How to remove semi-permanent nail varnish?

The semi-permanent nail varnish appeals with its simple promise: a uniform manicure without chipping for two to three weeks. It is now available in a multitude of finishes and shades and can be glossy, matte, light or dark, to suit all desires and all occasions. Unlike traditional nail varnish, which dries in open air, semi-permanent nail varnish is a photopolymerisable resin, meaning it hardens under the effect of UV or LED rays, with the help of a catalyst integrated into its formula. This process transforms the liquid varnish into a solid film resistant to shocks, water and everyday friction. However, this remarkable durability is a double-edged sword: it is more difficult to remove a semi-permanent varnish than a classic one.

Removing one's semi-permanent nail varnish at a salon is often the safest solution to preserve the nails. Indeed, there, professionals have the appropriate equipment and know the correct procedures. The removal of a semi-permanent nail varnish begins with a light sanding of the nail surface using a file or an electric sander. The aim is not to damage the keratin of the nail but to eliminate the top coat layer, the finishing varnish almost systematically applied at the end of a manicure with a semi-permanent varnish. This sanding must be carried out with precision to avoid weakening the surface of the nail.

Once this initial layer is removed, the practitioner saturates cotton pads with acetone and then affixes them to each nail using special clamps or aluminium foil. Present in most nail varnish removers, acetone is a potent solvent capable of softening the photopolymerised resin. The cotton pads are then left on the nails for about fifteen minutes. Once softened, the varnish is gently removed with a cuticle pusher. A light nail buffing is then carried out, followed by the application of a moisturising treatment or oil to nourish and strengthen the nails.

It is advised not to reapply a semi-permanent varnish immediately after removing it. To prevent weakening the nails, it is better to wait approximately two weeks before a new application.

It's not always straightforward to secure an appointment at a salon to have semi-permanent nail varnish removed. Fortunately, it's entirely feasible to remove semi-permanent varnish at home, provided that you proceed gently. The removal process then follows the same steps as in a salon. Start by lightly sanding the surface of the nail to remove the top coat, then soak cotton pads in acetone or an acetone-based remover, which you should leave on each of your nails for about fifteen minutes using aluminium squares. All that remains is to gently rub the softened varnish with a cuticle pusher or, if you don't have one, with a wooden stick. Finally, finish with the application of a moisturising treatment for the nails or a vegetable oil, such as avocado oil.

Tip : If you don't have aluminium foil at hand, you can also soak your nails in a bowl filled with acetone or acetone-based nail varnish remover for about fifteen minutes. This method is less convenient as it immobilises the hands, and less environmentally friendly due to the amount of solvent used, but it remains effective nonetheless.

• DINANI N. & al. Nail cosmetics: a dermatological perspective. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology (2019).

• PAIVA LUZ P. & al. Nail Polishes: A Review on Composition, Presence of Toxic Components, and Inadequate Labeling. Dermatology, Research and Practice (2025).