Got shellac nails that are starting to look a little rough? Don’t stress—you don’t need a fancy salon visit to take them off! Removing shellac at home is actually pretty easy if you know how to do it right (and without wrecking your nails). In this guide, I’ll walk you through the super simple steps to get rid of that polish so your nails are ready for a fresh new look. Let’s get started!
Materials needed
First, let’s gather your supplies. Most of these are things you probably already have at home, or you can pick them up easily:
- Acetone (look for 100% acetone—it works fastest!)
- Cotton balls or pads
- Aluminum foil (cut into little squares big enough to wrap your fingertips)
- Nail file
- Cuticle stick or pusher
- Cuticle oil (optional but so worth it!)
- Lotion (to rehydrate your skin after)
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.
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.