Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish can be difficult to remove, and many people turn to YouTube tutorials for advice. However, dermatologists caution that some popular methods, such as filing, can damage your nails. They recommend protecting your nails by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin. Then, cut cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail, soak them in acetone, and place them on your nails. Finally, wrap your nails in plastic food wrap to create a tight seal and leave it on for about 10 minutes. The gel nail polish should come off easily after this process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken | 7-30 minutes |
| Tools | Electric nail file, cotton balls/pads/strips/rounds, acetone, plastic food wrap/aluminum foil, petroleum jelly, nail polish remover, q-tip, tweezers, top coat, cuticle oil, washcloth, soap, dryer sheet, warm rice, bowl, nail clippers |
| Process | File down the top layer of the gel, apply petroleum jelly to cuticles, cut cotton to size, soak cotton in acetone, place cotton on the nail, wrap the nail with plastic wrap or foil, wait, remove wrap, rub off remaining polish, wash hands, apply petroleum jelly to cuticles and surrounding skin |
| Precautions | Avoid filing off gel nail polish to prevent nail damage, do not wrap nails too tightly, do not let acetone sit on the skin, use a fragrance-free or mild soap to avoid skin irritation |
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What You'll Learn
Using acetone
Yes, you can remove gel nails, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by using acetone. However, it is important to note that acetone can be harsh on both your nails and skin, so it should be used with caution.
To remove gel nails using acetone, you will need acetone, cotton balls or pads, plastic food wrap or aluminium foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. It is also recommended to have petroleum jelly to protect your skin from the acetone, and a towel to protect your work area, as acetone can damage surfaces.
Before you begin, it is advised to work on one hand at a time and to file your nails to roughen the top layer of the gel polish. This will help the acetone work more effectively. Next, cut the cotton balls or pads to the size of each nail, and soak them in acetone. Place the cotton on top of your nail, and wrap your finger with plastic food wrap or foil. Leave this for around 10 minutes.
After this time, the gel nail polish should be softened and may even be coming off by itself. If not, use an orange stick to gently push and scrape the polish off. You can then use a cotton ball soaked in acetone to rub off any remaining bits of polish. Finally, wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone, and apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails to reduce any irritation.
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Filing and buffing
There are two main types of nail files: emery boards and glass files. Either works, but glass or crystal files are recommended as they last longer. When filing, place the nail file perpendicular to your nail, then angle it slightly. Following the curve of your finger, slide the file from one corner of your nail to the other in a single direction. Repeat this process for each nail until you achieve your desired shape. You can file your nails to be round, pointed, square, almond, or oval—it's your preference.
Buffing your nails removes the shine, giving the polish more grip. It also smooths and evens out your nail surface, making your manicure last longer. To buff, use a multi-sided nail buffer with a fine grit. Gently buff your nails in an X shape, ensuring each stroke goes only downwards or upwards. Over-buffing can damage your nails, so each nail only needs 6-8 strokes. Repeat the process with the finer-grit side to polish them. Each nail only needs 4-6 strokes for polishing.
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Protecting skin and cuticles
Protecting your skin and cuticles is an important part of the gel nail removal process. Gel nail polish is popular for its long-lasting and chip-resistant properties, but its strong adhesion can make it stubbornly stick to the surrounding skin. This can cause redness, dryness, or peeling of the skin. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to protect your skin and cuticles.
Before starting the removal process, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails. This will help protect your skin from the acetone. Acetone is the most effective solvent for breaking down and dissolving gel nail polish. However, it can also dry and irritate the skin. By applying petroleum jelly, you create a protective barrier that reduces the risk of skin irritation.
Another way to protect your skin is to use cuticle oil. Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to your cuticles and the surrounding skin. This will help to keep the skin moisturized and protected during the removal process. Cuticle oil can also help dissolve gel polish without stripping the skin, so it is a gentle and effective option. Oils like olive oil or coconut oil can also be used as natural alternatives.
Additionally, it is important to be careful during the application process to avoid getting gel nail polish on your skin and cuticles. Use a small brush or a pointy silicone tip to clean up any excess polish around your nails before curing. This will help prevent the gel from sticking to your skin and cuticles, making the removal process easier.
After removing your gel nail polish, continue to care for your skin and cuticles. Moisturize well and avoid harsh chemicals until your skin has fully recovered. Gently rub petroleum jelly or cuticle oil into your cuticles and the surrounding skin every day for about a week. This will help reduce any irritation caused by the acetone and promote healthy, hydrated skin.
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Wrapping nails
To start the nail wrap removal process, you should first apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails. This will help to protect your skin from the acetone. Next, cut cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail. Using cotton that is roughly the same size as each nail reduces the risk of getting acetone on your skin. As a general rule, the nails on your little fingers or toes will require about a quarter of a cotton ball, while the other nails can be covered with half a cotton ball each.
Once you have prepared the cotton, soak each piece in acetone and place them on top of the nails they were cut to fit. Then, wrap your nails with plastic food wrap, ensuring a tight seal. Avoid wrapping your nails too tightly, as this could cut off your circulation. Leave the plastic wrap on for around 10 minutes. When you remove it, most or all of the gel nail polish should have come off. If there is any remaining polish, use a washcloth soaked in warm water to gently wipe it off, being careful to only rub the nail and not the surrounding skin. Finally, wash your hands or feet with gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone.
An alternative to using acetone and plastic wrap is to employ a gel nail removal kit, which often includes items such as nail wraps, alcohol wipes, cuticle push sticks, and mini scissors or clippers. These kits provide a straightforward process for removing gel nails. After wiping your nails with an alcohol wipe to remove any oils or dust, you simply need to select the correctly-sized nail wrap, apply it, and use the cuticle push stick to remove any air bubbles. Finally, cut off any excess wrap with the mini scissors or clippers, being careful to file in a downward direction to prevent the wrap from coming off.
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Soaking nails
Soaking your nails is one of the most common methods for removing gel nail polish at home. However, it is important to note that this method can be harsh on your nails and skin if not done properly. Pure acetone, which is commonly used in nail polish removal, can dry out your nail plate, cuticles, and the skin around your nails, making them dry and brittle. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to minimise potential damage.
Before soaking your nails, it is recommended to file your nails gently to break the "seal" of the topcoat and gel colour. You can use a nail file (150-grit) to file through the topcoat and colour gently. Be careful not to file down to your natural nail, as this can cause damage. You just want to create a rough surface and remove the shine.
Once you have filed your nails, you can apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to the skin surrounding your nails. This helps protect your skin from the drying effects of acetone. Then, cut cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail. Using cotton that is similar in size to your nails reduces the risk of getting acetone on your skin. Soak each piece of cotton in acetone and place it on the corresponding nail.
At this point, you have a few options for creating a seal around your nails. You can use plastic food wrap, foil, or a disposable plastic bag. Each method helps to trap the heat and prevent the acetone from dripping. If you use plastic food wrap or foil, wrap each nail individually. If you use a disposable plastic bag, you can put your entire hand inside. You can also place your hands in hand warmers or on a bowl of warm rice to keep the acetone warm. Leave the setup for around 10 minutes.
After removing the wrap, foil, or bag, the gel nail polish should start flaking off. If necessary, use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off any remaining polish. Finally, wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any acetone residue.
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Frequently asked questions
According to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, acetone is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. She recommends using plastic food wrap rather than foil to create a tighter seal and prevent dripping.
First, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone. Then, cut cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail and soak them in acetone. Place the cotton on your nail and wrap it with plastic food wrap. Leave this on for about 10 minutes, then gently rub off any remaining polish with a wet washcloth.
In addition to applying petroleum jelly to your cuticles and skin, you should avoid letting acetone sit on your skin for too long as it can irritate and damage it. Make sure to wash your hands with gentle soap and water after removing the plastic wrap to remove any residual acetone.
It depends on the method you use. Soaking your nails in acetone for 20-30 minutes can help loosen the polish, but it may take longer to fully remove it. Using a nail file to rough up the top layer of the gel polish before applying acetone can speed up the process.
Yes, you can let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to gradually remove the gel nail polish. This method is slower and may take several months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails.
