Nail beautification processes like painting, polishing, and fixing/removing artificial nails are designed to make our nails look presentable. However, most of these processes often leave a sticky residue; which can be messy and irritating. In addition to being unattractive, the sticky residue can make you self-conscious about how you appear to others.
In situations like this, it’s not unusual to learn how to remove sticky residues from nails. While there’s no one single way to achieve a residue-free nail after undergoing beatification or treatment, you can keep your nails clean by using a variety of methods: homemade DIY processes and professionals using specially designed products. That said, it’s always a good idea to know how to get the job done yourself.
What is Sticky Residue on Nails
Sticky residues are leftover particles or substances that remain on the nails after a nail beautification or treatment. For example, while removing artificial nails, the nail glue used to create the bond doesn’t always come off completely.
Also, during nail polishing, if the polish fails to cure correctly, it leaves sticky residues on the nails. This results from the presence of oxygen in the air that prevents surface polish from curing completely, leaving a sticky residue known as the inhibition layer.
Causes of Sticky Residue
Sticky residue is a major problem that many nail polish users face. It can be very frustrating to apply a coat of your favorite color only to have it covered with a sticky residue the next day or even worse, have it start peeling off your nails. This sticky residue not only makes your nails look very unappealing but it also makes it difficult to apply any other coat of polish over the top. This problem can be caused by a number of factors as well as some simple solutions on how to avoid sticky nail residue altogether.
There are a few main reasons for this sticky residue being left on your nails after applying nail polish:
- Air bubbles in the polish
- Improper drying time.
- The method by which you apply the polish: using too much polish.
- Damaged nails can also cause this problem.
- Using a cheap nail polish remover can sometimes cause this problem because the ingredients are not high quality, thus leading to a “sticky” solution when they are mixed together.
- Old or stale nail polish also leads to sticky residue because the oils have already been released and will leave behind an oily film rather than just taking away the color of the nail polish.
- Applying too thick nail polish on your nails.
How to Get Rid of Residue on Nails
In this article, I will show you some simple ways to get rid of sticky residues from your nails. You can make your nails bright and smooth in preparation for your favorite pedicure or manicure experience. With these methods, you don’t need to purchase special products; all you’ll need is probably available at your reach. Let’s get started:
1. Isopropyl Alcohol
This must be the most common procedure for removing sticky residue from your nails. With Isopropyl alcohol, you can effectively remove the tacky layer from your nail. The best part, this substance is budget-friendly and widely available in convenience stores.
Isopropyl alcohol works by dissolving the sticky layer left behind by any beautification process. This makes it easy to wipe away such residue leaving your nails clean and fresh. Thankfully, you can get isopropyl alcohol in the form of liquid or as wipes.
With wipes, the process is even easier and less daunting. Wipes come in packets with a 70% Isopropyl alcohol saturation. Open a pack and use it to wipe your nails clean of sticky residue. Please note that wipes are often more expensive than liquid isopropyl alcohol, but they provide convenience alongside hygiene.
Curad Alcohol is a highly recommended brand that can get the job done. Each pack contains nearly 400 wipes and is available on Amazon. Regardless, you can use Lint-Free Cotton balls, soak them in the solution and use it to wipe your nails.
Note: Rubbing alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are not the same. Ordinarily, isopropyl alcohol is a significant ingredient in creating many types of rubbing alcohol. The big difference comes from the kind of additives added during production. Although, in many cases, they might perform similar functions.
2. Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is another DIY home remedy to get rid of sticky residue on your nails. The process involved is simple, and you can be done in a few minutes.
To use this process, though, you need first to remove nail polish from your nails; you can employ nail polish removers to do this. Then, proceed to buffer your nails with a buffing block or a battery-operated nail buffer. This helps you to smoothen out and prepare your nails for the application of whitening toothpaste while also getting rid of little sticky residue.
Next, apply a coat of whitening toothpaste evenly to the top, edges, and base of your nails with the help of a nail brush. Gently scrub the toothpaste into your nails to remove any sticky residue they may have accumulated, letting it soak for about five minutes if needed. Rinse off the toothpaste and you will see that the residue comes off with it.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a wonderful household product that can be used for numerous purposes. One of these is to clean your nails. Baking soda is slightly abrasive, so it can help buff your nails, removing any sticky residue left on them from the polish.
To use baking powder on your nails, first, remove any nail polish and buff your nails. Next, mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda with warm water and apply the resultant paste to your nails. Allow the paste to soak for at least 5 minutes before rinsing off with water. Any sticky residue should come off with the mixture, and your nails will be clean and smooth.
4. Non-Acetone and Acetone-base Nail Polish Remover
Non-acetone nail polish remover is another solvent you can use to dissolve and wipe off the sticky residue from your nails. It follows a similar process in removing nail polish, so you aren’t performing a new action.
Soak a lint-free cotton pad in the acetone-free solution and use it to wipe off the sticky residue. Depending on the solvent used in making your non-acetone nail polish remover, take care not to apply excessive quantities. This can have undesirable effects on the overall health of your nails.
While it’s also possible to use acetone-based nail polish removers to rid your nails of sticky residue, I won’t opt for this option. Aside from the fact that acetone can be harsh on your nail and skin, if you can’t guarantee the purity of such products, you might be adding extra residue to the already present one.
If you wish to use acetone, ensure it’s pure acetone (99.99% purity). Acetone with lesser purity will most likely leave residue on your nails.
Majestic polish remover is a non-acetone-based nail polish remover that is excellent for getting nail polish off and uses Tea tree oil as its moisturizer. It works perfectly and protects your nails or cuticle from dryness.
5. Gel Cleanser
If the sticky residue on your nail results from your use of artificial gel nails, then this option is the best applicable to you. A gel cleanser is a solution made to dissolve and remove any sticky layer from gel polish application.
Dab a cotton ball or pad with sufficient quantity and wipe your nails with it. The solution breaks down sticky residue and makes them come off quite easily.
6. Warm Water with Soap
To remove sticky residue from your nails, try wetting your hands and fingers with warm water and soap. This is a very popular method and is effective to a certain degree, but you have to repeat the process severally in most cases. Using this method will also take time, but you can rely on this technique in the absence of the required tools for other methods above. All you will need is a bowl, soap, and water!
First, fill a bowl with warm water and add a little soap. Soak your nails in the mixture for several minutes while you read an article or listen to music. Usually, there is no time frame, and how long will depend on the composition of your sticky residue.
Oily residues will come off easily, with residue left by polish taking a few more minutes. After some time, remove your nails from the solution and wipe them off with a soft cloth. The sticky residue should come off, and you are good to go.
Does nail polish remover take off sticky residue?
Yes, nail polish remover takes off sticky residue. All you need to do is to put a bit of the nail polish remover on wipes or cotton wool and use it to rub your nail surface. And you are good to go.
Conclusion
Sticky residue on nails can be off-putting, plus it makes it difficult to attach the next artificial nail. If you are a fan of beautiful nails, you know the importance of learning how to remove sticky residue from your nails.
Thankfully, there are countless ways to achieve this, and I just showed you four easy DIY processes to help you get the job done. Indeed, this list is by no means exclusive, and there are other ways. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference.
Do you know any other way of ridding your nails of sticky residue? Please share them with us in the comment section alongside any questions or opinions.
