Abstract: Methods, kits fand photothermal compositions for removing nail coatings are described. The nail coatings include a thermally responsive material, such as thermally expandable microspheres, and a nail product to be removed (e.g. nail polish, gel, dip, nail art, and/or artificial nail. Optionally, a bottom coating, such as lipoic acid, is in contact with the nail surface. The method includes (ii) applying a removal stimulus to a removal layer containing a photothermal additive to induce heat generation and cause at least partial expansion, shape change, and/or phase change of the thermally responsive material or partial detachment of the nail product. Optionally the method includes applying the photothermal nail composition on top of a nail coating prior to step (ii).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preparing multilayer nail coatings that enable facile removal of nail enhancements formed thereon are described herein. The nail enhancements become removable upon exposure to a suitable removal stimulus.

Abstract: Nail compositions including sulfur-containing active agents which are capable of reacting and forming a nail coating, as well as methods of using the nail compositions are described herein. The nail compositions can be, for instance, in the form of nail strengtheners, nail primers, nail polishes, nail lacquers, gel nails, or dip nails.