Now that you’ve run out of gel polish remover, what do you do? Well, there are home substitutes you can use in the absence of gel nail remover, and a good hand sanitizer is one. So, can you use hand sanitizer to wipe gel nails?
Yes, you can use hand sanitizer to wipe gel nails, but it’s essential to exercise caution. The high alcohol content in some sanitizers can dehydrate the nails and weaken the gel polish, leading to chipping or peeling. It is advisable to use hand sanitizers with little alcohol content to maintain their integrity and extend their lifespan.
In this blog post, I’ll explain why you can use hand sanitizer as gel nail remover and how to safely use hand sanitizer on gel nails. Furthermore, I’ll explain the possible risks of using hand sanitizer, and alternatives to use instead of hand sanitizer.
Why Use Hand Sanitizer to Clean Gel Nails?
Just like regular gel nail polish remover, hand sanitizer also contains alcohol which helps dissolve gel polish easily. Also, it has the perfect consistency, not too watery or thick, you can easily work it on gel nail polish without using large quantity. That way, you don’t have to worry about the alcohol drying out your nails.
However, hand sanitizer may not be as effective as gel polish remover, which has a higher concentration of alcohol and other ingredients that can break down the gel more easily. Hand sanitizer may also dry out your nails and skin, so you should moisturize them afterwards.
Steps to Safely Use Hand Sanitizer on Gel Nails
Follow the steps below to get the best result;
1. Check the ingredients
Before using hand sanitizer on gel nails, inspect the ingredients. Avoid sanitizers with high alcohol content, as excessive alcohol can dehydrate the nails and weaken the gel polish.
2. Clean nails before application
Clean your nails before applying the sanitizer to avoid staining or damaging them.
3. Soak nails in warm water
Soak your nails in warm water for a 10-15 minutes to soften the gel and make it easier to remove. This will soften your nails and activate the effectiveness of the hand sanitizer quickly.
4. Apply sparingly
Use a small amount of hand sanitizer. Applying too much can saturate the nails and potentially lead to damage or peeling of the gel polish.
5. Gentle application
Gently apply the hand sanitizer using a soft cloth or cotton pad. Avoid excessive rubbing, as this may contribute to friction and compromise the gel polish.
6. Focus on cleansing
Limit the use of hand sanitizer to cleansing the nail surface. Avoid getting it on the surrounding skin or cuticles, as it may cause dryness and irritation.
7. Rinse immediately
After using hand sanitizer, rinse your hands and nails thoroughly with water. This helps remove any residue and mitigates the potential impact of harsh sanitizer ingredients on the gel nails.
8. Moisturize afterwards
Follow up with a moisturizing hand cream or cuticle oil to replenish moisture and counteract any drying effects from the hand sanitizer.
Possible Risks of Using Hand Sanitizer on Gel Nails
Below are some of the risks of using hand sanitizer to clean gel nails;
1. Dehydration of nails
Hand sanitizers often contain high levels of alcohol, which can strip the natural oils from the nails, leading to dehydration. This dehydration weakens the nails and may compromise the adhesion of gel polish, increasing the risk of chipping or peeling.
2. Weakening of gel polish
The alcohol content in hand sanitizers can be harsh on gel polish, potentially causing it to break down or lose its shine. This may result in a shorter lifespan for the gel manicure and necessitate more frequent touch-ups.
3. Nail discoloration
Certain hand sanitizers may contain additives or colorants that can cause discoloration or staining of the gel nails. This can affect the aesthetic appeal of the manicure and may require additional efforts to correct.
4. Irritation to surrounding skin
Hand sanitizers can contain ingredients that may be harsh on the skin, leading to dryness, redness, or irritation around the nail area. This can be uncomfortable and compromise the overall health of the nails and surrounding skin.
5. Impact on cuticles
The use of hand sanitizer on gel nails may inadvertently affect the health of cuticles, leading to dry or damaged cuticle tissue. This, in turn, can impact the overall appearance and health of the nails.
6. Accelerated wear and tear
Frequent use of hand sanitizer on gel nails may accelerate wear and tear, reducing the durability of the gel polish and necessitating more frequent maintenance.
Alternatives to Hand Sanitizer for Gel Nail Cleaning
If you don’t want to use hand sanitizer, you can opt any of the following;
1. Gel nail cleansers
Purpose-made gel nail cleansers are specifically formulated to clean gel nails without compromising the integrity of the polish. These cleansers are often alcohol-free and designed to remove residue while preserving the shine and longevity of the gel manicure.
2. Isopropyl alcohol wipes
If alcohol is deemed necessary, using isopropyl alcohol wipes is a milder alternative to hand sanitizer. Ensure the alcohol concentration is not excessively high to avoid dehydrating the nails.
3. Acetone-free nail polish remover
Acetone-free nail polish removers are gentler on gel nails compared to traditional acetone-based removers. Look for formulations that are enriched with nourishing ingredients to minimize dehydration.
4. Mild soap and water
A solution of mild soap and water is an effective and gentle option for cleaning gel nails. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the nail surface, avoiding harsh scrubbing.
5. Non-acetone nail polish remover pad
Non-acetone nail polish remover pads provide a convenient and less harsh way to remove residue from gel nails. These pads often contain moisturizing agents to counteract potential drying effects.
6. DIY cleaning solution
Mixtures of warm water with a small amount of gentle dish soap or baby shampoo can serve as effective DIY cleaning solutions for gel nails. These solutions are generally mild and less likely to cause damage.
Does Hand Sanitizer Make Gel Nails Shiny?
Hand sanitizer does not make gel nails shiny. In fact, the high alcohol content in hand sanitizers can have adverse effects on gel nails, potentially causing dehydration and dulling the shine of the gel polish. Rather than enhancing the shine, the use of hand sanitizer on gel nails is generally discouraged.
To maintain the glossy finish and overall appearance of gel nails, it is recommended to use purpose-made gel nail cleansers or gentle cleaning solutions specifically designed for gel nail care.
Final Words
While using hand sanitizer to clean gel nails may seem convenient, it comes with potential risks such as dehydration, weakening of gel polish, and skin irritation. To maintain the longevity and health of gel nails, it is advisable to explore alternatives specifically designed for gel nail care, such as purpose-made gel nail cleansers, isopropyl alcohol wipes, acetone-free nail polish removers, mild soap and water solutions, non-acetone nail polish remover pads, and DIY cleaning solutions.
