This summer-like weather made me want to run out for a fresh mani and pedi. I just love having a pretty set of freshly painted fingers and toes! However, when it comes to removing nail polish, the process becomes considerably less fun. Removing nail polish can be stinky and messy. There are plenty of nail polish remover options available, so let’s take a closer look at how these removers work and which one is the best for you.
Basically, there are two different kinds of nail polish removers: acetone and non-acetone. Most brands carry both types–it’s usually stated right on the front label. Both types contain a solvent (like acetone) that works by dissolving the hard film that’s left on your nails by the ingredients in the polish. Nail polishes contain ingredients like resins, plasticizers, film formers and color pigments. All these ingredients work to give you a nice even coat of polish that dries quickly and evenly. The problem is, these ingredients aren’t so easy to remove.
Use alcohol and alcohol-based products to peel away polish. The stronger the alcohol content the better this will work. Of course, your first move should be to us isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, but there are other products that contain alcohol (or ethyl glycol) in them. If you see this listed as an ingredient on a product in your home, that product may be effective in removing nail polish:
- Perfume
- Hair-spray
- Hand Sanitizer
- Spray-on deodorant
- Rubbing alcohol
While alcoholic spirits shouldn’t be your first option, clear, high-alcohol drinks like vodka, grappa, or gin will all battle nail polish. You may have to soak your nails for 10-20 minutes in the liquor for the best effects.