Salon alcohol is isopropyl or other high-strength alcohol that nail technicians use to wipe the nail plate, take the sticky layer off gel and clean work surfaces and tools. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks 70%, 99% and 100% alcohol from LaPalm and Sharonelle, in 300 ml and 500 ml bottles, 1 gallon jugs and cases, for in-store pickup.
Types of salon alcohol
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 70% alcohol | Wiping down tables, tools and surfaces as part of your cleaning routine; it stays wet a little longer. | La Palm 70% 300 ml, La Palm 70% 500 ml, La Palm Isopropyl 70% 1 gal, La Palm Isopropyl 70%, case, Sharonelle Isopropyl 70% 1 gal, Sharonelle 70%, case |
| 99% and 100% alcohol | Nail prep and gel clean-up: with less water it evaporates fast and leaves the nail plate dry. | Sharonelle Isopropyl 99% 1 gal, Sharonelle 99%, case, La Palm 100% 300 ml, La Palm 100% 500 ml, Alcohol 100% 1 gal, Alcohol 100%, 4 gallons |
How to choose salon alcohol
- Pick the strength for the job. 99% or 100% for the nail plate and gel; 70% for wiping surfaces and tools.
- Decant at the station. Fill a labelled pump or a 300 ml or 500 ml bottle from the gallon and keep the gallon capped and stored away from the work area.
- Pickup only. Alcohol is flammable, so it is sold for in-store pickup at our Markham store; keep it away from lamps, heaters and candle flames.
Related: Gel cleanser, Acetone, Disinfectant, Cotton & lint-free wipes, All disposables & sanitation
Salon alcohol FAQ
70% or 99% isopropyl alcohol: which is better for nails?
For the nail plate, 99% (or the La Palm 100%) has less water, so it evaporates almost at once and leaves the nail dry before the base coat or after the final gel cure. 70% has more water and stays wet longer, which suits wiping down tables and tools. Neither one replaces the disinfectant your local health rules require.
Can I use alcohol instead of gel cleanser?
Many technicians wipe the sticky layer off gel with 99% alcohol on a lint-free wipe. Check your gel brand first: some top coats are no-wipe and need no cleanse at all, and some brands name their own cleanser. Use one fresh wipe per hand so residue is not spread back onto the nails.
Why is salon alcohol pickup only?
Isopropyl and other high-strength alcohol is flammable, so we sell it for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store instead of shipping it. Order online and collect it, or buy it in the store. Keep it capped, in a cool place, away from lamps, heaters and open flame.
Order online and pick up at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours. Flammable liquids such as alcohol and acetone are sold for in-store pickup only.