Shellac nail polish is a fantastic way to give your nails a nice, fresh, shiny look. However, the downside is that it doesn’t last long. If you have used it recently and noticed that it is losing its charm over time and want to remove it, don’t worry, here we will tell you how to remove shellac at home.
Yes, you do not have to go to the salon and pay a few bucks for the removal of shellac, as it can be done at home using an ingredient called acetone. Keep reading to know the best methods to remove shellac from your nails.
How To Remove Shellac At Home Using Wrapping Method?
One of the best ways to remove shellac at home is by using the components like foil paper, cotton balls along with acetone. Here’s how to remove shellac at home with the help of the wrapping method.
Step 1 – Cut The Cotton and Aluminium Foil
Firstly, get some cotton pads and cut them into squares. The size should be decent enough that it easily covers your nails.
Take a sheet of aluminum and cut it into 3 inches of squares. Ensure that they can cover your nails fully. Ensure to have at least 10 cotton pads and 10 aluminum foil pieces.
Step 2 – Apply The Cuticle Oil
Apply the cuticle oil to the skin around your nails. It will help you moisturize, soften, and protect your cuticles from drying out when you strip the nail polish away. If you don’t have cuticle oil, you can also use olive or coconut oils as they will have the same effect.
Step 3 – Soak The Cotton In The Acetone
Take the cotton pads you just cut and soak them into the acetone. Ensure that the cotton is thoroughly soaked. Generally, it is known that using pure acid has the most effectiveness but may also cause damage to your nails, like completely dehydrating them. Hence, if you have any doubt, you can always dilute the acetone before using it.
Once you have soaked the cotton balls properly, place them around your nail. Make sure that it covers them completely.
Step 4 – Now Wrap Up The Foil
Now, it is time to use the foil we cut initially. Wrap them on the cotton balls so that they fit in that place properly.
One of the main reasons we use aluminum foil here is because it creates heat and improves the overall effectiveness of the acetone. Ensure to press each nail correctly so that the acetone comes into contact with your nails properly.
Step 5 – Allow It To Do Its Work
After placing the cotton ball and aluminum foil on your nails, leave it for a couple of minutes so that acetone does its work effectively. Most likely, the shellac will wipe out from your nails within two minutes.
However, if you want it to work at its best, leave it for at least 10 minutes. Do not let it stay there for more than 10 minutes as there are some chances that shellac may become more sticky and extremely difficult to remove.
Step 6 – Now Remove The Shellac
Simply remove the foil and cotton ball. After that, start to peel the shellac out of your nails gently. You can use your hands or an orange stick to remove it. Gently keep scraping away the length of the nail until all the shellac is removed.
Step 7 – Rub The Nails If Possible
If you see any shellac nail polish residue left, try scraping it away using a soft brush or a clean cloth.
Wash the hands if necessary using soap and warm water.
Using a lotion or cuticle oil after washing your hands is also recommended to moisturize the cuticles of your nails.
Also, please keep in mind that it is normal for some dehydration to occur after the completion of the process. However, cuticle oil and moisturizers will help you to deal with that.
How To Remove Shellac at Home Using the Soaking Method?
How to remove shellac at home by utilizing the soaking method? Here are the steps you need to follow.
Step 1 – Fill a Bowl With Acetone
Get a clean bowl and add pure acetone. You can also use nail polish remover, but please make sure that it contains more than 60 percent of acetone.
Step 2 – Use The Cuticle Oils
To soften and moisturize your cuticles, apply and rub the cuticle oil into the skin revolving around your nail. It will help form a protective layer around your nails and save them from the harsh effects of the acetone and assist in effectively removing the shellac.
Step 3 – Put Your Nails Into The Acetone
Now, soak your nails into the acetone. Make sure you are holding your hand in a position which allows only your nails to get exposed to the acetone. Soak your hands for at least ten minutes to get the best results. Make sure that your skin is least exposed to the acetone, as there’s a risk of dehydration.
Step 4 – Begin To Remove Shellac
After soaking the nails in the acetone for at least 10 minutes, take your hand out of the acetone and start to scrape off the shellac polish. You can use an orange stick or a manicure stick. Take the stick and start pushing it toward the nails’ length. Keep repeating the process until the complete shellac polish has been removed.
Step 5 – Wash Off Your Hands And Use Lotion
After following the steps mentioned above, you will likely notice the chalky white residue of the acetone left on your fingers and nails. To remove these residues, gently wash your hands using soap and warm water.
Even after being highly cautious, you may notice some part of your skin has dried out. Hence, to restore the moisture of your skin, it is advised to apply some lotion on your hands straight after washing your hands. If lotion is not available at the moment, you can also use cuticle oil.
Conclusion
So, that was a complete guide on how to remove shellac at home. It is not a time-consuming task as it can be easily done within a few minutes – thanks to the ingredients like acetone.
Now, you can easily remove shellac without ruining your nails by using the step-by-step methods mentioned above. You can choose any of the methods as both of them are effective, just make sure that it is easy for you to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you remove shellac with a regular nail polish remover?
It is not specifically known if a regular nail polish remover can help remove the shellac or not. However, according to the Broadsheet, any nail polish remover that contains more than 60 percent acetone can effectively remove shellac.
2. Does baking soda remove shellac?
Yes, baking soda is known to be a great cleanser that can also help you remove shellac polish.
3. Does vinegar remove shellac?
No, vinegar won’t be that effective in removing shellac.
