Removing old nail polish can be tricky, especially if there are several layers on the nails. Sooner or later, it will come off on its own, but it is better to remove it completely to avoid blemishes and improve nail health. You can remove it in three different ways: using nail polish remover, dipping your nails in acetone, and using fresh nail polish.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Nail Polish Remover
Step 1. Choose a nail polish remover
Choose the one you prefer at the pharmacy or perfumery. You can generally find it in the nail products department. A bottle will last you for a long time.
- Generally, the solvent is contained in plastic bottles with a screw cap, but there are also tubes with sponges inside.
- The main ingredient in solvents is usually acetone, but they also often contain aloe vera and natural substances to soften the skin.
Step 2. Choose a solvent applicator
The solvent should be applied and rubbed on the nails with an applicator. Choose the one you prefer:
- Cotton balls are perfect, especially if you've only done a coat or two of polish on your nails.
- If there are more than two layers of nail polish, it is worth using paper towels as they have a rough surface which works well for this purpose.
- Cotton swabs are useful for removing nail polish from nail tips and cuticles.
Step 3. Prepare the station to remove the nail polish
Spread some newspaper or paper towels on the table. Take the solvent and cotton balls, paper towels or cotton swabs.
- It can happen to make a mess, so it is better to remove the nail polish in the bathroom or in an environment where you do not risk staining surfaces and fabrics with any splashes.
- Choose a room with good lighting to see your nails clearly.
Step 4. Wet the applicator with nail polish remover
Remove the cap, place the applicator on the opening and turn the bottle upside down to wet the applicator. Alternatively, you could pour the solvent into a bowl to soak the cotton balls or washcloths in.
Step 5. Rub the applicator onto your nails
Clean your nails in circular motions until the polish comes off. Repeat the process to remove the polish from all nails.
- Replace the applicator when it gets too dirty, roughly every two fingers, especially if there are several layers of polish on your nails.
- If you can't get the nail polish off with cotton balls, try using paper towels.
Step 6. Wash your bani
Nail polish remover contains harsh chemicals that dry the skin on your hands, so wash them as soon as you're done to get rid of any residue.
Method 2 of 3: Use acetone
Step 1. Buy pure acetone
Some nail polishes, such as glitter or gel polish, can be difficult to remove using the traditional method. In these cases, acetone is indispensable. It is a chemical solvent that removes paint. You can buy it at a pharmacy or perfumery, in the same departments where nail polish removers are sold.
Step 2. Wet the cotton wool with acetone
Place the cotton ball on the bottle and turn it upside down, or pour some acetone into a bowl to dip the cotton in.
Step 3. Place the cotton ball directly on the nail
Then, hold it in place by wrapping a piece of aluminum around your finger. Repeat the process with all the other fingers.
- If you don't have aluminum foil handy, you can use rubber bands to keep the cotton in place on your fingers.
- Ask someone for help if you have trouble fixing the cotton wool on your fingers.
Step 4. Let the acetone work
Wait ten minutes for the acetone to take effect. Remove the cotton wool and use a different cotton swab to clean the nail. If the enamel comes off, that's it! Otherwise, if it feels sticky, leave the balls in place for another 10 minutes.
Step 5. Remove the cotton and nail polish
Detach the wads one by one, then clean your nails with clean swabs soaked in more acetone. This way, the polish should come off easily. Repeat this process on all nails.
Step 6. Wash your hands
Eliminate all acetone residues with warm soapy water, then moisturize your hands to counteract the aggressive effect of chemicals.
Method 3 of 3: Use Fresh Nail Polish
Step 1. Choose a nail polish that you don't like very much
For this method you need a few drops of nail polish and no need to waste your favorite. Any type of nail polish will do, as long as it's not too dry. It must still be fresh and liquid.
Step 2. Put the polish on one nail
Cover it completely, using all the polish you want. Try not to overdo the quantities.
Step 3. Use a paper towel to clean the nail after 5 seconds
When you remove the new layer of polish that is still wet, rub the nail well with the paper to remove the layers underneath as well. Scrub with different parts of the washcloth until you have removed the old nail polish as well.
- Act quickly: if you wait for more than 5 seconds, the new layer of nail polish may start to dry.
- It may be necessary to repeat this step more than once on the same nail to completely remove the old nail polish.
Step 4. Repeat the process on the other nails until all the nail polish has been removed
Then, wash your hands with warm soapy water to get rid of the last residue of color.
Advice
- When you apply nail polish, if you stain your fingers you cannot clean them with solvent.
- It is better to use the solvent together with the acetone, because it is not very effective on its own.
Warnings
- Do not use the solvent on other parts of the body besides the nails and hands.
- Keep solvents away from children under the age of 8, as they could swallow, touch or play with them, risking poisoning or permanent damage.
