Nail polish can make your nails look breathtaking and elegant, especially when you first apply it. However, after some days, the nail polish might become dull and even begin to smudge. Naturally, you would want to take it off.
That’s where nail remover comes in. However, what if you run out of nail remover? Can you use other alternatives? As a nail care specialist, a lady recently asked me, can witch hazel remove nail polish?
Yes, witch hazel can be used to remove nail polish. It contains essential solvent properties that allow it to effectively take off your nail polish without ripping or damaging your nails. When applied to your nails, witch hazel works to dissolve the properties of the nail polish, making it easy to wipe off.
Witch hazel is particularly effective for removing regular or non-gel polishes. So, if you find yourself without a traditional nail polish remover, you can confidently use witch hazel as an alternative. However, how can you use witch hazel to remove nail polish? In this blog post, you will discover everything you need to know about using witch hazel as a nail polish remover. So, read on.
How To Use Witch Hazel To Remove Nail Polish
As I mentioned earlier, witch hazel can be used to remove nail polish from nails. But how? Below are the steps you should follow:
1. Get all the necessary items
To effectively remove nail polish using witch hazel, you need a couple of products. You should gather all the necessary materials before you proceed. Items you would need include:
- A witch hazel solution (this can be found in pharmacies or health stores).
- Cotton pads or balls.
- Cuticle pusher
2. Prepare your nails
Before proceeding with the nail polish removal, you need to prepare the nails. You should use a nail buffer or file to get rid of any acrylics, gel polish, or nail extensions you may have on. This will allow the witch hazel to penetrate the nail polish and fasten the process deeply.
3. Put the witch hazel on your nails
After preparing your nails, you should apply the witch hazel on them. Simply immerse a cotton ball or pad into a bottle or bowl of the witch hazel solution. Then place the soaked cotton ball on one nail at a time, ensuring the solution penetrates the nail polish.
4. Cover your nails
If you want to maximize the effect of the witch hazel and stop it from evaporating too fast, you should use aluminum foil to cover each finger. This way, the witch hazel can dissolve the nail polish better and speed up the whole process.
5. Leave it on for a while
After applying the witch hazel, you should give it some time to work. Maybe about 10-15 minutes. Allowing the witch hazel to sit on your nails for a while would allow it to work better.
6. Take off the polish
After giving the witch hazel 10-15 minutes to sit on your nails, you should slowly rub the soaked cotton ball on your nails. You would notice the nail polish dissolving and falling off easily. Ensure to continue rubbing until all the polish is completely removed from your nails.
7. Moisturize your nails properly
After removing the nail polish from your nails, you should use warm water to rinse your nails of any remnants. Clean your hands with a towel and then apply cuticle oil or even a moisturizing lotion to them. This will keep your hands and nails hydrated and healthy.
5 Benefits Of Using Witch Hazel To Remove Nail Polish
1. It’s gentle on nails
Witch hazel is a gentle solvent that effectively removes nail polish without causing excessive drying or damage to your nails. It’s a more nail-friendly option compared to some harsher chemical removers.
2. It’s natural and safe to use
As I mentioned earlier, witch hazel is a natural botanical extract. This makes it a safer choice for those who prefer to avoid synthetic chemicals found in many commercial nail polish removers.
3. It soothes the skin
Witch hazel has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm the skin around your nails. This helps in reducing the risk of irritation.
4. Its versatility
Besides nail polish removal, witch hazel has various other skincare benefits. This makes it a versatile addition to your beauty routine. It can help with acne, skin blemishes, and even insect bites.
5. It’s cost-effective
Witch hazel is typically more budget-friendly than some commercial nail polish removers. A small bottle can go a long way, making it an economical choice.
5 Downsides Of Using Witch Hazel On Your Nails
Having looked at the benefits of using witch hazel as nail polish remover, let’s look at the downsides:
1. It may require more time
Witch hazel may take a bit longer to remove nail polish compared to some acetone-based removers. You may need to soak the nails for a longer duration.
2. It’s not ideal for gel polishes
While it can work for regular nail polishes, witch hazel may not be as effective in removing gel nail polish. This is because gel polish often requires a specialized gel polish remover.
3. Scent
Some people find the natural scent of witch hazel to be quite strong. If you are sensitive to smells, this could be a downside.
4. It is difficult to find witch hazel in some locations
Depending on your location, finding witch hazel might be a bit more challenging. Especially when compared to purchasing a commercial nail polish remover, which is widely available.
5. The effectiveness can vary
The effectiveness of witch hazel can vary based on the brand and concentration. Some formulations may work better than others, so you may require some trial and error to find the most effective option for your nails.
Sum Up
Witch Hazel is an excellent nail polish remover. It can effectively dissolve nail polish on your nails. It’s easy to use; simply follow the steps I have provided above for the best results. Remember, it’s made of natural ingredients, so it is typically safe to use.
However, it may not be the best choice for all nail polish types, such as gel polish. Therefore, you should consider your preferences and needs when deciding whether to use witch hazel for nail polish removal.
