The semi-permanent varnish is practical, resistant and can last up to three weeks after its installation. But it is also more complicated to remove yourself. We tell you the procedure to follow to remove a semi-permanent varnish, without returning to the institute.
To have beautiful nails and for a long time, you fell for semi-permanent nail polish . But with regrowth, how do you get rid of it? What are the right tools and tips for removing semi-permanent nail polish? We tell you everything!
Why opt for a permanent varnish?
On the hands or feet, applied without difficulty for an optimal result, semi-permanent nail polish is all the rage!
Its acrylic gel composition gives it resistance and durability that appeal to more and more women.
If the application of the semi-permanent varnish requires time since the nail is exposed under a UV lamp between each layer, the result is there!
Coloured, nude or patterned, semi-permanent varnish offers the pleasure of a perfect manicure for two to three weeks.
Lighter than false nails , it allows a natural effect. If it is very difficult to peel, the only defect of semi-permanent varnish is precisely that it does not come off easily. It is necessary to take your time and proceed in stages to remove your semi-permanent varnish , without damaging your nail.
The equipment to have to remove semi-permanent nail polish yourself
When the nails grow back and you start to see the base under the semi-permanent nail polish , it’s time to remove it. Have no fear, the result is painless if you follow a few simple rules.
Here is the equipment you will need to bring:
- 10 squares of cotton (to be cut so that their size can cover the nail)
- 10 squares of aluminum foil approximately (idem, to be cut)
- Acetone remover, or acetone
- a cuticle pusher
- A nail file
Depending on the method you choose, you may not need the cottons and foil.
Note that there are also more detailed removal kits , sold in institutes or online.
What solvent to remove the semi-permanent?
Acetone remover is the most effective for removing semi-permanent polish. It is indeed a solvent that is able to dissolve the varnish on the surface of the nail, to then remove it more easily.
In general, product labels indicate whether they are useful for removing semi-permanent or long-lasting nail polish. Turn instead to this range of nail polish remover, because a soft and classic nail polish remover will unfortunately not overcome this type of varnish.
Warning, acetone remains a rather controversial compound, in particular because it weakens the nail. This is partly why it is recommended to space out semi-permanent varnish applications as much as possible.
Removing semi-permanent varnish: how to prepare your nails?
Despite a strong desire to quickly get rid of this task, never scratch your semi-permanent nail polish. Your nails will take weeks to repair.
Some professionals recommend light polishing of the nail beforehand, in order to reduce the thickness of the varnish. To do this, you can use a classic nail file or a polishing block.
Pass the file over all of your nails to remove the layer of top coat. Then arm yourself with a small brush to remove the residue. You can then remove your semi-permanent nail polish more easily.
The soaking method to remove semi-permanent nail polish
To remove semi-permanent varnish at home , you can opt for the soaking method with an acetone remover. It’s relatively simple and quick:
- For acetone nail polish remover into a bowl
- Dip your fingernails in it
- Leave on for 15 minutes then remove
This technique will get the best of this so resistant varnish.
The twist method for removing semi-permanent nail polish
The most classic method for removing semi-permanent nail polish is wrapping with foil wraps . Here’s the procedure to follow:
- After soaking a piece of cotton in acetone remover, place it on your nail
- Then wrap the whole in a piece of aluminum foil. This will allow time for the product to act by targeting its action.
- Leave on for 15 minutes then remove
There are plastic tips that can replace the twists, but also clips that can hold the soaked cotton. You will find them in institutes, even supermarkets.
This technique is the one most often practiced in beauty salons and nail salons.
How to remove semi-permanent varnish without acetone?
We told you, acetone is a controversial compound for healthy nails. If you don’t want to use it, here’s what you can replace it with.
- Alcohol to remove semi-permanent varnish
Soak a cotton ball in 90% rubbing alcohol and rub nails vigorously to remove polish.
Another slightly wackier tip: use vodka or gin. Pour some into a bowl and soak your nails for 20 minutes to remove the polish. Of course, we don’t drink the container afterwards!
- Remove semi-permanent varnish with lemon juice and white vinegar
Combined with lemon juice, white vinegar is effective in overcoming the most resistant varnishes.
To do this, pour a glass of white vinegar into a bowl and add the juice of one lemon to it. Then soak your nails in the bowl for 10-15 minutes.
These two tips will allow you to avoid using acetone. On the other hand, they will surely require you a little more time.
Removing a semi-permanent varnish yourself: the finishes
After leaving the solvent (alcohol or lemon vinegar mixture) on your nails, you should remove the softened semi-permanent varnish.
Arm yourself with a cuticle pusher to gently peel off the layer of varnish. You can also sand off the last traces of permanent varnish with a nail file.
Whatever your choice, be aware that the time is as long to apply as it is to remove a semi-permanent nail polish . Don’t be impatient, you might hurt yourself. Finally, do not hesitate to nourish your nails with fatty oil, such as sweet almond oil, to regenerate them.
