Why You Should Never Pick Off Your Nail Polish (Seriously, Avoid It)

If you’re prone to picking your polish, it’s a good idea to carry remover with you at all times so you can take it off safely when you feel the urge. Though it’s not always practical to have a bottle of the liquid with you, pre-soaked pads — like Butter London Nail Polish Remover Pads or Cutex Care Swipe and Go Nail Polish Remover Pads — are a much more convenient option. A cotton pad manually soaked in remover is also an optimal way to take off your manicure if you have more time and space. You can even make your own nail polish remover using at-home ingredients if you’re in a pinch, so there’s really no excuse for peeling it off.

If you prefer a gel manicure, which can be more durable than regular lacquer, it’s imperative you properly research safe removal techniques before doing it yourself, as removers for standard polish won’t cut it. Gel nails should be gently filed and soaked in acetone before being removed gently — no picking at it! If you’re unsure, visit a professional to ensure it’s taken off properly. “Improper application or removal can weaken natural nails, especially if they are peeled or filed aggressively,” celebrity nail artist Lisa Kon told us while explaining the pros and cons of gel nails. This can be particularly true for the even more long-lasting hard gel manicure, as the removal process is trickier than you think and typically needs to be handled by a professional.