How do you remove nail polish without nail polish remover?

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This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: How to Remove Nail Polish Without Using Remover.
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Smarlen Balbi
Smarlen Balbi
Nail Technician and Pedicurist
06/02/25 11:07pm
I wouldn’t recommend trying to remove nail polish without nail polish remover, unless you want to pick or bite it off—but I wouldn’t recommend that. It’ll damage the nails.
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wikiHow Editorial Team
06/02/25 11:04pm
The best way to remove nail polish without nail polish remover is to use rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, press it onto your nail to soften the polish, then gently wipe it off. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, you can use hand sanitizer, hairspray, or equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice. Just make sure to fully saturate your nail bed with the solution of your choice.

If you’re trying to remove a thin layer of nail polish, you can try soaking your nails in hot, soapy water to loosen the polish. Alternatively, apply a fresh coat of nail polish on top and then peel both layers off. Another DIY method is to squeeze toothpaste onto your nails and sprinkle baking soda on top. Then, gently rub the paste into your nails, and wipe it off with a damp cotton ball.
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WikiRiverCaster991
07/01/25 1:40pm
What if you have 1 coat of nail polish and do not have any other ones, and need it off immediately?
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