To remove shellac nail polish at home safely and effectively, follow these steps:
- Gather materials : You will need 100% pure acetone, cotton pads or cotton balls, aluminum foil cut into squares, a nail file, a cuticle pusher or orange stick, and cuticle oil for aftercare
- File the topcoat : Gently file the shiny top layer of the shellac polish to break the seal and help the acetone penetrate better. Be careful not to file down to your natural nail
- Soak cotton pads in acetone : Saturate cotton pads or balls with pure acetone. Place one on each nail, then wrap the fingertip with a small square of aluminum foil to hold the cotton in place and keep the acetone from evaporating
- Wait and soak : Leave the acetone-soaked cotton and foil on your nails for about 15 minutes. This allows the shellac to dissolve and lift from the nail plate. You can keep your hands warm by wrapping them in a towel to speed up the process
- Remove loosened polish : After soaking, gently push off the softened shellac using a cuticle pusher or orange stick. Do not force or scrape harshly to avoid damaging your natural nails. If polish remains stubborn, reapply acetone-soaked cotton and foil and soak for an additional 5-10 minutes
- Buff and clean nails : Use a soft nail buffer to smooth out any residual polish and clean your nails with soap and water
- Hydrate nails and cuticles : Acetone dries out nails and skin, so apply cuticle oil and massage it in thoroughly. Follow up with hand cream or serum to restore moisture
This process typically takes 20-30 minutes and can be repeated if necessary. Avoid picking or biting off shellac as it can damage your nails
. In summary, the key is to gently file the topcoat, soak nails in pure acetone wrapped with foil for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the softened shellac, followed by hydration and nail care
