When it’s time to change your manicure, do you know how to remove cat eye nail polish? Since cat eye polish is magnetic, do you need to take precautions?
The good news is that you can remove magnetic or cat eye polish like any other. However, we’d like to give you a few tips. Our suggestions will make it easier to remove the polish and protect your nails from damage.
How to Remove Cat Eye Nail Polish
The first step to removing your manicure is knowing what type of polish is on your nails. Then you can choose the correct steps to remove it.
If you're unsure, there are a few ways to tell the difference between different types of polish. If the polish had a strong odor and was air-dried when applied, it was probably lacquer or acrylic. Lacquer lasts about a week before it starts to chip. Acrylics last about three weeks.
Also, acrylic nails are painted by dipping a brush into a liquid monomer and picking up powder to apply to the nail. At the time of writing, we aren't aware of any acrylic magnetic nail polish, so this is an unlikely option.
Meanwhile, gels are the most common type of cat eye polish. The wet polish is odorless and requires a nail lamp to dry. Moreover, it lasts two or more weeks and looks glossier and sleeker than nail lacquer.
How to Remove Cat Eye Nail Lacquer
You only need regular nail polish remover if you take lacquer off your nails. By lacquer, we mean the polish that air dries, not the kind you need a nail lamp to cure.
There are two types of nail polish remover: acetone or acetone-free. Either one will work. Nevertheless, pure acetone causes dryness, so it’s best to use non-acetone remover if possible.
Saturate a nail wipe or cotton pad with the remover and swipe each nail. Wait a few seconds, then go back to the first nail. Massage the nail with the wipe until the polish is all gone. Then cleanse the hands and apply cuticle oil and moisturizer.
How to Remove Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish
Gels are a little more challenging to remove. The first step is to use a coarse nail file to remove the glossy surface of the polish. Just take off the top coat, not the colored polish. You shouldn't be able to see the nails unless the polish is translucent.
Next, soak cotton pads or nail wipes in acetone. Wrap each fingertip with the wet part against the polish. Protect the skin around the nail by covering it with petroleum jelly or cuticle oil.
Use nail clips or foil to hold the pads in place for best results. If the fingertips are warm, the acetone will work faster.
It’s easier to do a single hand at a time so that you have a free hand to do other things. Be careful with acetone because it will melt certain types of plastic. Make sure your free hand is clean before picking up your phone, etc.
Wait ten minutes before checking one nail to see if the polish has softened. If not, wait another five to ten minutes and check again.
When the gel polish is soft, scrape it off with a polish remover tool or cuticle pusher. Don't use the pointy end but rather the rounded side of the cuticle pusher. Work from the cuticle toward the tip and be gentle.
Wipe off the residue with acetone, cleanse the hands, then apply cuticle oil and moisturizer.
If you’re concerned about the acetone dehydrating your skin and nails, look for a polish remover that contains conditioners.
When Should You Remove Cat Eye Nail Polish?
Does it matter how long you leave magnetic nail polish on your hands? No, it doesn’t matter unless you’re concerned about aesthetics.
As the nails grow out, a gap will be visible between the polish and the cuticle. Also, the polish may start to chip or peel after extended wear. Therefore, you may want to remove the polish and renew your manicure to look fresh and neat.
But if you want your cat eye nail polish to last longer, you can extend its lifetime with a few simple steps.
First, protect your manicure by using a high-quality top coat. Cap the tips when you paint them. This means brushing the polish along the edge.
Moreover, you can reapply the top coat every few days to guard against chipping. If you notice that the polish is smudged or damaged, you can fix minor problems without removing all of it. Use a lint-free wipe with a little acetone to smooth the polish and blur the imperfection. Then apply more polish or top coat to disguise it further.
Lastly, protect your hands from chemicals and excessive exposure to water. Soaking in water for long periods can make nail polish lift or peel.
How to Get Rid of Cat Eye Nail Polish
What to do if you have old magnetic nail polish you don't want anymore? It turns out that nail polish is considered hazardous waste in most jurisdictions. Therefore, it's tricky to get rid of because it may pollute the soil and groundwater. Nevertheless, you have options.
For example, you could give the polish to someone else. Or you could blend different colors to make new shades.
What's more, there are many craft projects where you can use nail polish as paint.
Finally, please don't throw it in the trash. Ask staff at a salon how they dispose of their old polish. Otherwise, find your local hazardous waste disposal station and drop off the polish there.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to remove cat eye nail polish, you can renew your manicure whenever you like. Also, remember to take good care of your nails with moisturizer and cuticle oil so that they stay healthy and strong.
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