If you’re taking a break exclusively from long-wear or gel nail services, you’re likely going to be using nail polish remover more often, as traditional nail polish formulas need to be removed and changed more frequently than shellac or gels. In this case, you’re advised to use a non-acetone remover to limit dehydration of the nail bed. “If you use acetone to remove nail polish, it is quite damaging to your nails,” says Jin Soon Choi, expert manicurist and founder of JINsoon. “I recommend using non-acetone remover and minimising the exposure to the nail bed. Saturate a cotton ball in the remover and hold it on the nail surface for a few seconds, then swipe off the material in one swoop. Next, apply cuticle oil and hand lotion to offset the dehydrating effect of the remover.”
