Noah Sinclair
Gel nail polish is cured under a UV light, which gives it its super staying power. However, this also makes it challenging to remove. While some people opt for cutting, filing, or peeling off the gel coating, these methods can be ineffective and damaging to the nail underneath. Soaking the nails in acetone is a popular method for removal, but it can be time-consuming and may not always work. To protect the skin from the acetone, it is recommended to apply petroleum jelly to the cuticles and surrounding skin. Additionally, using plastic food wrap or foil can help create a tighter seal to prevent the acetone from dripping. For those who want to avoid the hassle of removal, letting the nails grow out and clipping them is an option, although it is a slow process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal difficulty | Gel nail polish is more difficult to remove than standard nail polish |
| Damage to nails | Cutting, filing, or peeling off gel nail polish can damage the nail underneath |
| Damage to skin | Acetone can irritate and damage the skin |
| Removal methods | Soaking nails in acetone, using a gel nail polish remover, clipping nails, and filing nails |
| Prevention of damage | Using a protective primer, nourishing base coat, and moisturising hand cream |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in acetone for 10-30 minutes
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove gel nail polish. However, it is important to note that acetone can be harsh on your nails and skin, so it is recommended to take precautions to protect them.
Before you begin the removal process, it is advisable to file down the gel nail polish to make it as thin as possible without damaging your natural nail. This will help the acetone penetrate the polish more effectively. Additionally, you can apply cuticle oil or balm to your skin to protect it from the drying effects of acetone.
To soak your nails in acetone, start by cutting cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail. Soak the cotton in acetone and then place it on top of the corresponding nail. Wrap your nails with plastic food wrap or foil to create a tight seal and prevent the acetone from dripping. Leave the wrap on for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your gel nail polish.
During the soaking process, you can place your hand on a bowl of warm rice to heat the acetone, which will help soften the gel nail polish. You can also use a dryer sheet to rub your nails while they are soaking.
After the allotted time, carefully remove the wrap and use a wooden cuticle pusher or a gel scraper to gently push away any gel polish from your nail bed. Be gentle during this process to avoid damaging your natural nails. If there is still some gel nail polish remaining, you can re-buff and re-wrap your nails for another 10 minutes.
Finally, wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove any remaining acetone. Apply nail and cuticle oil, as well as hand cream, to rehydrate your cuticles and nails.
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File nails before soaking
If you are looking to remove gel nail polish, filing your nails before soaking them in acetone is a viable option. While some people prefer to soak off their gel nail polish, filing it off beforehand can reduce the amount of time your nails are exposed to acetone.
Acetone is an effective way to remove gel nail polish, but it can be very drying. The longer your nails are exposed to acetone, the more dehydrated they will become. This can cause your nail plate to become dry, brittle, flaky, and more prone to breakage. To avoid this, you can file off the top layer of your gel nail polish before soaking. Use a coarse nail file on the topcoat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
Filing off the top layer of your gel nail polish will reduce the amount of time needed to soak your nails in acetone. After filing, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail. You can also wrap your nails with plastic food wrap or foil to keep the cotton ball in place and prevent the acetone from evaporating. Leave the cotton ball on your nail for 5-10 minutes.
After soaking, the gel nail polish should start to peel, crack, bubble, or burst. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the gel polish off each nail. Be careful not to use too much force, as this can damage your nails. If the polish is not coming off easily, you can soak your nails in acetone for another 5 minutes and then try again.
It is important to note that filing your nails too aggressively or using a drill to grind off gel nail polish can also damage your nails. Be gentle and patient when filing, and do not file beyond the topcoat layer. Additionally, make sure to hydrate your nails and cuticles after removal to counteract the drying effects of acetone.
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Use pure acetone
Pure acetone is a strong and effective way to remove gel nail polish. It breaks down the bonds in the nail polish formula quickly and efficiently. While it is a safe way to remove gel nail polish, it can be harsh on the skin and nails, so it is important to use it carefully.
To use pure acetone, start by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin. This will help protect your skin from the acetone. Cut the cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail. Using cotton that is about the same size as each nail reduces your risk of getting acetone on your skin. Soak each piece of cotton in acetone and place them on top of the nail. Wrap the nails with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Avoid wrapping your nails too tightly, as this may cut off circulation.
Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes. When you remove it, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone. Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth that has been run under warm water. Gently rub the washcloth over the nail to remove any remaining polish, being careful to only rub the nail and not the surrounding skin.
Finally, wash your hands or feet with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone. You can also use a fragrance-free or mild soap to avoid irritating your skin. To reduce any irritation caused by the acetone, gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and the skin around your nails every day for seven days after removal.
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Avoid picking, scraping, or peeling off gel polish
Picking, scraping, or peeling off gel nail polish can cause serious damage to your nails. According to nail expert Cherrie Snow, our nails are made up of about 25 layers of keratinized skin cells, and peeling off gel polish will remove those top protective layers, causing the nail to become thinner, weaker, and uneven. This can also make your nails more prone to chipping.
Instead of picking at your gel nail polish, Dr. Lipner recommends letting your nails grow out. Clipping them once a week will help remove the gel nail polish and prevent the nails from catching on clothing and other objects. This method can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
If you are unable to wait for your nails to grow out, you can try removing gel nail polish at home. One method is to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect them from acetone. Cut cotton balls to the size of each nail and soak them in acetone. Place each piece of cotton on the nail it was cut for and wrap the nail with plastic food wrap. Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes, then remove it and gently rub off any remaining polish with a washcloth dampened with warm water.
Alternatively, you can try the following method: file down each nail and then hop in the shower. After showering, the gel should be softer, making it easier to remove. Wrap each finger in a cotton ball soaked with gel nail polish remover and let it soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. You can then carefully rub off the excess gel.
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Protect skin with petroleum jelly
If you're struggling to remove gel nail polish, you're not alone. The very thing that makes gel nail polish so desirable—its long-lasting, chip-resistant nature—can also make it challenging to remove. The adhesion of the polish is so strong that it can be difficult to remove without damaging your nails or irritating your skin.
One way to protect your skin during the removal process is to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails. This creates a barrier that shields your skin from the acetone in the nail polish remover, which can be drying and irritating to the skin. You can use a product like Vaseline or Aquaphor, or a cuticle-specific product like Olive & June's Cuticle Serum.
It is recommended to apply the petroleum jelly generously, extending slightly beyond the nail fold. This will make it easier to remove any gel polish that may have gotten on your skin. You can also use nail shields or adhesive tape to create a physical barrier between your skin and the nail polish.
After removing the gel nail polish, it is important to continue caring for your skin and nails. You can gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and the surrounding skin every day for seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone. It is also recommended to use a moisturising hand cream or cuticle oil to nourish and hydrate your skin and nails.
In addition to the risks of irritation and damage to the nails and surrounding skin, it is important to be aware of the potential health concerns associated with gel nail polish removal. The UV light used to cure gel nail polish can cause DNA damage that could lead to skin cancer, according to a study by dermatologists from the Comprehensive Skin Cancer Center at Columbia University Irving Medical School. To protect yourself from UV damage, it is recommended to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your hands before placing them under the dryer. It is also advisable to reserve gel nails for special occasions and to take breaks between manicures.
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