You've probably been in the situation of wanting to remove old nail polish, either by applying a new coat of polish or exfoliating your nails thoroughly and realizing that you've run out of nail polish remover. If you're a fan of glitter polish, you've probably also noticed that removing it with pure acetone can take a long time. Fortunately in both situations, there are a number of ways to remove nail polish using a variety of common household products.
Notes:
Most of these methods, while effective, need to be repeated once or twice for best results. Nothing is as effective as store-bought nail polish remover, but it will all work out with patience.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Household Products
Homemade Nail Polish Remover
Step 1. Use alcohol and an alcohol-based product to peel off the nail polish
The stronger the alcohol content, the better it works. Of course, the first step is to use isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, but there are other products that have alcohol (or ethyl glycol) in them. If you see these ingredients listed in alcohol products at home, they may be effective at removing nail polish:
- Perfume
- Hair spray
- Spray deodorant
-
Rubbing alcohol
While alcoholic spirits may not be the first choice, clear, high-alcohol drinks such as vodka, grappa, or gin can be used to remove nail polish. You should soak your nails for 10-20 minutes in the liquor for best results
Step 2. Use white vinegar or a vinegar solution mixed with lemon juice to remove nail polish
Vinegar is acidic and is a versatile and natural cleanser available at home. So, it makes sense that vinegar could be used to exfoliate nail polish. For better results, squeeze half a lemon or orange for the cleansing power of citrus fruits.
Soak your fingers for 10-15 minutes before removing them. While soaking, peel off the nail polish with another nail to speed up the process
Step 3. Use regular toothpaste to rub off the nail polish
It only takes a sliver of toothpaste. Then, start scrubbing with an old toothbrush or tissue. Usually, white toothpaste works well when it comes to lifting and pulling off nail polish.
Also, toothpaste with baking soda, a popular natural cleaning solution, often gives the best results
Step 4. Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part hot water and soak your nails for 10 minutes
This means that if you use about 250 ml of hot water, you should use 500 ml of hydrogen peroxide. Soak your nails in the hottest water available, peeling off the polish with your unsoaked fingers, then file the polish with a nail file.
Step 5. Alternatively, use a strong solvent or paint remover, though not recommended
This is not an everyday solution because these chemicals can be dangerous. However, these ingredients can remove nail polish, often as quickly as nail polish remover. The following products must be last choice and use in well ventilated area:
- Acetone
- Paint thinner
- Thinner for writing correction fluid (fluid thinner)
Using Nail Polish Remover
Step 1. Apply a cotton ball with the product of your choice
Once you get a product that can be used as a nail polish remover, soak a cotton ball or tissue in the product. Then, dab the cotton ball or tissue on the nails of each hand. Add more of the product to a cotton ball or tissue if necessary. If the cotton ball or tissue gets wet and absorbs the color, replace it with a new one.
Step 2. Let the product sit for one minute
Since you're not using a regular nail polish remover, you'll need to allow the product to absorb. Leave the product on your nails for about a minute.
- The longer the product is left on, the better.
- If you've already tried it or need a stronger nail polish remover, soak your nails directly in the solution for 4-5 minutes beforehand, then continue with this step.
Step 3. Wipe the product off the nails, rubbing it to remove the nail polish
After the product has left for a minute, wipe the nails dry. Again, use a cotton pad or tissue. It may take a little more effort than usual with regular nail polish. Thicker nail polish or glitter nail polish takes longer to remove. You can repeat this process if not all the nail polish can be removed the first time.
- An old toothbrush can help with scrubbing.
- Wipes are usually stronger than cotton balls and can help remove stronger nail polish.
Step 4. Soak your hands in hot water, scrubbing and peeling off the nail polish, then try again
The hot water will loosen the nail polish, so that the nail underneath is visible and removes any remaining nail polish. This is a great way to remove nail polish residue or loosen nail polish for removal with a homemade nail polish remover.
- Prepare the water as hot as possible without burning your hands for best results.
- You will need to soak your hands for 20-25 minutes, so soak them while watching TV and dry them when the show is over. Reheat the water if necessary.
Method 2 of 3: Using New Nail Polish to Remove Old Nail Polish
Step 1. Choose another nail polish that won't dry quickly
Nail polish dries due to evaporation of the solvents they contain. Applying a second coat can effectively soften this solvent. This allows the nail polish to return to a liquid state so it can be wiped off. The best types of nail polish for this method are thin and slow drying. Clear topcoat nail polish can be used, as it tends to dry slowly. Avoid quick-drying nail polish, spray nail polish, or drip nail polish, which will make your nails dry faster.
Some blogs point out that colors darker than removed nail polish often have the best results. However, the degree of dryness of the nail polish is the most important factor. Nail polish should dry slowly
Step 2. Apply nail polish on the nails one by one
Paint the nails, covering the old layer of nail polish. You don't need as long to apply the nail polish as you normally would because it will be removed. Don't let the new nail polish dry. If it dries, the nail polish will be more difficult to remove, so it will take longer.
Step 3. Quickly wipe off the new nail polish
Immediately after adding new nail polish, wipe off the old nail polish. For best results, use a tissue.
- While many people usually use cotton balls when using nail polish remover, you should avoid cotton balls when using this method. The cotton balls will break down or stick to the wet nail polish, causing the polish to stick to the nails.
- You may have to use a little effort to get the best results. While applying a second coat of nail polish can be effective, it requires less effort than using a regular nail polish remover to remove old nail polish.
Step 4. Repeat nail polish and wipe until nails are free of nail polish
This method requires several tries until it works. Keep adding layers of nail polish and scrubbing. This method may take two or three tries until the nail polish is completely removed. Nail polishes that are difficult to remove, such as glitter nail polish, require more care.
This method is often a good start for removing nail polish residue. You can use a homemade nail remover as described above to remove nail polish
Method 3 of 3: Taking Precautions with Glitter Nail Polish
Step 1. Make a base layer with glue and water
If you're having a hard time removing nail polish because you prefer shimmery nail polish, there are preventative ways to make nail polish removal easier. This should be done before you paint your nails, but it can be a great way to avoid polish removal problems later on. Make a glue and water mixture that was previously applied to the glitter nail polish.
You will need white glue, an empty nail polish bottle, and water. Fill the bottle with glue one third of the way. Then add the water and stir until the mixture is thin enough to apply to your nails
Step 2. Apply a base coat of glue and let it dry before applying nail polish
Apply a nail polish with a base coat of glue before adding the nail polish. Wait about five minutes for it to dry completely before applying the next coat. If you normally use another type of base coat, such as a base coat to prevent stains, apply that coat after the glue base coat.
Step 3. When the glue base and other base coats have been applied, apply glitter nail polish as usual
The glue has hardened on the nails and the nail polish has set on the glue. Fortunately, the glue peels off easily with a little force, so the nail polish is easier to remove.
Step 4. Soak the nails when you are ready to remove the nail polish
Soak your nails in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. You can also wet your fingers under tap water while soaping them. This will soften the nail polish making it easier to remove without damaging your nails.
Step 5. Peel off the old nail polish
You can peel off the nail polish with your fingers. However, you can also use a cuticle pusher, toothpick, or other thin, blunt object if this is difficult. Gently push the tool under the nail until the old nail polish peels off. Old nail polish will easily peel off completely.
Tips
- Pure acetone or nail polish remover is always more effective than these alternatives. So, it makes sense to use it if you are in a hurry or can't afford nail polish remover.
- Applying a certain quick-drying topcoat on dry nail polish may peel the polish off completely. However, this is not always the case and forced exfoliation can damage the nails.
- You can choose to use a different base coat to thin the glue base coat instead of water. Acetone or nail polish thinner should not be used as a substitute.
