Ava Monroe
Shellac manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-free nail polish. However, when it comes to removing shellac, it can be a challenge to do so without damaging your nails. While it is best to have a professional remove it, there are ways to safely remove shellac nail polish at home. So, what's the best way to remove shellac gel nail polish?
Removing Shellac Gel Nail Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal Process | Soak nails in acetone or nail polish remover, wrap nails in foil, and gently lift off with an orange stick or wooden cuticle stick. |
| Tools Needed | Cotton pads/wool, foil, acetone or nail polish remover, nail file, orange sticks or wooden cuticle sticks, towel. |
| Time | Leave nails soaked for 10-20 minutes. |
| Aftercare | Apply cuticle oil, hand serum, or hand cream to nourish and hydrate the nails. |
| Caution | Do not pick, bite, or peel off the shellac as it can damage the nail bed and cause the nails to become thin and vulnerable to damage. |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove shellac nail polish. However, acetone can be harsh on your skin and nails, so it's important to take the necessary precautions and follow the correct procedure. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively remove shellac nail polish by soaking your nails in acetone:
Prepare the necessary materials:
Before you begin, gather all the required materials, including acetone, cotton balls or pads, foil, a nail file, cuticle oil or hand lotion, and a towel to protect your surfaces. It is also recommended to apply cuticle oil or moisturiser to the skin around your nails before starting to protect them from the harsh effects of acetone.
File your nails:
Using a soft grit nail file, gently buff the surface of your shellac nails. This step helps break the top coating, allowing the acetone to penetrate and soak into the polish more effectively. It is important not to over-file your nails, as this can cause damage.
Soak your nails in acetone:
Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone, ensuring they are completely saturated. Place the acetone-soaked cotton on top of your nails, covering the entire nail bed. Then, wrap your fingertips with foil, creating a complete seal. This helps trap the heat and accelerate the removal process. Leave the acetone to soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
Remove the cotton and foil:
After the allotted time, carefully remove the foil and cotton from your nails. The shellac polish should have softened and started to lift from the nail bed. If there are any remnants of polish still attached, do not pick or scrape them off, as this can damage your nails. Instead, reapply acetone and wrap your nails again for a few more minutes.
Moisturise your nails and hands:
After successfully removing the shellac polish, it is important to nourish and hydrate your nails and the surrounding skin. Apply a generous amount of cuticle oil to your nails and cuticles. You can also use a hand serum or intensive hand cream to moisturise your hands and prevent dryness.
Precautions and tips:
Acetone can be harsh, so it is recommended to confirm that the nail salon has suitable removers specifically designed for shellac nails if you choose to have them removed professionally. Additionally, when removing shellac nail polish at home, always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with surfaces and skin. Always follow up with a moisturiser to counteract the drying effects of acetone.
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Buff nails
Buffing your nails is a great alternative to painting them with nail polish. It gives your nails a natural sheen and helps them look attractive and polished. It is also a safer option than nail polish, as nail polishes contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to your health.
Buffing your nails can also help the nail polish stay on for longer. You can buff your nails before applying nail polish to give the polish more grip. However, make sure you do not over-buff your nails, as this can damage them. Each nail only needs 6 to 8 strokes, and you should always use a multi-sided buffer to buff, polish, and shine your nails.
To buff your nails, start by filing them to your desired shape. Then, use the finer grit side of the buffer to polish your nails. Hold the buffer parallel to your nail and use unidirectional strokes to polish your nail in an X shape. This will smooth and brighten your nails. Remember to try not to over-polish your nail; four to six strokes should be enough.
After polishing, use the smooth side of the buffer to shine your nails. Place the smooth side on your nail and use light pressure to move the buffer in tiny circular motions until you achieve a glossy look. You can also use a buffing cream or a little beeswax to give your nails a high sheen.
Finally, remember to apply cuticle oil after buffing to give your nails added shine and moisture. Massage the oil into the skin around each nail. If you plan to apply nail polish, first remove any excess oil from your nail using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
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Use a wooden cuticle stick
Removing shellac nail polish at home is a tricky but manageable process. It is important to remember that you should never pick at shellac nail polish as this can cause serious damage to the nail bed and lead to a long recovery time.
To remove shellac nail polish, you will need a few tools. Firstly, get five cotton pads and split them in half, then get 10 large tin foil squares, acetone polish remover, a nail file, and orange sticks or wooden cuticle sticks. Before you get started, make sure all your surfaces are covered to prevent any acetone damage. You can lay down a towel, or cover your furniture.
Start with your less dominant hand, as you'll have more patience at the beginning of the process. Using your nail file, gently buff the surface of the gel topcoat. This will help the remover penetrate the layers of the gel. Then, saturate a piece of cotton wool that’s slightly larger than the size of your nail in the gel removal solution and secure this by wrapping the foil square around it and over the tip of your finger. Leave the acetone solution to soak for 15-20 minutes. Keep your nails warm during this process by wrapping your hands in a towel.
When removing what's left of the polish from your nails, you can very gently lift it off with a wooden cuticle stick. Be careful not to scrape the nail. If the shellac is still stubborn, reapply the cotton with more acetone added, cover with the foil again, and leave for another 5-10 minutes.
After removal, it is important to nourish and hydrate the nail. Apply a cuticle oil, or a hand serum or intensive hand cream. You can also use coconut oil to add moisture.
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Moisturise nails
It is important to keep your nails moisturised, especially during the cold winter months when the air is dry and chilly. Nails can become brittle and prone to splits and breakage, and cuticles can dry out and cause hangnails.
There are many products on the market designed to strengthen and moisturise your nails, hands, and cuticles. You can also try at-home manicures to keep your nails healthy and hydrated. Here are some tips to keep your nails moisturised:
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing any activity that involves water exposure. Water can weaken and break the bonds of the nail's structure, compromising its ability to retain hydration.
- Apply moisturiser immediately after your nails are exposed to water.
- Exfoliate your nails. Picture the nail cells on your nail like overlapping tiles on a roof—because they're dead, they'll often become separated and peel or lift up.
- Use cuticle oil, especially those that are jojoba-based. The molecules are almost identical to our sebum and can penetrate the nail plate to be absorbed much easier.
- Wear nail polish as a protective layer to prevent damage.
- Try a base coat like Orly Nail Armor, which has strengthening and smoothing properties.
- Use a nail treatment like GLOSSLAB's Superboost, which is a nail strengthener, nail hardener, and provides a boost of vitamins.
Remember, well-hydrated nails will also make your manicure look better and last longer!
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Apply cuticle oil
To remove shellac gel nail polish, you will need to use acetone. File the polished surface to take away the shine, then soak cotton wool or cotton pads in acetone and secure them to your nails by wrapping foil around them. Leave the acetone to soak for 15-20 minutes, then gently lift off any remaining polish with an orange stick.
After removing shellac gel nail polish, liberally apply a cuticle oil to nourish and hydrate the nail and surrounding area. Cuticle oil is a moisturising product for your nails and cuticles, typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil, and enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.
To apply cuticle oil, start by removing any nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Then, dab a little cuticle oil on your nails and cuticles, and rub it in. You can use an oil pen, empty polish bottle, or a dropper bottle. You only need a small amount, so just do a light swipe and see if that feels like enough. If you feel like your fingers are too greasy, you can wipe off the excess oil and rub it into the backs of your hands.
You should apply cuticle oil a minimum of three times a day: once in the morning, once during the day, and once before bed. You should also reapply the oil after washing your hands, as soap and warm water can be very drying for nails.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need: five cotton pads, 10 large tinfoil squares, acetone polish remover, a nail file, and orange sticks. First, buff the surface of the nail gently with the nail file to remove the top coat layer. Next, soak a piece of cotton wool in acetone, place it on your nail, and wrap a foil square around it. Leave the acetone solution to soak for 15 minutes. Then, gently lift off the polish with an orange stick.
Yes, but it is recommended to use a remover with an acetone content of 60% or more. Pure acetone is also very effective, but it can be drying to your skin and nail beds.
Soak your nails for 15 minutes. If the shellac is still on your nails, reapply the cotton with more acetone, cover with foil, and leave for another 5-10 minutes.
After removal, apply cuticle oil to the nail beds to nourish and hydrate them. You can also use a hand serum or intensive hand cream.
