How to remove nail polish without nail polish remover? Our 5 professional tips

Nail polish removers remove polish quickly and effectively, but what else can they remove in the process? If you're looking to clean your nails of old polish without using a regular nail polish remover, there are actually a few alternative methods that can work.

One of the main ingredients in what is generally known as a "traditional" nail polish remover is acetone, which can be very damaging to nails. "Acetone is very drying and harsh," says Brittney Boyce, a renowned nail artist and founder of NAILSOFLA. "But [removers] work very quickly." Acetone-free removers are gentler on nails, but they take a little longer to work.

Before starting any of the removal procedures below, soak your nails in warm water. According to Christine Koehler, founder and director of Flora 1761, the water will expand the nail bed. This can help loosen the polish and prepare your nails for one of the alternative removal methods.

Rubbing alcohol

According to Boyce, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer are two of the best ways to remove varnish without using an acetate-based remover.
"Apply a little to cotton wool or pad and place it on your nail," Boyce explains. "Let it sit for about 10 seconds and gently rub it back and forth. Your nail polish should come off fairly quickly."
Also, if you have an alcohol-based perfume, Boyce notes that it may work if you need it, but will require more product than if you were just using rubbing alcohol. Also keep in mind that the smell may be too strong, so it's not your first choice.

Vinegar and orange juice

Mix your favourite fruit juice with white vinegar and you have a homemade nail polish remover, says Amy Ling Lin, founder and CEO of Dear Sundays. "Combine equal amounts of white vinegar and natural orange juice and mix them together," she says. "Dip the cotton ball/pad into the mixture and press it onto your nails for about 10 seconds until the nail polish softens. Then pull the cotton ball to remove the polish."

Lemon

Ling Lin says that ordinary lemon can also remove nail polish. Place a slice or some lemon juice on your nails and let it sit until your nail polish softens, before rubbing it off.

Hair spray

"The myth that hairspray works to remove nail polish is true," says Boyce. "But it has to be hairspray. Saturate cotton wool or cotton ball with hairspray and roll the cotton ball over your nail." Boyce also adds that this tactic is particularly useful if you have a spill. The hairspray will lift the polish from the carpet or fabric without discolouring it.

Soy-based solvents

Soy is becoming the preferred ingredient in the creation of acetate-free nail polish removers. The principle of soy-based nail polish removers, as well as other proposed solutions, is to soften the nail polish, explains Ling Lin. Acetone, she explains, is a solvent that dissolves nail polish. Soy-based solvents don't react as quickly, but are a gentler option. You may have to wait up to 45 seconds after applying the soy-based remover before you can rub your nails with cotton wool.

Post-stripping care

After removing your nail polish in the method of your choice, be sure to follow up with a little nail care. "Since rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer can dehydrate skin and nails, use a cuticle oil to rehydrate your nails, cuticles and surrounding skin," says Boyce.
On the other hand, taking care of your nails doesn't necessarily mean resorting to sophisticated products. "You definitely just want to hydrate as much as possible to keep your nails healthy," says Koehler. "A good diet is always great for strong nails, but hydration is just so important. Drink lots of water, and then specifically, work the hydration into your nails."

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