Nail polish adds a touch of color and style to our hands. However, it can be difficult to remove when it’s time for a new look. Traditionally, chemical remover has always been the most common solution for removing nail polish. However, it’s impossible when the bottle of remover is empty or when its strong odor is hard to tolerate. Additionally, it’s not very gentle on nails and cuticles, as it tends to dry them out severely. This can make you dread your next manicure or pedicure… Luckily, clever and sometimes more eco-friendly solutions exist to remove nail polish without resorting to conventional chemical removers. With these natural or non-natural tricks, say goodbye to toxic fumes and hello to clean, clear, and healthy-looking nails. Your chipped polish better watch out!
1) Vinegar and Lemon to Remove Polish Naturally and Without Remover
Highly appreciated for household cleaning, white vinegar can also replace your remover effortlessly. Simply mix it with a little lemon juice to remove all traces of top coat, polish, and base coat without much effort. Just pour a glass of white vinegar and the juice of a lemon into a container, then soak your hands or feet for 10 to 15 minutes. While soaking, remember to scrape your fingers and toes to help remove the layers of polish more easily. Then rinse and reveal impeccable nails that are less yellow thanks to the lemon.
2) Whitening Toothpaste to Remove Chipped Polish
Be sure to use a whitening toothpaste and not regular toothpaste! To use this tip, simply put a dollop of toothpaste on a cotton ball and rub it onto the nail. Repeat as necessary. For extra effectiveness, some nail polish aficionados don’t hesitate to make a thick paste with baking soda and toothpaste, then apply it with an old toothbrush. This will give you clean and well-whitened nails. And with this handy trick, you won’t have to worry about inhaling toxic fumes. No need to air out the room after taking care of your nails!
3) Removing Polish… with Fresh Polish
Apply a thick layer of polish, then rub it with a cotton ball before it has a chance to dry. This will magically remove the old damaged polish!
4) Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Polish Without Remover
The magazine 100% Feminine recommends using hydrogen peroxide to remove all types of polish (gel polish, acrylic, glitter, and even long-lasting polish). The site explains that you should mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part very hot water (but not scalding, to avoid injury of course!). Then, soak for 10 minutes while regularly rubbing the polish layer. This will help remove it more quickly. And the good news: like with lemon and toothpaste, this trick leaves your nails shiny and very white.
5) Removing Polish Without Remover Using Alcohol
Whether it’s aerosol deodorant, perfume, hair spray, or even hand sanitizer, any alcohol-based solutions can be used to remove chipped polish without remover. Some people even use vodka or gin when they don’t have anything else on hand! Simply apply it to a cotton ball and carefully rub the nails until all colored traces are gone. The more concentrated the alcohol, the more effective it will be. We also recommend soaking the nail for 20 minutes in the alcoholic solution before rubbing with the cotton pad.
6) Mercurochrome (because why not try another unusual trick!)
Soak a cotton ball in Mercurochrome and rub your nails to remove any remaining traces of chipped polish.
Whether you usually use acetone-based remover, acetone-free remover, or a natural organic remover made from glycerin and vegetable oils, these emergency tips should leave your nails looking flawless. Some of these products contain some alcohol, so we recommend washing your hands thoroughly after removing the polish. Also, don’t forget to apply a moisturizing and nourishing hand cream or natural care product (coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, cocoa butter, etc.), focusing on the cuticle area to protect the nail and prevent breakage.
