Has your nail polish started to lose its shine? Is it cracking or falling off in places? If it’s time to move on to the next color and style, you’ll need to remove what’s on your nails first. But how can you make a clean slate without wrecking your nails underneath? Keep reading as we cover our favorite tips to remove your nail polish without damaging your nails and cuticles.
Determine the Type of Nail Polish You’re Wearing
Different types of nail polish have various strengths. To find the best method for removing the polish, figure out what you have on. Traditional nail polish goes on and comes off easily. Most people can remove this polish with a cotton ball and acetone. Gel and dip nail polishes are more resistant to chips and cracks. They’re applied and cured with ultraviolet (UV) light for longer-lasting effects. Gel and dip polishes need a bit more work to remove them. Since they’re cured onto your nail, ripping or picking the polish off damages your nails and cuticles.
Expert-Recommended Tips for Removing Nail Polish
Ready to take your nail polish off the safe way? You have a few options. Next time you’re at the nail salon, you can ask the nail technician to remove the polish. They have all the necessary tools to do so in the best way while leaving your nails intact. The technician can also prep your nails for your next round of polish.
At-Home Polish Removal
If you want to remove your nail polish from the comfort of your own home, you’ll need a few supplies. To take off traditional nail polish, you’ll need a bottle of nail polish remover with acetone and some cotton balls. Simply apply the remover to the cotton ball and rub the polish off your nails.
Gel and dip polishes are a bit more stubborn. Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD, and board-certified dermatologist sat down with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association to discuss nail polish removal tips. Dr. Lipner recommends gathering the following supplies to start:
- 100% acetone
- Petroleum jelly, like Vaseline
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Plastic food wrap
- Towel and washcloth
Dr. Lipner notes that it’s easiest to remove polish one hand at a time. Follow these simple steps:
- Start by applying petroleum jelly on the skin around your nails. You can also cover your cuticles to protect them from the harsh acetone.
- Rip the cotton ball into small pieces about the size of your nail. This helps prevent acetone from sitting on your skin. Dr. Lipner shares that you can use about half of a cotton ball for each of your first 4 fingernails and one-quarter of a cotton ball for your pinky finger.
- Soak the cotton ball pieces in the acetone and place each onto the nail. Wrap small pieces of plastic wrap around the nail to hold the cotton in place. Create a tight seal without being so tight that it limits blood flow through your fingers. Dr. Lipner finds that plastic wrap is better than tinfoil because it creates a seal and stops acetone from dripping out.
- Let your fingers soak for 10 minutes, then remove the plastic wrap and cotton ball. At this point, most of the polish should come off.
- Using a washcloth and running warm water, gently rub off any remaining nail polish.
- Wash your hands using a gentle soap and pat them dry to avoid irritating your skin.
- Reapply the petroleum jelly to the skin surrounding your nails and your cuticles. This protects against irritation from the acetone.
Growing Your Nails to Naturally Remove Polish
Ultimately, the best way to remove your nail polish without any damage is to let your nails grow out. As your nails grow, they push the old polish forward. You can simply cut your nails to remove the old polish, leaving behind clean, new nails. However, the process relies on your nails growing over time. Everyone’s nails grow at different speeds, but it generally takes 6 months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails to grow out.
Taking Care of Your Cuticles
Your cuticles are made of a clear, thin layer of dead skin cells that forms at your nail bed. They act as a barrier to protect your nails as they grow. It’s best to leave some cuticle along your nails to prevent infections from bacteria or dirt. Use cuticle oil regularly and moisturize your hands to keep this skin healthy. Using petroleum jelly or cuticle oil while removing nail polish protects them from damage. If you’re at the nail salon, ask your technician not to cut your cuticles to leave the barrier in place.
