Gel nail polishes are known for their high shine and durability, which in turn gives lasting wear of up to weeks. Once they begin to fade or chip, proper removal is key. Many go for the quick at-home peel-off, which, while easy, may in fact cause damage to the natural nail. But you can do it at home with the right approach and a lot of patience.
Before you start, set up a comfortable workspace and make sure you have the time to go through the process at a calm pace. Also, it is helpful to work in a well-ventilated area, which is especially true when using acetone, which has a very strong smell. Also, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your cuticles to protect the nearby skin from drying out.
Step 1: Put the Top Layer on
Begin with a fine-grit nail file to sand the surface of your gel polish. This action breaks the seal of the top coat, which in turn allows the acetone to better penetrate the gel. File lightly what you are going for is a dulled shine, not a thinned natural nail.
Step 2: Wipe with acetone-soaked cotton
Dip small pads or balls, which are then put over each nail. Pure acetone is better, which works faster, although regular nail polish remover with acetone also does the job, although it may just take a bit longer.
Step 3: Use aluminum foil to wrap
Cover each fingertip with a small piece of aluminum foil, which will hold the cotton in place. This is to prevent the acetone from evaporating and ensure that it stays in touch with the polish. Leave the wraps on for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Softly Remove the Broken Gel
After soaking, take out one foil wrap and see which the gel has softened. Use a cuticle stick to gently push out the loosened polish, starting at the edges. If the gel is not coming off easily, just rewrap and soak for a few more minutes rather than forcing it.
Step 5: Buff out the nail surface
Once you’ve removed the great majority of the gel, very gently buff your nails out, which will even out any that still remain. Do it lightly – overdoing it will damage your nails.
Step 6: Moisturize and Care for
Acetone dries out nails and skin, which is why we recommend you use cuticle oil and hand cream at the end. Also, massage the oil into your nails and cuticles for moisture repair and to maintain nail health.
Alternative Methods
If you don’t have acetone, soak your nails in warm soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes, which will help to remove chipped polish. Also you can use pre-soaked gel removal wraps, which are easy to use and reduce mess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the removal of gel polish, which can take off layers of your natural nail. Also, don’t use metal tools aggressively and do not soak in acetone for extended periods of time, as it may cause your nails to become very dry. Also, be sure to moisturize afterwards.
Final Thoughts
At home, removal of gel nail polish is easy if done properly. With care and patience, you may protect your natural nails and keep them healthy for your next mani, no trip to the salon required.
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