"How do I remove my nail wraps?" is a question I get asked often from folks who are new to nail wraps. There are a number of ways to remove them... some more safe and kind for your nails than others. For example, you technically can peel off your nail wraps, but this can damage your nails, so it's not a method I recommend!
Because Ivy & Ash nail wraps are made from the same (non-toxic!) ingredients as traditional nail polish, you can remove them in the same way you would any other nail polish, with a nail polish remover. Nail wraps are not as stubborn to remove as gel or dip manicures, so the removal process is easier and quicker.
Acetone nail polish removers are very powerful and will get the job done quickly and effectively, but the harsh chemicals are not great for your nails and skin. Using an acetone polish remover can dehydrate your nails, cuticles, and skin and removes natural oils. This can cause your nails to become dry and brittle and your skin to become irritated.
While acetone-based nail polish removers are the most efficient at removing nail polish and nail wraps, some people opt for a non-acetone remover instead. Non-acetone nail polish removers are made with solvents that are more gentle on your skin and nails than acetone. The most common solvents used in non-acetone nail polish removers are ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol and propylene carbonate.
A third, and relatively new, option is soy-based nail polish removers. I recently made the switch to soy-based removers in an effort to be kinder to my nail beds, and I've been pleasantly surprised! As I mentioned earlier, Ivy & Ash nail wraps are non-toxic and 10-free (free of harmful ingredients such as toluene, formaldehyde, DPB, camphor, parabens, and TPHP), so it would make sense to use a non-toxic nail polish remover to take them off.
Soy-based nail polish removers are gentle on your nails and won't dry them out. In fact, many are infused with vitamins to nourish your skin and nails. Another key difference is the smell factor. Acetone nail polish removers have a harsh odor with vapors that are easy to inhale, but soy-based removers don't. Soy-based nail polish removers have a low-odor profile and often include essential oils so they smell of lavender, citrus, or rose. How nice!
The main (and in my opinion, only) disadvantage of soy-based nail polish removers is they take a little more time and effort to fully remove polish from your nails. You first apply the remover to your nails and then let it sit for a couple minutes to break down the polish, and there is a little more "scrubbing" involved to remove the polish. But if you aren't in a hurry, and you want your nails to feel nice and moisturized afterwards (and you don't want a headache from strong fumes!), then it's worth the extra time and effort.
If you want healthy nail beds and cuticles, and you are interested in switching more of your health and beauty products to those that are non-toxic, then I would highly recommend giving a soy-based nail polish remover a try! Your nails will thank you!