Acetone nail polish remover is a strong liquid that takes off nail polish quickly, but you need to use it the right way to keep your nails and skin healthy. To use it safely, work in a room with open windows, don’t soak your nails for too long, and always put on a good hand cream after you’re done. That’s the quick answer, but let’s talk about everything you need to know!
What is Acetone Nail Polish Remover?
Acetone is a clear liquid that smells quite strong. You’ve probably noticed that sharp smell when you open the bottle! It works really well at breaking down nail polish so it comes off fast. This is why so many people in South Africa use it at home and why nail salons love it too.
You can find acetone nail polish remover at most Clicks, Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay, and even Shoprite stores. It usually costs between R25 and R80 depending on the brand and size.
Why Do People Use Acetone?
There are a few good reasons why acetone is so popular:
- It works fast – You don’t need to rub and rub to get your polish off
- It removes gel and glitter polish – These tough polishes need something strong
- It’s easy to find – You can buy it almost anywhere
- It doesn’t cost much – A little bottle lasts a long time
Is Acetone Safe to Use?
Yes, acetone is safe when you use it properly. But like many things, it can cause problems if you use it wrong or too often.
Here’s what can happen if you don’t use it carefully:
- Your nails can become dry and break easily
- The skin around your nails might get red and sore
- Breathing in too much of the smell can give you a headache
- Your cuticles can become dry and crack
Don’t worry though! I’m going to show you exactly how to avoid these problems.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Acetone Nail Polish Remover Safely
Step 1: Get Your Space Ready
Open a window or door before you start. The fresh air helps carry away the strong smell. If you can, sit near the open window. Never use acetone in a small closed room like a bathroom with the door shut.
Step 2: Gather What You Need
Get these things ready:
- Cotton wool pads or balls
- Your acetone nail polish remover
- A small bowl (if you’re removing gel polish)
- Hand cream or cuticle oil
- A towel
Step 3: Protect Your Skin
Here’s a trick many people don’t know – put a thin layer of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) around your nails before you start. This stops the acetone from drying out your skin.
Step 4: Remove the Polish
For regular nail polish:
- Put some acetone on a cotton pad
- Press the pad on your nail for about 5 seconds
- Wipe downwards from the base of your nail to the tip
- Use a fresh part of the cotton pad for each nail
For gel or acrylic nails:
- Pour a small amount of acetone into a bowl
- Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes only
- Gently push off the polish with an orange stick
- Don’t scrape hard – this hurts your nails
Step 5: Wash Your Hands
Once all the polish is off, wash your hands with warm water and a gentle soap. This gets rid of any leftover acetone on your skin.
Step 6: Moisturise Right Away
This step is super important! Acetone takes away the natural oils from your skin and nails. Put on a thick hand cream and rub cuticle oil into each nail. Do this straight away – don’t skip it!
How Often Can You Use Acetone?
Try not to use acetone more than once a week. If you change your nail polish very often, think about using an acetone-free remover for regular polish and keeping acetone only for the tough stuff like gel and glitter.
I’ve been doing my own nails for years, and I’ve learned that giving your nails a break makes a big difference. Try going one week each month without any polish at all.
Acetone vs Non-Acetone Remover: What’s the Difference?
| Acetone Remover | Non-Acetone Remover |
|---|---|
| Works very fast | Takes a bit longer |
| Stronger smell | Gentler smell |
| Removes gel polish | Struggles with gel |
| Dries out nails more | Kinder to nails |
| Better for occasional use | Good for weekly use |
If you only wear regular nail polish, a non-acetone remover might be better for everyday use. Save the acetone for when you really need it.
Safety Tips to Remember
Never do these things:
- Don’t use acetone near a flame or stove – it catches fire easily
- Don’t use it on broken skin or cuts
- Don’t let children use it without adult help
- Don’t drink it or let it get in your eyes
- Don’t use it on fake nails you want to keep
Always do these things:
- Keep the bottle closed when you’re not using it
- Store it away from heat and sunlight
- Keep it out of reach of children and pets
- Throw away used cotton pads in a bin with a lid
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If acetone gets in your eyes:
Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes. If it still hurts, go to your nearest clinic or hospital.
If your skin becomes very red and sore:
Stop using acetone and put on aloe vera gel. If it doesn’t get better in a few days, see a doctor.
If you feel dizzy from the smell:
Go outside or to a room with fresh air. Drink some water and rest.
Looking After Your Nails After Using Acetone
Your nails need some love after acetone. Here’s how to keep them strong:
- Use cuticle oil every night – Just a drop on each nail before bed works wonders
- Wear gloves when cleaning – Cleaning products and water dry out your nails even more
- Eat foods with protein – Eggs, beans, and meat help your nails grow strong
- Take breaks from polish – Let your nails breathe sometimes
Where to Buy Good Acetone Remover in South Africa
You can find acetone nail polish remover at:
- Clicks – They have house brand and name brands
- Dis-Chem – Good range of options
- Pick n Pay and Checkers – Usually in the beauty aisle
- Woolworths – Sometimes has gentler formulas
- Local beauty supply shops – Often have bigger bottles for less
Popular brands in South Africa include Cutex, essence, and store brands. They all work well – the main difference is usually the smell and how moisturising they are.
Making Your Own Nail Care Routine
Here’s a simple routine that works:
Every time you remove polish:
- Use acetone carefully
- Wash hands
- Apply hand cream and cuticle oil
Once a week:
- Soak nails in warm olive oil for 5 minutes
- Push back cuticles gently
- File nails in one direction only
Once a month:
- Give nails a complete break from polish
- Use a nail strengthener if your nails are weak
Common Questions About Acetone
It’s not a good idea. The acetone sold for nails often has added ingredients to be gentler on your skin. Hardware store acetone is much harsher.
It’s best to use it in a very well-aired room and not too often. If you’re worried, ask your doctor or switch to non-acetone remover during pregnancy.
No, not if you use it properly. Nails grow out, so any damage will grow out too. But being careful means you won’t have to wait for that!
Yes, it can become less effective over time. If your bottle is more than two years old and doesn’t seem to work well, get a new one.
Now you know everything about using acetone nail polish remover the safe way. Remember – open windows, don’t soak too long, and always moisturise after. Your nails will thank you!
Have you got any nail care tips that work for you? The team at Salon Journal would love to hear from you. Pop into your local salon if you want professional help with your nails, or try these tips at home and see the difference for yourself.