When it comes to removing your shellac manicure (boo, hiss), it’s important to do it the proper way. Removing your polish without the know-how can damage your nails long-term, and let’s face it, though the process can be done at home, the risk of acetone sliding down the sofa is too darn high. Leave the tin foil for roasting (more on that below), and let the salon take the work off your hands – literally. This is why heading to a professional to remove shellac nails is a good idea.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 The prep
First up, your nails will be filed to remove the outer layer of polish. This allows the acetone (debuting in the next step), to penetrate the polish. Good news, unlike gel, shellac polish is much thinner, so there won’t need be too much filing required (meaning little damage to the nail bed). To do so at home, you’ll need a nail buffer, and be ambidextrous. Kidding. But you will need to file down the nails on each hand – tricky.
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2 The tools
A liquid solvent used to remove stubborn polish. Like traditional nail varnish remover, but seriously strong (I’m talking removing Sharpie strong). Cotton pads will be soaked in acetone, and wrapped around each nail, to dissolve the polish. Next, aluminum foil is wrapped, in individual pieces, around the varnish-vanishing cotton wool to keep it in place. Hence, tin foil fingers.
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3 The waiting
Whether you’re removing gel polish, or shellac, this bit is always pleasant. Waiting for the acetone to work its magic, in a soothing nail bar. You’ll struggle to do much with your Tin Man fingertips, so embrace the relaxation. The benefit of being at home is television. The benefit of being in a salon? Doing absolutely nothing for fifteen minutes. Take it.
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4 The aftercare
Once the foil is off, any remaining shellac will be pushed back with a manicure stick. This is totally painless, FYI, as the shellac will be super soft and dissolve away. Look down to your healthy, natural nails. Perks of heading salon-side for removal: the nail technician can apply a fresh set of shellac straight away. I know which I’d choose…
So, there you go. The process is similar at home vs. the salon, but for a fuss-free, mess-free removal (and to make sure the nails’ health is kept in tip-top condition), I’d recommend heading to the pros.
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FAQs
How do you remove shellac nails in a salon?
Your shellac nails are first filed to take off the outer layer, then acetone-soaked cotton pads are wrapped around each nail and secured with aluminum foil. After waiting about fifteen minutes, any remaining shellac is gently pushed off, revealing your natural nails. This professional method keeps your nails healthier and avoids the usual mess at home.
Why should you avoid removing shellac nails at home?
Removing shellac at home without proper technique can cause long-term nail damage and risk spills from strong acetone. Achieving the correct filing and wrapping for each hand can be tricky. Heading to a salon means your nails are safely cared for by professionals and you avoid any mess.
What tools are used to take off shellac manicure?
Salons use a nail file, acetone, cotton pads, and aluminum foil to remove shellac. The acetone dissolves the polish as it soaks into a cotton pad held in place by the foil, making the removal safe and efficient.
What aftercare should you expect after shellac removal?
After the foil and pads are removed, any leftover shellac is gently pushed off with a manicure stick, a completely painless process. You’ll see your healthy, natural nails after the treatment. You can also opt for a fresh set of shellac right away if you like.
How long do you wait during the shellac removal process?
You wait about fifteen minutes while the acetone works to dissolve the shellac. This gives you time to unwind in the salon, letting a professional handle the process so your nails stay in great condition.