Nail polish is a staple of many women’s everyday look. The colors and designs are continuously being changed, and in order to do this nail polish remover is used to take off the existing polish. Regular acetone nail polish remover is extremely harsh on the nails, skin around the nail, and, of course, the nose. It has very harsh chemicals in it, including acetone and alcohol. Along with doing damage to the nails it can also damage carpets, tables, and clothing. Did you know that nail polish remover can actually remove varnish on wood? Yuck! But fear not polish queens, there are other ways! Nail polisher remover can move aside, here are some wonderful alternatives that you can use that are much better for your nails and nostrils.
Alternatives
Hot Water
When nail polish is submerged in hot water it softens and becomes very easy to remove. Heat up some water on the stove or in the microwave and test the temperature to make sure you can handle the heat. Place your nails in the water and let them soak for fifteen minutes. The nail polish will soften greatly and become very easy to remove with a nail file.
Vinegar & Citrus
Vinegar is a very versatile substance that has multiple great uses, including as a nail polish remover! The acidic nature of the vinegar breaks down the polish and makes it possible to wipe it away. Adding juice from a lemon or lime to the vinegar will help to speed to process up and make it smell much more pleasant. Simply get a small bowl and put vinegar in it, squeeze the juice form the citrus fruit into and place some cotton balls in there too. Use the cotton balls to begin wiping away your nail polish. This process may take a bit longer, but is much gentler and natural.
New Polish
Who would of thought that you could use nail polish to remove nail polish? You can! Using a cheap (or ugly) nail polish, simply paint a new coat onto the nail and then quickly use a cotton ball to wipe away at the nail. This will remove the new polish, which will bring the old with it! This is a great trick if you just don’t have any nail polish remover handy.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer, while yes it still contains some harsh chemicals, is one great way to remove nail polish. It contains alcohol, which is an effective substance in removing polish. Simply put a small dab of the sanitzer onto each nail and use a cotton swab to rub until the polish begins to come up. This can take a little bit of a time, but works very well.
Dangers of Acetone
Acetone is a chemical that has many uses in all aspects of the world, especially things like chemistry. It is a great disinfectant and is effective at removing many things ( including sharpie by the way!), but when it comes to our body it is probably best to steer clear. Acetone greatly dries out nails and causes them to chip, peel, and break very easily. It also dries out the skin and cuticles. These healthy and mostly natural alternatives are a great way to remove polish without the pain of acetone removers.
