There are several effective methods to remove nail polish, depending on what products are available:
- The most common and effective way is using an acetone-based nail polish remover. Soak a cotton ball or pad in remover, press it onto the nail, and wipe off the polish. For tougher polish like gel or glitter, wrap the soaked cotton on your nail with foil and leave it for about 10-15 minutes before wiping off the softened polish.
- When acetone remover is not available, other household items can work:
- Soaking nails in vodka or other high-alcohol spirits for several minutes can soften polish, then wipe or peel it off.
* **Rubbing alcohol** or **hand sanitizer** containing alcohol can break down polish and may work similarly with some soaking and rubbing.
* **Toothpaste** with baking soda can act as a mild abrasive to scrub polish off after massaging it with a nail brush.
* A soak in a mixture of **hydrogen peroxide and warm water** might help loosen polish to gently wipe or file it away.
- For quick removal, sometimes applying a fresh coat of clear nail polish and immediately wiping it off can lift older polish without remover.
- For gel polish removal, protect your skin with petroleum jelly before soaking nails with acetone-soaked cotton wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for 10 minutes, then gently rub off the gel and moisturize afterward to prevent dryness.
- After removal, it is advisable to wash your hands with gentle soap and moisturize to maintain nail and skin health.
In summary, the fastest and most reliable way is using an acetone-based nail polish remover with cotton and foil wrap for 10-15 minutes. If unavailable, household alcohols, toothpaste, or a warm soak with hydrogen peroxide can be alternatives, though they may take longer or be less effective.
