Want to change the color of your nails, but you don’t have nail polish remover to remove the old color? Learn how to remove nail polish without nail polish remover.
Nail polish remover is a clear, transparent liquid with a specific smell that evaporates very easily at a room temperature. It has the ability to easily dissolve nail polish.
The solvent used in most nail polish removers is acetone, a natural, organic compound that is created in our body when fats are broken down. This happens when you follow some diets based on high protein and low carbohydrate intake, such as a keto diet.
Then the body is brought to ketosis and a higher dose of acetone is released. That, however, is not the way we get it. Acetone which is used in the production of nail polish removers is obtained by chemical processing of polymers in larger quantities and is widely used in industry and household.
It doesn’t sound like something you want on your nails often, does it?
If you like to paint your nails and make sure that their decoration and color are in harmony with the outfit you are wearing, then you probably know very well how frequent use of nail polish remover can dry your nails.
Is Nail Polish Remover Really Necessary?
Not only does it dry out the nails, but it can also cause contact dermatitis in some people – skin irritation caused by contact with this substance. That is why oil-based nail polish removers, which do not contain acetone, have been made.
And what to do in situations when you don’t even have one, and going to the store is not possible for some reason?
All you have to do is find some other way!
Here are 10 ways to remove nail polish without nail polish remover, with the products you probably have at home.
Removing nail polish in these ways does not always work from the first try and sometimes requires a little more persistence.
Spray Deodorant
We believe that most women’s bags contain at least one deodorant spray. And did you know about the multifunctional role of this cosmetic product? When you don’t have nail polish remover, you can try and use a deodorant spray instead.
The procedure is extremely simple, but you must do one nail at a time. Open the deodorant and spray a little on the nail you want to clean. Quickly, while still wet, remove the coat of paint with a little cotton wool.
You can also spray deodorant on cotton wool, but this method has proven to be less effective because cotton wool absorbs some of the ingredients. Of course, if it does not succeed from the first try, repeat the procedure several times.
Keep in mind that not all deodorants are the same and their effect depends on their ingredients. When you are looking for a way to remove nail polish without nail polish remover, you cannot adhere exclusively to natural cosmetics and natural deodorants. After all, nail polish is also made up of chemicals!
Hair Spray
What if the deodorant did not give the desired effects even after several attempts? Don’t give up! Then try with the hairspray. It has ingredients that are used in commercial nail polish removers (primarily alcohol and acetate salts) and can therefore be used for these purposes.
Surely you know that hairspray dries and hardens relatively quickly and forms a kind of protective layer on the hair. The experience of using it can be very sticky. When you use it to remove nail polish, you need to react quickly so that it does not dry out, because then it does not work.
The procedure is the same as with deodorant. Take a piece of paper towel, toilet paper, or a wet tissue and rub the nail well. Cotton wool is not recommended in this case because the hairspray is sticky and its remnants can remain around your fingers, which can later ruin your next manicure if you do not clean your hands thoroughly.
Perfume
Maybe hairspray is not something you always have at home (there is a higher chance that you have nail polish remover). But what about perfumes?
Some deodorants do not work well for removing nail polish, but perfumes are stronger. So try this option. It is important to choose a perfume, not eau de toilette. Yes, this is a slightly more luxurious variant of removing nail polish, but you do two things at the same time – you put on your favorite scent and remove the unwanted color from your nails.
Since you will feel the scent of a real perfume for a long time, even if you wash your hands, choose the one that you like. The procedure is the same as above – you spray the nail and quickly start cleaning. Repeat several times if necessary.
Lemon
Is the reason you are wondering how to remove nail polish without nail polish remover that you want to use only natural cosmetics? This contradicts the logic of using nail polish at all, but we also have this option. Lemon, unlike spray deodorants and hair sprays, is a completely natural method.
To use it for these purposes, you need to do the following: Cut the lemon into slices. Put your fingers in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften the nail polish. Take a slice of lemon and rub the nail.
Keep in mind that this can cause a mess, so it is better to squeeze lemon a little by hand first so that there is no splashing of its juice during the pressure on the nail plate. You don’t want it in your eyes!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a universal natural cleanser for the household, so why not to use it for nails. It is best combined with lemon or other citrus fruits.
Before you start removing the nail polish in this way, it is best to soften it by keeping your hands in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. Try this:
- Make a solution of equal amounts of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
- Dip cloths or cotton wool into the solution and wrap the nails of one hand in them.
- Hold for half a minute to a minute, then take off one cloth at a time and rub the nail hard.
The acid from vinegar and lemon should dissolve the nail polish and speed up its removal.
However, this is best done when you have a thinner layer of nail polish. If this doesn’t work, you’re not doing anything in vain. Apple cider vinegar is great for nail fungus.
Additional Layer of Nail Polish
This is perhaps a slightly unusual way to remove nail polish without nail polish remover. So, all you need is another nail polish – the same one you already have or any other.
Apply a new coat of nail polish over the one you want to remove and do not skimp. Immediately after that take a napkin or a piece of toilet paper and wipe the nail, press hard and rub. The new layer will bond to the old one and you will easily remove both layers of nail polish. As silly as it sounds, this method is quite effective!
Alcohol
Deodorants and perfumes work on removing nail polish because they contain alcohol. With the same logic, you can reach for other products that contain it. The stronger the alcohol, the better. It can be a sanitary remedy for hands, medical alcohol, and finally brandy, vodka, or some other strong drink. Beer and wine will not be a good option.
Soak your hand in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes, then dip a cotton ball in alcohol and rub. Repeat the rubbing procedure several times if necessary. And it will be necessary, for sure…
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is used for disinfection and it is mostly the 3% one, although you can try a stronger one – the one used for hair dyeing. If it does not harm the scalp, it will not harm the nails and hands either.
You need to do the following – mix hydrogen with water in proportion 2 : 1. It is best to keep the water as warm as possible. Soak your hand in this solution for about 10 minutes, and then use a file to remove the layers of nail polish.
Toothpaste and Vaseline
Do you ever wonder how to remove glitter nail polish? These polishes are very interesting and effective and if you love them, then you know how difficult it is to take them off. Is it possible without nail polish remover when we know that sometimes it takes an eternity to do the same with it?
In fact, there is a way to peel it off relatively quickly. What you need is Vaseline, toothpaste, and lemon juice (if you don’t have a lemon, you can do without it).
First, apply Vaseline to soften the nails well. After about 10 minutes, mix a little toothpaste and lemon juice in a bowl. Apply this mixture on the nails with a toothbrush and remove the layer of glitter polish with a strong rub.
The paste has an abrasive effect and in some way helps to separate the nail polish from the nail. Brush it off literally in this way. Watch the video. A nail polish remover was used here to remove the top layer.
Warm Water
You have none of the above? Then how to remove nail polish without nail polish remover? All you have left is hot water. This is the most difficult method that will take you a lot of time, so resort to it only when you have no other choice.
Soak your nails in warm water for about 10 minutes, then scratch the nail polish, which should soften. You can do this with a file or with your nails. Keep in mind that this can take up to an hour and don’t try this when you’re in a hurry.
Should you replace your old nail polish removal technique with one of these and save your nails?
This is not exactly a way to save them and you should not use these methods every day.
Just like nail polish remover, neither hairspray nor strong rubbing with a brush and toothpaste will bring care to your nails. On the contrary, it will make your nail plates thinner, dry them out and they will become brittle and fragile.
If you really want protection for your nails, choose a nail polish that is easily combined with your outfit, some neutral colors, which is long-lasting and does not break easily. Spare your nails from strenuous treatments. Instead, give them care. Castor oil is great for hair, but also for nail care. Believe me, your nails will thank you.
Some of these methods can be good when you are in a hurry. Hairspray and an extra coat of nail polish proved to be quite effective.
Most will still bring you a lot of pain and require a lot of rubbing, persistence and time. Sometimes you will lose 10 minutes just soaking your nails in water, and at least that much more by taking it off. That’s fine if you don’t really have a choice, and you need any way to remove nail polish without nail polish remover.
When you are in a hurry, it may still be better and faster for you to go to the first store and buy a nail polish remover or acetone.
We just suggested some ways! It is up to you to assess what pays off more at the given moment!
