Caleb Foster
Shellac nail varnish is a long-lasting and chip-resistant manicure option. However, it can be challenging to remove, and picking or peeling it off can damage the nail bed and lead to weak and thin nails that are susceptible to breakage. The best way to remove shellac nail varnish is to soak nails in acetone, either by placing cotton balls soaked in acetone on the nails or soaking the nails directly in an acetone bath. After the varnish has softened, it can be gently scraped off with a wooden cuticle stick or metal cuticle pusher.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal tools | Cotton balls/[pads]/wool, nail file, foil, cuticle pusher/wooden cuticle stick, nail buffer, hand cream/cuticle oil |
| Removal products | Nail-polish remover with an acetone content of 60% or more, pure acetone |
| Removal process | File the top layer of shellac to remove the glossiness, soak cotton in acetone and wrap around nails, let nails soak for 10-20 minutes, gently push/scrape off flakes of gel, buff nails, trim and file nails, wash hands, moisturise with hand cream or cuticle oil |
| Don'ts | Don't pick, tear, bite or cut shellac nails as this can damage the nail bed and lead to infections |
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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 varnish at home. However, it is important to exercise caution as acetone can be drying to your skin and nails.
First, use a nail file to buff away the surface layer of the manicure, removing the shine. Be careful not to file away too much, as you want to protect the integrity of your natural nails.
Next, prepare your acetone bath. Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad in 100% pure acetone. Place the cotton on your nail, and then wrap your finger in foil to keep the cotton in contact with the nail.
Let your nails soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Check your nails—if the shellac has started to crumble, you can move on to the next step. If not, soak for a little longer.
Remove the foil and cotton, and use a wooden cuticle stick to gently push away the flakes of shellac. Be careful not to dig into or scratch your nail. If there are any stubborn sections, repeat the previous steps before trying again.
After removing the shellac, your nails may feel dry. To rehydrate your skin and nails, apply a good quality hand cream or hand mask, and use cuticle oil on your nail beds.
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Wrap nails in foil
To remove shellac nail varnish, you can try the foil method. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare your nails
First, you need to file your nails to break the seal of the top coat. This will allow the acetone to penetrate through all the layers of nail varnish. Be careful not to file too much, as you do not want to damage your nail plate or cuticles.
Step 2: Soak your nails in acetone
Soak five cotton balls in nail polish remover that contains acetone. You can also use pure acetone, but be aware that it can be drying to your skin and nail beds. Place a cotton ball on each nail, covering the entire nail area.
Step 3: Wrap your nails in foil
Use a small piece of aluminium foil to wrap and cover each nail and cotton ball. This will help keep the cotton ball in contact with the shellac or gel layer.
Step 4: Let the nails soak
Let your nails soak for 10 to 20 minutes. You should start to see the polish flaking or softening at the edges. If the gel polish is still firmly in place, you may need to repeat the process for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the foil and cotton balls
Remove the foil and cotton balls from one nail at a time. Be careful not to force any remaining product off the nail, as this can damage your nail bed. Instead, use a wooden cuticle stick to gently push away the flakes of gel.
Step 6: Moisturise
Acetone can dry out your skin and nails, so it is important to moisturise after removing shellac nail varnish. You can use cuticle oil, coconut oil, or hand cream to replenish moisture and help repair your nails.
Remember, it is always best to be gentle and careful when removing nail varnish to avoid damaging your nails or nail beds.
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File nails
Filing your nails is a good way to keep them at a uniform length and shape. It is, however, easy to file nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged, frayed nails, and even nail bed or cuticle damage.
Firstly, decide on your desired nail shape. Common shapes include oval, square, almond, stiletto, coffin, and rounded. Then, use a nail file to file your nails into the desired shape. Glass or crystal files are recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. Emery boards are also a good option, as they are affordable and effective.
When filing, it is important to go slowly and use smooth strokes in a single direction, filing down the length of the nail. Start on the outside corner and file toward the middle, then do the opposite corner. Do not use a sawing motion, as this can fray the nail and damage the nail bed and cuticle.
If you are removing shellac nail varnish, you can use a nail file to buff away the surface layer of the manicure. This will help to accelerate the removal time. However, be careful not to over-file or over-buff the nails.
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Moisturise with cuticle oil
To remove shellac nail varnish, you will need to use acetone, which can be pretty harsh and cause your nails and skin to become extremely dry. Therefore, it is important to moisturise your hands and nails after removing shellac nail varnish.
Cuticle oil is a great way to moisturise your nails and skin after removing shellac nail varnish. It is designed to protect, soften, and moisturise your cuticles and the skin around your nails. Applying it before and after removing nail polish will help to prevent your cuticles and skin from drying out more than necessary. Cuticle oil forms a protective layer against the dehydrating nature of acetone.
To use cuticle oil, rub a generous amount onto your cuticles and the skin near your nails. You can also use it on your nails to further moisturise them. Do not wipe away the excess. Applying it to your cuticles before removing the shellac nail polish will provide your skin with a protective layer against the harsh, drying acetone needed for this process.
In addition to cuticle oil, you can also use hand lotion to moisturise your hands and nails after removing shellac nail varnish.
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Don't pick at shellac
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." This can cause your nails to become weak, thin, and susceptible to breakage.
Instead of picking at shellac nail varnish, it is recommended to use a nail-polish remover with an acetone content of 60% or more, or pure acetone, to remove the varnish. Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad in the remover and place it on your nail, then wrap a foil square around your finger to keep the cotton in contact with the shellac. Let your nails soak for 10 to 20 minutes, or until you start to see the polish flake off at the edges.
After removing shellac nail varnish, your nails may be dry, so it is important to replenish moisture by applying a good quality hand cream or cuticle oil.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need nail polish remover with an acetone content of 60% or more, cotton balls, foil, and a wooden cuticle stick. First, gently file the topcoat to remove the shine. Next, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail, wrapping your finger in foil to secure it. Let your nails soak for 10-20 minutes, then gently push away the flakes of nail varnish with the wooden cuticle stick.
Yes, the foil helps to secure the cotton ball in place and ensures that it stays in contact with the nail varnish, aiding the removal process.
You should leave the acetone on your nails for 10-20 minutes.
If there are stubborn sections of nail varnish that won't budge, redo the previous step and soak your nails in acetone for another 5 minutes.
After removing shellac nail varnish, it is important to moisturize your nails and cuticles. Acetone removes natural oils and moisturizers from your nails, so apply cuticle oil or a good quality hand cream to rehydrate your skin and keep your nails healthy and strong.
