Selecting A Nail Polish Remover

There's lots of thought when it comes to selecting a nail polish remover. Firstly, you need to consider the type of polish that you're trying to remove. Different products require different strength products, so it's important to know what you need before committing to one particular type. There are acetone and non-acetone products. Each individual has their own preference as there are pros and cons to both.

Picking Between Acetone & Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover

Nail techs should always have both on hand. Some clients will come in with stubborn polish that's near impossible to remove. Acetone is more of a powerful solvent, making the removal of polish much faster and easier. It quickly will remove unwanted polish from the nail by having the client soak their fingers in it, or remove it by using a cotton ball. Unfortunately, acetone can be drying on the cuticle. It's best practice to massage the cuticles after treatment with cuticle oils. Some clients who frequently visit the salon and change nail colour often may opt for the non-acetone version.

The non-acetone nail polish remover takes a little longer to process. The method of removal is still the same, but the ingredients found in it are less harmful. Some customers also find the smell to be less overpowering too. It comes down to personal preference and the end results. The key ingredients differ too, with non-acetone to mostly include ethyl acetate or nethyl ethyl keytone. They're less drying than other active ingredients found in alternate versions and give off less of a chemical smell. We'd recommend having both on hand so you can meet the needs of all clients.