layer of your natural nail plate too." The results of delamination are weak, thin, and worn-out-looking nails that are super susceptible to breakage.
Natalie Ferrari, founder and owner of The Parlour Room, agrees, stating that "removing polish safely is the key to maintaining healthy, strong nails." Instead of picking or peeling, use a nail file to gently buff away the surface layer of the manicure. Be careful not to file through the nail plate and always leave a layer of the base coat on the nail. If you start seeing spots of your natural nail, you've gone too far.
If you don't have a nail file, you can soak your nails in an acetone bath. Soak cotton balls in nail polish remover with an acetone content of 60% or more, or use pure acetone, and place them on top of your nails. Then, wrap a small piece of aluminium foil around each nail to hold the cotton balls in place and let them soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Once you remove the foil, the nail polish should look like it's falling off your nail. If it isn't, soak a fresh cotton ball and wrap it back up with aluminium foil for a few more minutes before gently nudging off the rest of the polish.
Remember, don't try to force the shellac off by tearing it off or using tools like nail scissors, as this will damage your nails.
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Use a nail file to buff away the surface layer
Removing shellac nail paint at home is a straightforward process, but it's important to take care not to damage your nails. One of the steps to removing shellac nail paint is to use a nail file to buff away the surface layer.
Firstly, it's important to note that you should use a soft nail buffer, not an emery board, to buff the surface of the nail. This will help to remove any remaining glue and smooth out the natural nail surface. Be careful not to use too much force when buffing, as you don't want to go through the nail plate and accidentally remove a layer of your natural nail. You still want to see some colour on your nails before you soak them in acetone, so make sure you don't buff away all the shellac polish. A good way to check if you've removed enough is to place your hand under a light and inspect your nails for any remaining shiny patches, which indicate where you still need to file.
Once you've buffed away the surface layer of shellac, you can continue with the next steps of the removal process, which typically involve soaking your nails in acetone to dissolve the polish, before gently scraping away any remaining polish with a cuticle stick or brush. It's important to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging your nails.
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Soak nails in an acetone bath
Soaking your nails in an acetone bath is an effective way to remove shellac nail paint. However, it is important to note that acetone can be drying to your skin and nail beds. If you wish to proceed with this method, follow these steps:
Firstly, do not cut your nails with any tools or scissors as this can cause the shellac to crack, and your nails may crack along with it. File the polished surface gently to remove the glossiness, being careful not to go through the nail plate and leave a layer of the base on the nail.
Next, prepare your acetone bath. Soak cotton balls or cotton wool in 100% acetone and place them over your nails. You can also use pure acetone. Then, wrap a small piece of aluminium foil or foil square around each nail to hold the cotton in place and ensure a complete seal.
Let your nails soak for 10 to 20 minutes. You can check if it is ready by taking a peek under the foil – if the shellac has lifted and started crumbling, you can move on to the next step.
Finally, carefully scrape off the remaining polish with a cuticle stick or manicuring brush. If the polish is not sliding off easily, soak a fresh cotton ball in acetone, wrap it with foil, and place it on your nail for a few more minutes before trying again.
After this process, there may still be some shellac remaining on your nails. If this is the case, simply repeat the process until your nails are polish-free. Remember to always be gentle and avoid forcing the shellac off, as this can damage your nails and nail beds.
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Scrape off the softened shellac
When scraping off softened shellac, it is important to be gentle to avoid damaging your nail bed. Use a metal cuticle pusher or a wooden cuticle stick to carefully scrape off the remaining polish. Avoid using force or digging into the nail. If the polish is not coming off easily, do not force it. Instead, reapply the acetone and let it soak for a few more minutes before trying again.
It is recommended to use a wooden cuticle stick as it is less harsh on your natural nail surface. You can also use a cuticle pusher or a manicuring brush to gently scrape away the softened shellac. Be sure to apply only a little pressure to avoid damaging your nails.
If you do not have a cuticle stick, you can use a soft nail buffer or a nail file to carefully scrape off the softened shellac. However, be extra careful not to file through the nail plate. Leave a layer of the base coat on the nail to protect your natural nail.
After removing the shellac, your nails may feel dry and brittle due to the acetone removing natural oils and moisture. Be sure to moisturize your hands with a good quality hand cream or try a hand mask. You can also apply cuticle oil to your nail beds to rehydrate and nourish your nails.
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Moisturise and rehydrate skin
Removing shellac nail paint can leave your skin and nails dry and damaged. To prevent this, it is important to moisturise and rehydrate your skin and nails after removing shellac nail paint.
Before starting the removal process, you can apply a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around your nails to protect your skin from the harsh effects of acetone.
After removing the shellac nail paint, you can use cuticle oil to moisturise and rehydrate your nails and skin. You can also use a moisturiser to rehydrate your skin and nails.
Additionally, you can use a nail file to buff your nails lightly and smooth out any remaining traces of the shellac nail paint. This will help create a more even surface for the moisturiser to absorb into your nails and skin.
By following these steps, you can effectively moisturise and rehydrate your skin and nails after removing shellac nail paint, leaving them feeling soft, supple, and healthy.
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