Shellac manicures look gorgeous, but we’ve all been there: the glossy shine starts to chip, and suddenly you’re tempted to pick it off. Don’t do it! Peeling shellac can actually strip away the top layers of your natural nail, leaving them weak, ridged, and prone to breakage.

The good news? You can absolutely remove shellac at home—without wrecking your nails—if you do it the right way. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to take off shellac safely, plus give you pro tips, common mistakes to avoid, aftercare, and product recommendations to keep your nails healthy and strong.

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Materials needed

Here’s your shellac removal starter pack. You probably already have some of these at home, and others are worth investing in for a smoother process.

• 100% Pure Acetone – the only remover strong enough for shellac. (Tip: I love this salon-grade acetone on Amazon because it works faster and comes in a spill-proof bottle.)
• Cotton pads or balls – cut into small squares so they sit neatly on your nails.
• Aluminum foil strips – to wrap the cotton in place. (Or use pre-made nail soak off clips if you want reusable, less messy tools.)
• Nail file or buffer – to break the shiny top coat.
• Cuticle pusher / orange stick – for gently scraping softened polish.
• Cuticle oil (optional but so worth it!)
• Lotion (to rehydrate your skin after)

Links above may be affiliate links; I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Step-by-step guide for removing shellac nail polish

With these easy steps, you can ditch your polish like a pro and keep your nails looking and feeling great.

Step 1: Prep Your Nails

Grab a nail file and start by gently filing the top layer of your shellac. This makes it easier for the acetone to soak through and break down the polish.

You don’t need to go wild here. Only buff off the shiny topcoat and not your natural nails

Step 2: Apply Acetone and Wrap

Soak a cotton ball or pad in acetone. Then, place it right on top of your nail, making sure it covers the entire nail surface.

Wrap each fingertip with a small square of aluminum foil to hold the cotton in place. Ensure the foil is snug to create a bit of warmth, which helps speed up the process, and then repeat for all your nails.

If you don’t want to use aluminum foil, soak your fingertips directly in acetone instead (but this method can be more drying).

Step 3: Wait It Out

Patience is key here! Let your nails soak for 10-15 minutes. The acetone needs time to work its magic and break down the shellac.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, you can wrap your hands in a warm towel while you wait. The warmth helps speed things up!

Step 4: Remove and Scrape

Unwrap one nail and check your progress. Most of the polish should look soft and crumbly. Gently press down and wipe the polish away as you remove the foil and cotton.

If some polish is still clinging on for dear life, don’t force it! Just rewrap the nail with a fresh cotton ball and acetone for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Buff and Hydrate

Once all the polish is gone, give your nails a gentle buff to smooth out the surface. Then, show your nails some love with cuticle oil and a good hand lotion. Acetone can be super drying, so this step is a must!

You can also use a nail strengthening polish, like OPI Nail Envy, to protect and repair nails.

Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind

• Don’t peel or pick! It’s tempting, but peeling off shellac can seriously damage your natural nails.
• Be patient. Rushing the process can do more harm than good. If some polish remains stubborn, repeat the acetone soak for another 5 minutes.
• Take nail breaks. After removing the shellac, let your nails breathe before applying another manicure.

Find out: 5 Easy Ways to Remove Nail Polish Stains from nails at Home

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Removing shellac at home doesn’t have to be stressful or messy. Just give this method a try, and you will be able to safely remove that stubborn shellac polish.

• 100% Pure Acetone – the only remover strong enough for shellac. (Tip: I love this salon-grade acetone on Amazon because it works faster and comes in a spill-proof bottle.)
• Cotton pads or balls – cut into small squares so they sit neatly on your nails.
• Aluminum foil strips – to wrap the cotton in place. (Or use pre-made nail soak off clips if you want reusable, less messy tools.)
• Nail file or buffer – to break the shiny top coat.
• Cuticle pusher / orange stick – for gently scraping softened polish.
• Cuticle oil or balm – for hydration before and after.
• Hand cream or nail strengthener – to restore moisture.

(Pro tip: grab a complete gel removal kit like this one on Amazon so you don’t have to piece everything together.)

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Step 1: Prep Your Nails & Protect Your Skin

Before you even touch the acetone, prep is everything.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove oils, lotions, or dirt.
2. Gently file the shiny topcoat of your shellac nails. You’re not removing color yet—just roughing up the surface so acetone can penetrate.
3. Protect your skin: Apply a thin layer of cuticle oil, balm, or even petroleum jelly around the nail bed. This creates a barrier against acetone’s drying effects.

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Step 2: Soak the Polish

Now comes the fun (and slightly messy) part.

1. Soak a small piece of cotton with acetone.
2. Place it directly on your nail.
3. Wrap tightly with foil to hold it in place. (If you want a neater, eco-friendly option, use nail soak-off clips.)
4. Repeat for all nails.

How long to wait?

• For most shellac brands: 10–15 minutes.
• For thicker layers or darker colors: 20–25 minutes.
• For stubborn salon brands: it can take up to 30+ minutes.

💡 Tip: Check after 10 minutes. If the polish isn’t lifting or flaking, rewrap and give it more time. Patience is key.

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Step 3: Remove Gently

When you unwrap, the shellac should look soft, flaky, and ready to slide off.

1. Use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push the polish away.
2. If polish clings to certain spots, don’t force it. Re-soak those nails for another 5–10 minutes.
3. Lightly buff the surface to smooth out any residue.

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Step 4: Post-Removal Aftercare

Your nails will feel dry after acetone, and that’s normal. This step is where you protect them from long-term damage.

• Massage in cuticle oil (try this nourishing jojoba blend).
• Apply a rich hand cream or nail serum.
• For extra strength, use a nail hardener like OPI Nail Envy to rebuild weak nails.
• Let your nails breathe polish-free for a few days before your next manicure.

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Safety Tips & Precautions

• Always work in a well-ventilated space (acetone fumes are strong).
• Keep acetone away from open flames (it’s highly flammable).
• Don’t use this method if you have cuts, infections, or very brittle nails—see a professional instead.
• Never scrape aggressively; over-filing or harsh pushing can thin your nails permanently.

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Troubleshooting & FAQs

What if my polish isn’t coming off?
→ Re-soak for 10 more minutes. Some polishes are extra stubborn.

Can I use non-acetone remover?
→ Sadly, no. Non-acetone removers just won’t work on shellac.

Can I speed it up with heat?
→ Yes, wrapping your hands in a warm towel while soaking can help, but don’t use direct heat (like a hair dryer).

How often can I do this?
→ Ideally, give your nails a rest between manicures. Continuous shellac + removal weakens nails, so let them go polish-free at least once every 2–3 cycles.

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Final Thoughts

Removing shellac at home doesn’t have to mean damaged, paper-thin nails. With the right supplies, a little patience, and some TLC afterward, you can keep your nails strong and healthy while saving salon trips.

If you want a smooth, no-mess experience, I recommend investing in:

• Salon-grade acetone
• Reusable soak-off clips
• Cuticle oil
• OPI Nail Envy Strengthener

Your nails will thank you. 💅