What's the Best Way to Remove Stubborn Nail Polish?

Taking a trip to the salon and getting a fresh set of nails is a great way to lift your mood and look. With so many styles, colours and designs to choose from, you can update your style in a big way without having to take on too much risk.

That said, for every easy, fun-filled nail sesh, there is a stubborn nail polish colour that simply will not budge. So how do you remove stubborn nail polish? Fortunately, we have the answers at Adore Beauty, from figuring out how to get the polish off at home to removing gel nail polish without acetone. We will explore different techniques and products to secure the best results without damaging your nails and cuticles so that you can enjoy fabulous nails for longer.

Read on below to learn more about how to remove gel nail polish, and our best tips and tricks to keep your nails on point this season!


What's the Best Way to Remove Stubborn Nail Polish? - hands with red nail polish are holding a white mug with blue stripes - 1200 x 800 What's the Best Way to Remove Stubborn Nail Polish? - hands with red nail polish are holding a white mug with blue stripes - 1200 x 800


How to Remove Nail Colour without Nail Polish Remover

Nails look their best when they are in the best condition. Nail polish remover is effective but can also leave your nails feeling parched and generally worse for wear. If you are looking for a gentler alternative to remove those stubborn gel nail polish colours, here are a few tips you should try.

1. Rubbing Alcohol

Applying rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad and placing it against your nail is one of the best ways to remove gel nail polish quickly. It is also one of the easiest. All you have to know is how to gently rub the cotton pad back and forth until the colour is nowhere to be found!

2. Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Vinegar and lemon juice, or orange juice if you haven’t got any lemons, is a great homemade alternative to nail polish remover and acetone. Mix equal parts white vinegar and citrus juice before dipping a cotton pad in the solution and pressing it against your nail for about 10 seconds. The nail colour will soften and then come away quickly on the pad.

3. Toothpaste

It sounds like a weird one, but it works! This handy household item can remove stubborn nail polish with its gentle, abrasive formula. Simply add some toothpaste to a cotton pad and rub it against your fingernails for a few minutes. This may require a few goes, depending on the amount and colour of your polish.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide and Hot Water Soak

When you two parts hydrogen peroxide with one-part hot water, you create a solution ideal for removing stubborn nail polish. Try soaking your nails in this mixture (at an acceptable temperature) and watch as it softens your polish before gently wiping it away with a cotton pad.

5. Nail Polish

In some instances, another round of nail polish can be enough to soften those stubborn gel nail colours. Add a layer over the top and see if you can scrape it away with a cotton pad, revealing a clean nail beneath it. This one can be a bit labour-intensive if you scrub away at the nail polish, but it will leave your nails in better condition than a remover that uses acetone.


How to Remove Stubborn Nail Polish How to Remove Stubborn Nail Polish


How to Remove Gel Nail Polish at Home

On many occasions, we simply do not have the time to pop into the salon whenever we want to freshen up our nails and get help with stubborn polish colours. Here are some handy tips for at-home gel nail polish removal to tide you over until your next nail appointment.

1. Wrap it up in Aluminium Foil

If you know how to remove gel nail polish, you’ll be familiar with the foil-covered fingertip look! The foil method, commonly used as a hard gel nail polish remover, is also very effective at removing stubborn regular nail polish. You'll need the following:

●  Aluminium foil

●  Acetone nail polish remover

●  Cotton wool balls

Follow this process:

  • First, pour an appropriate amount of nail polish removerinto a glass or bowl and soak the cotton wool.

  • After they are saturated, shred the cotton wool into pieces small enough to fit on your nail beds.

  • Take your nail file and gently sand down the top layer of your polish. Remember, you just want to rough up the top coat and remove shine, so it breaks down easier.

  • Place a piece of soaked cotton wool on each nail before wrapping each finger in aluminium foil.

  • Let this sit for 3 to 5 minutes.

  • Remove the al-foil and the cotton wool and see how the polish has been softened and loosened, ready for removal.

  • Use a hand cream or ultra-moisturising treatment to counteract the drying effects of this process.

2. Use Glue as a Base Coat

Don't feel like trying a peel-off base coat? This unusual method is pretty effective if you want to rock your polish for only a few days or if you’re planning to use glitter gel nail polish. Glitter gel nail polish can be tough to budge, but if you use kind nail care products, the glue method is very doable!

This easy technique suits your one-night stand manicure perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

●  Lightweight glue that dries clear

●  An old nail polish brush

●  Cotton buds

Follow this process:

  • Before applying your nail polish, spread a small amount of glue onto your nails using the nail polish brush.

  • Wait for 5 to 10 minutes for the glue to dry completely.

  • Remove stray glue from your skin with cotton buds. If your polish is bright, consider using a base coat as well.

  • Next, apply an eye-catching nail colour and an exotic finish.

  • After your event, gently lift the nail polish and peel it off. You don’t have to worry about damaging your nails since glue doesn’t completely adhere to your nail beds.

Nail polish remover wipes are great when you want to switch up your look in a flash. Take one sheet and lay it over your nail polish for 5 minutes. You can secure the wipe with a small rubber band so it won’t shift out of place.

 

How to Remove Stubborn Nail Polish How to Remove Stubborn Nail Polish


Removing Nail Colour - Aftercare

Once you have gotten the polish off your nails, it is time to consider the aftercare steps needed to maintain strong, healthy nails.

Some nail polish remover products that contain acetone can be harsh on the skin and the nail beds, so creating your own nourishing nail kit is a great way to kick-start your aftercare journey.

1. Weleda Skin Food

To soothe dry and cracked hands or fingertips, why not try Weleda Skin Food and experience this award-winning formula's soothing, healing effects?

Launched in 1926, the products have continued to be a favourite amongst those looking to practise nail care at home.

The 100% natural cream offers deep hydration, using rosemary, lanolin, chamomile and sweet almond to nourish and smooth skin. Knowing how to use a product like this after removing nail polish will keep your hands feeling soft and supple.

2. OPI Expert Touch Lint-Free Nail Wipes

For a quick fix, the OPI Expert Touch Lint-Free Nail Wipes make a great addition to any at-home nail care kit.

These highly absorbent dry nail wipes work wonders with acetone-free nail polish remover and as well as stubborn shellac nail polish remover. The best thing? They never leave any frustrating lint behind for a smooth, clean finish.

 

3. The Beauty Chef COLLAGEN Inner Beauty Boost

Once you have what you need to support your nails on the outside, it’s time to turn your mind to what’s happening inside. If your hands see some heavy-duty action with regular nail removal and polishing, then you may need a beauty supplement to keep them in their prime.

The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost has been designed to support the body’s production of Collagen. High Collagen levels help the body radiate and look plumped from the inside out.

Taking a nail supplement will help combat cellular damage and support healthy skin, hair, and nail growth.

4. Dr Hauschka Neem Nail & Cuticle Oil

To keep your nails in good condition, Dr Hauschka Neem Nail & Cuticle Oil 18ml presents an intensive formula that will give your tired, cracked, and peeling nails a new lease on life with every application.

By softening and protecting the cuticles, this Neem nail oil curbs your urge to cut them away. This Neem oil keeps your nail beds stay strong and healthy by softening and protecting the cuticles.

Massage the oil into the skin regularly to stimulate growth—especially after you’ve removed your polish.



Discover some favourite nail polishes in our guide - The 3 Best Non-Toxic Nail Polishes




Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.





    Subscribe for beauty sales, free goodies, advice and SO much more!