You Need to Try This Nail Polish Remover Hack from TikTok

If you’re as TikTok-obsessed as I am, then you know that the platform is an incredible source of time-saving, game-changing hacks, especially in the beauty department. From pore-shrinking primer tricks to hooded eye eyeshadow tips, I’ve tried (and have been impressed with) many of them. So when I saw a toe nail polish-removing hack that strips away pedicure polish while keeping your manicure intact on my For You page, I knew I had to give it a try ASAP. Read on to find out if it worked.

The Hack

In the video I came across, TikTok user @ag380gtmgmt dips a cotton tampon — applicator and all — into nail polish remover. The cotton part of the tampon soaks up the nail polish remover while the plastic applicator serves as a buffer between the acetone and her painted fingernails. She then rubs the nail polish remover-soaked tampon onto her toes for a quick and easy removal without ruining her manicure. 

My Experience 

I recently got a manicure but wanted to change the polish color on my toes before hitting the beach. I didn’t want to mess up my perfectly polished fingers, so I decided to give the tampon hack a try. I took a tampon and let it sit in acetone nail polish for about thirty seconds — I really wanted to make sure the cotton soaked up enough of the nail polish remover. Then, I picked up the tampon (as if it were a pencil) and started erasing my Essie You Do Blue pedicure. When I was done removing the polish from my toes, I simply threw away the tampon and admired my manicure, which remained completely intact. I can honestly say that this hack was life-changing and I can’t help but wonder, “why didn’t I ever think of that?”