To remove nail polish, the most common and effective method is to use a nail polish remover containing acetone. Here are the general steps:
- Apply nail polish remover soaked on cotton balls or pads to the nails.
- Press the cotton on the nail and let it sit for a minute or two to dissolve the polish.
- Gently wipe or push the cotton from the nail base to the tip, removing the polish.
- Repeat if necessary until all polish is off.
For gel nail polish removal at home, using 100% acetone is best. Protect the skin around nails with petroleum jelly, soak cotton pieces in acetone, place on nails and wrap with plastic food wrap (or foil), leave for about 10-15 minutes, then gently remove the softened polish using a washcloth or wooden stick. Wash hands and moisturize afterward to reduce irritation. If no commercial removers are available, natural alternatives include soaking nails in a mix of lemon juice and vinegar, or rubbing with toothpaste or vodka, though these may be less effective. These methods work for normal and gel polishes, but gel polish specifically requires acetone and soaking for better results and to avoid damage. References:
- Nail polish removal with acetone and cotton method at home
- Natural alternatives: lemon+vinegar, toothpaste, vodka
- Dermatologist recommended gel polish removal using acetone and plastic wrap
- Gel polish soak-off method with foil and acetone
