Few feelings compare to that of getting a new manicure. Whether you’re heading out of the salon with 3D nail art or you gave your nails a fresh coat of color at home, the joy is unmatched—until it’s time to remove the look. At a salon, removing your gel manicure is just as time-consuming as getting a new one and can wreak havoc on your natural nails. But a new wave of peel-off polishes is shaking things up. Designed to make the removal process seamless and more efficient, peel-off polish is becoming one of TikTok’s top trends. A recent report from Spate indicates that the search for these unique nail polishes has increased 161 percent year-over-year. As the realm of at-home gel extension manicure kits grows, it’s unsurprising to see peel-off polishes take the lead. But are they really worth the hype? Ahead, celebrity nail stylist, Elle Gerstein, dives into the trend further, sharing the main types of peel-off polishes and when to use them.
What is peel-off polish?
Peel-off polish is a nail polish that’s designed to peel off instead of being wiped clean with acetone. This method is ultra-satisfying to watch on TikTok, an element that has no doubt added to their popularity, but is also innovative. With these polishes, you’re not struggling with cotton pads soaked in acetone. Instead, they simplify the removal process by allowing you to peel off your manicure in one fell swoop. Gerstein says there are two main types of peelable polishes: Water and gel-based formulas. While each style offers a different set of benefits, both use the peel-off removal method.
Water-based peel-off polishes
“Water-based peel-off polishes are usually made with water and film-forming polymers, so they go on just like regular polish and air-dry,” says Gerstein. The removal process swaps out acetone for a brief soak in warm water, which makes the polish more pliable and ready to peel. It’s simple and has a low risk for damage during the process. However, like traditional nail polishes, the wear time is only a couple of days to a week before the color begins to lift.
Gel peel-off polishes
Gel peel-off formulas offer longer wear times and less damage during removal, making them ideal for gel manicures and extensions. That said, gel peel-off polishes are the most common style driving the trend on TikTok. “Gel-style versions apply more like traditional gel polish and need curing under an LED or UV lamp,” says Gerstein. They look and feel closer to salon gel, delivering a durable finish, but the biggest difference is in removal. As Gerstein explains, there’s no need to soak fingernails in acetone or file them down with tools. Instead, the gel peel-off polish does the work for you, allowing you to lift and peel the entire look off your nail.
What is a peel-off base?
A quick scroll through TikTok discloses that peel-off base coats are the real star behind this trend. While the idea of nail color that peels off sounds delightful, a base coat form is the key that makes the peel-off trend tick. As the base, it transforms any look into a peelable manicure. Chrome, aura, rhinestones, glossy red polishes, matte blacks and more can easily be peeled off when paired with a peelable base coat. Gerstein adds that it also allows you to test drive salon-quality manicures and techniques such as encapsulations and 3D structures with less commitment.
Who makes peel-off polishes?
Several brands have leaned into peel-off base coats, including creator favorites like Olive & June, Lights Lacquer, Manucurist and Halo Taco. However, on TikTok, the brand Jello Jello stands out as the top seller. Between removal tutorials and ASMR videos, it’s clear that the brand is favored by creators. However, the views on TikTok are split, as the product requires some trial and error to master. Still, it’s clear that peel-off base coats and peel-off polishes are changing DIY manicure standards. No longer tied to month-long looks or damaging removal processes, peel-off nail polishes are the ideal choice for serial manicure mavens.
Peel-off nail polishes to try
