How to Remove Nail Varnish

by Kate Evelyn

Overview

Nail varnish, or polish as it's usually called, looks great when you first put it on. However, after you've worn it for a week or so it can start to get chipped and scratched and not be so appealing anymore. It's time to remove it and switch to a new color or at least take it off and reapply the same color. You shouldn't just paint over the polish you already have on since it will end up looking uneven.
Instructions

Step 1

Sit in a well-ventilated area. No matter what type of nail polish remover you use, it will have a fairly strong smell.
Step 2

Open your bottle of nail polish remover and place a tissue folded in quarters or a cotton ball on top of the rim. Flip the bottle upside down for approximately five seconds, just long enough for you to dispense about a half teaspoon.
Step 3

Hold the cotton ball or tissue between the index finger and thumb with the side soaked in remover facing down. Place your other hand flat on the table in front of you palm down. Place the cotton ball or tissue at the base of your left pinkie nail. Hold it there for the count of five and then slide it away from you until you reach the tip of your nail. Repeat once for the left side and once for the right side of the nail.
Step 4

Repeat Step 3 for the remaining fingers and the thumb of one hand. Then grab the tissue or cotton ball and do the same for the other hand. Replace your tissue or cotton ball if the remover dries up or it becomes covered in polish.
Step 5

Wipe more remover on any nails that still have polish on them. Once you've gotten it all off, wash and dry your hands. Rub nail moisturizer or cuticle cream on each nail to counteract the drying effects of the alcohol in the polish remover. You are now ready to apply a new layer of nail varnish.

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Tissues or cotton balls Nail polish remover Cuticle cream or nail moisturizer
Tissues or cotton balls
Nail polish remover
Cuticle cream or nail moisturizer
Some nail polish removers have sponges inside their bottles. If you have one of this type, all you have to do is put your fingers in the hole in the center of the sponge one at a time. Then twist each finger to wipe it on the sponge, which is saturated with remover.
Some nail polish removers have sponges inside their bottles. If you have one of this type, all you have to do is put your fingers in the hole in the center of the sponge one at a time. Then twist each finger to wipe it on the sponge, which is saturated with remover.
Don't get overzealous when pouring remover on the cotton ball or tissue. If either gets too saturated, it could fall apart.
Don't get overzealous when pouring remover on the cotton ball or tissue. If either gets too saturated, it could fall apart.