How to Use Nail Polish Remover

Knowing how to use nail polish remover isn’t all that complicated. But is there a right way and a wrong way to use it?

Nail polish can be tough to get off. This is because a quality manicure has at least 4 coats of polish. These coats include a basecoat, two coats of lacquer, and a topcoat.

All those layers ensure a longer-lasting manicure. But they also make cleaning it off difficult. So, how do you use nail polish remover the right way?

The next 5 steps will outline how you can use nail polish remover more effectively.

Using Nail Polish Remover

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before you get started, it’s always best to get all your tools together first. This saves you from having to jump up to look for something.

What you’ll need:

Nail polish remover
Cotton balls or strips
Plastic food wrap
An old towel
Cuticle oil

Hand creme

Now that you have all your tools at hand, find a comfortable workspace. A table will do nicely, although many of us tend to sit on the sofa. Watching TV while doing our nails that’s strangely therapeutic.

But before you get settled in, you’ll need to prepare your workspace.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you start cleaning your nails, you should prepare your work area.

Place plastic food wrap on your work area and then an old towel over it. This works well if you’re using a table, or even sitting on the bed or sofa.

You don’t need to do this step, but it’s a good idea. Most nail polish removers contain a powerful chemical called acetone.

Acetone can stain almost anything, including wood and fabric. Our article on how to remove nail polish remover from wood table explains this in detail.

Also, if you’re wondering how to get dried nail polish out of fabric, don’t use remover.

Step 3: Preparing the Cotton

You’re going to be tearing small strips off your cotton ball or strip. You’ll need 10 pieces (enough for all your nails) and they should be big enough to cover the entire nail.

Pour some remover in the cap of the bottle and soak your cotton pieces. Makes sure that the cotton isn’t dripping wet, or you’ll have a mess.

If you don’t have regular remover, try home nail polish remover. You can easily repurpose regular household products. This is also the best way to remove nail polish from the skin.

If you’re wondering how to remove nail polish without cotton balls, try paper towels. It’s sturdy enough and works just as well.

Step 4: Removal

Now, let’s get to removing the nail polish. Put a piece of remover-soaked cotton on each nail.

If you’re using a remover with acetone, try to avoid the skin around your nails. Acetone sucks the moisture out of most things. It will dry out your skin.

Press the cotton down firmly to ensure it stays in place. Leave it on for about a minute. Once it’s ready push the cotton from your nails.

use nail polish remover

Press down firmly and push the cotton off from the cuticle to the tip. This will easily remove lacquer nail polish.

If the cotton sticks to the polish instead, then it has too little remover. Drop a little more on the cotton and let it sit for another minute.

Please note that unless the remover has acetone, it won’t remove gel polish from nails. You will also need to let it soak for about 10 minutes or more.

Any leftover polish on your nails can be removed easily. You shouldn’t need more than one cotton ball and a little remover.

Step 5: Nail and Hand Care

Now that your nails are clean, they need a little pampering.

Soak your hands in warm soapy water to wash off any remaining polish remover. This is especially important if your remover contains acetone.

Soak for about 5 minutes and then pat dry your hands.

You can now moisturize using your preferred hand lotion or cream. Remember to care for your cuticles and nails as well.

Use cuticle oil on your nails, paying special attention to the cuticle and nail bed. This will help restore the moisture.

Final Note

As you can see, using a nail polish remover is easy.

Acetone, as a powerful chemical, will dry out your skin and nails. Avoid getting it onto your skin, furniture, or clothing.

Now you know how to use nail polish remover effectively. Gather your tools, find a comfy spot, and get started.

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