What You Need to Know About a Nail Polish Remover
A nail polish remover is popular for its ability to remove nail polish in seconds, especially if it’s acetone-based. But it’s more than that. It can even be the perfect solution to effectively help get rid of the most advanced nail enhancements today. Understanding how the product works and how to use it best can make manicure or pedicure procedures easier.
Here, we look into the important aspects of nail polish removers, such as their components, how acetone-based products work, how to use them properly for best results and dos and don’ts. Whether you’re a manicure lover or a beginner in nails, our guide can teach you how to maximise the benefits of this product. Let’s begin!
What is a Nail Polish Remover?
To give you a little background about nail polish removers, let’s discuss what they are. The traditional version of the product is made up of fatty ingredients like caster oil and acetone. Acetone-based nail polish removers are the most common because they work fast. Acetone is a solvent that quickly breaks the nail varnish apart and strips the polish from the nail surface.
Are Acetone-Based Nail Polish Removers Toxic?
No, they are not in general. Acetone itself is considered safe to use when used properly and in small amounts. It is also not registered as a cancer-causing agent. Intermittent or occasional use of this solvent has no critical health effects.
The controversy behind acetone being “harmful” to our health is still ongoing. The reason for this is primarily when you inhale the solvent because it has a strong smell. Frequent exposure to acetone when inhaled in large amounts can lead to the following:
- Loss of consciousness
- Damage to the mucous membranes
- Nasal irritation
- Sore throat
- Severe cough
- Confusion
- Increased heart rate
This is why nail technicians, for example, wear proper protective gear when doing manicures or pedicures. It is advised to use acetone-based products with ventilation masks, protective eyewear, surgical gloves and in highly ventilated spaces.
What Are Non-Acetone-Based Nail Polish Removers?
Non-acetone-based nail polish removers are gentler than acetone-based products. They typically contain methyl ethyl ketone or ethyl acetate, which is the active ingredient. They were created for nail extensions as acetone can cause lifting and make the extensions brittle. However, they take more time to remove nail polish as they are less effective than acetone.
How to Use a Nail Polish Remover
You might have an idea of how to use an acetone-based nail polish remover, but there is always a better and more effective way to do it. Here’s how to properly use the product:
1. Prepare Your Materials
This is a no-brainer, but allow us to highlight that prepping your materials before you start prevents interruption later during the procedure. What you need are:
- Nail polish remover
- Cuticle oil
- Clean towel
- Cotton balls
2. Prepare the Cotton Balls for Soaking
In this step, you dip each cotton ball in acetone for each of your fingers. Make sure the size of the cotton ball fits your entire nail. Also, the cotton ball must not be dripping with the solvent, just the right amount for your nail. It’s advised to not let the cotton ball touch your surrounding skin as well to prevent dryness during soaking. You can apply petroleum jelly around your nails to protect your skin.
3. Remove the Polish
Once the cotton balls are ready, start putting them on each of your nails and allow 1 minute for the acetone to soak in. When placing the cotton ball, press it down firmly, so it stays in place. Then remove each cotton ball by pushing it upwards. Remove any nail polish residue with the cotton ball. If the cotton ball sticks to the nail polish, it only has a small amount of remover. You need to let it soak for another 10 minutes.
4. Moisturise Your Nails
This step is always recommended after removing nail products from your natural nails. You need hydration from the nail products to help your natural nails recover from the damage the polish caused. Soak your hands in warm and soapy water for 5 minutes to ensure your hands are clean and remove polish and acetone residue. Then, pat dry your hands and apply hand cream or cuticle oil to your fingers and hands.
There are still other ways you can use a nail polish remover to get rid of nail polish and other nail products. Just make sure to take extra care when using them to avoid risks to health.
How to Dispose Nail Polish Removers Properly
There is little knowledge about the proper disposal of acetone-based nail polish removers. The product should be disposed of appropriately as it’s considered a hazardous waste when thrown in large amounts. This is especially true in salons where large amounts are being thrown away daily.
Here, we’ll show you how to dispose the product correctly, so you understand the importance of getting rid of the nail polish removers safely.
1. Gather What You Need for the Disposal
Before you even start disposing the product, make sure you wear protective clothing and have waste bags or bins. This keeps your safety and ensures you don’t spill anything. Here’s what you need:
- Sealed metal container
- Garbage bag
- Face mask
- Rubber gloves
2. Work on a Concrete Flat Surface
Avoid spills and problems by working on a hard flat surface when disposing. You don’t want the product to be all over your sofa or anywhere in your home. There is a high chance of accidents when you do it on soft or uneven surfaces. Large spills can even damage or stain your sofa permanently. We discourage working on a flat wooden surface as well because acetone can damage wood. Concrete surfaces are ideal.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Once you’ve secured the perfect spot where you’ll work on, you can already start the disposal process. But before you do that, make sure to wear gloves, a face mask and other protective clothing to ensure you don’t inhale or have contact with the product.
Ventilation is also important in the disposal process, so acetone fumes can go somewhere and not stay and stick on objects and surfaces in your room. Open your door and windows.
4. Dispose the Nail Polish Remover
You can get rid of the product the way you’re used to doing it. But just make sure the cotton balls or pads are completely dry before you throw them away. Place them in a container that children or pets can’t reach while they air dry. You can also place the used cotton balls or pads in a small plastic bag before you throw them in the trash bin.
Helpful Tip: We recommend transferring the nail polish remover to a sealed metal container when you buy it instead of keeping it in its original plastic container. As much as possible, place it in a fire-proof metal container.
Nail Polish Remover Dos and Don’ts
There are things you need to keep in mind when disposing nail polish removers. Here are the dos and don’ts:
Dos
- When recycling, separate acetone containers. You’ll need specific recycling ideas for them. Also, harsh chemical residue may still be in the containers even if you’ve washed them clean.
- If you’re operating a salon, put nail polish removal wastes in fireproof metal containers. You need to dispose them based on hazardous waste protocols in your area. Or you can give them to recycling facilities.
Don’ts
- Don’t mix nail polish remover wastes with other wastes. Place them in a separate bag before throwing them away.
- Don’t drain acetone containers down your toilet or drain. The product can damage pipes.
- Don’t dispose acetone near open flame or hot places.
Is a Nail Polish Remover Effective on Removing Acrylic Nails?
Yes, it’s effective in removing acrylic nails. But you need to try a few techniques to ensure the nail enhancements are removed. You can soak the nails for several minutes in acetone or use the product with water or e-file. The key to these methods is soaking the nails in acetone for minutes. Here are the ways you can try:
Method 1:
Dip some cotton balls in acetone and place them on your nails. Wrap each nail in foil and let the product soak in for 10-20 minutes. Then, unwrap each nail and use a nail pusher to gently lift the acrylic nails. If a nail is still hard to push, you need to soak it back in acetone and wrap it in foil.
Method 2:
Soak your fingers in warm and soapy water for 10 minutes. Dip a cotton ball in acetone and place it on top of the nail. Press down the cotton ball gently and then push upwards from the cuticle. Your acrylic nails should be soft enough to be separated from your natural nails after soaking them. You may need to repeat the same procedure or try Method 1 if the nails are still hard to remove.
Method 3:
Method 3 uses the technique in Method 1. After soaking, the adhesive should already soften, and this is where you can file the nails down to remove them. You may need to repeat the soaking procedure if the adhesive is still hard.
Reminder: Just make sure that whichever method you use, you should follow a hand care treatment to hydrate the nails and help them recover from the damage caused by the acrylic nails. You can use a hand cream or lotion and then apply cuticle or nail oil to your nails. You may also want to take a short break between acrylic nail manicures.
The Takeaway
Using an acetone-based nail polish remover to remove nail polish makes your manicures really easy. Just be mindful of the precautions you must take to avoid any health risks. Remember this, acetone-based products are not really harmful when used properly and in tiny amounts. Avoid swallowing them or letting your children or pets reach them as well.