Liam Carter
Nail polish removers are often acetone-based, but the chemical can be harsh on nails, causing them to become dry, brittle, and soft over time. As a result, many people are turning to natural alternatives to remove their nail polish. Some of these alternatives include rubbing alcohol, hairspray, toothpaste, and vinegar. These methods are not only effective but can also be surprisingly gentle on your nails and cuticles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural alternatives | Lemon, vinegar, toothpaste, vodka, orange juice, hydrogen peroxide, hot water and soap, baking soda |
| Alcohol-based alternatives | Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, hairspray, deodorant, perfume, body spray |
| Other alternatives | Top coat, soy-based nail polish remover |
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What You'll Learn
Rubbing alcohol
While isopropyl alcohol is not the most effective nail polish remover, it can be used in a pinch. To use it, soak a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol and place it on your nail, letting it sit for about 10 seconds. Then, gently rub the cotton ball back and forth, and your nail polish should come off fairly quickly.
Celebrity nail artist and founder of Nails of LA, Brittney Boyce, recommends following up with some cuticle oil or moisturiser to rehydrate your nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin. This is because rubbing alcohol can be dehydrating to the skin and nails.
If you don't have any rubbing alcohol to hand, you could try using hand sanitiser, which often contains a generous amount of alcohol. However, this may require more effort for thicker or layered polishes. Alcohol-based perfumes can also be used, but be mindful of the scent and that they may not be as effective as dedicated removers.
It's worth noting that isopropyl alcohol is not good for your skin, so it's best to avoid prolonged exposure. If you can, it's recommended to use acetone-based nail polish removers, which are stronger and more effective than isopropyl alcohol for removing nail polish.
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Lemon and vinegar
However, some people have suggested that a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar can be used to remove nail polish. One method suggests soaking your nails in warm water for 10 minutes, then soaking cotton balls in a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and vinegar, and placing them on your nails for 20-30 seconds. However, one person who tried this method found that it only seemed to soften their nails, allowing them to flex their nails to get the polish off.
Another method suggests soaking your nails in warm water for 10 minutes, then soaking a cotton pad in lemon juice and wrapping it around your nail for 5 minutes, before repeating the process with vinegar for 10 minutes. However, this method may be damaging to your nails due to the acidity of the lemon and vinegar.
While lemon and vinegar may not be effective at removing nail polish, other DIY methods include using rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, hairspray, or fresh nail polish.
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Hairspray
To remove nail polish from nails using hairspray, saturate a cotton ball by spraying it completely with the hairspray. Place the cotton ball on your fingernails to soak the polish and gently massage away the varnish after 10 to 20 seconds.
To remove nail polish stains from fabrics and carpets, spray the affected area with strong hairspray. Once the hairspray has dried, use tweezers or nail scissors to scrape off the dried residue. Then, machine wash the fabric as usual.
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Toothpaste
To remove nail polish with toothpaste, start by filing your nails to remove the shine and allow the toothpaste to adhere better. Apply a pea-sized amount of basic white toothpaste to each nail, spreading it over the entire nail. You can also use toothpaste with baking soda, which is a gentle abrasive. Let the toothpaste sit for 2-5 minutes to allow the solvents time to work. Then, dip a toothbrush in warm water and scrub each nail in a circular motion with moderate pressure. Once the polish starts flaking off, rinse your nails with water while scrubbing to remove any leftover residue. You may need to repeat these steps several times to ensure your nails are completely polish-free. Finally, rinse your hands with lukewarm water and wash them with soap to remove any remaining toothpaste.
Keep in mind that the gritty texture of toothpaste can exacerbate fragile nails, and leftover residue may interfere with freshly painted polish. If you don't want to use toothpaste, there are other household alternatives you can try, such as rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or a mixture of orange juice and vinegar.
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Hand sanitiser
While hand sanitiser can be effective in removing nail polish, it is important to note that it can be dehydrating to the skin and nails. Therefore, it is recommended to use a cuticle oil or moisturiser after using hand sanitiser to remove nail polish. Additionally, the use of hand sanitiser may not be as effective as traditional nail polish removers and may require more product and time to remove the nail polish completely.
Some people have expressed frustration with how hand sanitiser can ruin their manicures and cause their nail polish to chip or break down sooner than expected. This is especially true for those who work in healthcare or other fields that require frequent hand sanitising.
Overall, while hand sanitiser can be used as a substitute for nail polish remover in a pinch, it is not the most ideal method due to its potential negative effects on the skin and nails. It is important to consider the potential dehydration and ensure proper nail care after using hand sanitiser for this purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail polish remover can be used to remove nail polish from surfaces such as carpets or fabrics without damaging or discolouring them.
There are several alternatives to nail polish remover, including:
- Hairspray
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hand sanitiser
- Perfume
- Orange juice and vinegar
- Vodka
- Toothpaste
- Lemon juice
- Hot water and soap
Nail polish removers often contain harmful chemicals such as acetone, which can cause nails to become dry, brittle and soft, leading to decreased nail strength over time. Acetone can also cause adverse symptoms such as nausea, eye irritation and headaches.
Some alternatives to nail polish remover, such as soy-based removers, are gentler on the nails and cuticles. Natural alternatives such as lemon juice, vinegar, and hot water are also eco-friendly and cost-effective.
This depends on personal preference. While nail polish remover is typically efficient, some people may prefer to avoid the harsh chemicals it contains. Natural alternatives may be more time-consuming but are gentler, while other alternatives such as hairspray and rubbing alcohol are efficient but can be dehydrating to the skin and nails.
