Sophia Delgado
IBD gel nails can be removed in several ways, depending on the type of gel used. If you are using a soak-off gel, you can use acetone to remove it. However, if you are using traditional or regular file-off gel, you will need to file the gel down until it becomes opaque or cloudy, indicating that the seal has been broken, and then slide a pusher between the product and the nail to remove it. This process can be time-consuming and may require a nail drill or e-file to speed it up. It is important to be careful when removing gel nails to avoid damaging the natural nail or skin.
Removing IBD Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended Removal Method | File off or grind down overlays or extensions |
| Tools Needed | 80-grit coarse nail file, nail drill, or e-file with appropriate bit |
| Alternative Method | Soak off with acetone |
| Soak Off Time | Approximately 10 minutes |
| Soak Off Gel | IBD Gel Remover Soak |
| File Off Gel | Traditional gels |
| File Off Time | Varies, can take up to an hour |
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What You'll Learn
File off or grind down overlays/extensions
To file off or grind down overlays/extensions, you will need to first cut off the free edge of the nail. Then, file the gel until it becomes opaque or cloudy. This means that the seal between the natural nail and the gel has been broken. At this point, you can slide a pusher between the natural nail and the gel to remove it.
If you are using IBD's Soak Off Gel, you should use the IBD Gel Remover Soak to remove the gel. However, if you are using traditional gels, they cannot be removed by soaking in acetone. Instead, you will need to file the gel down until it becomes opaque or cloudy, and then proceed to remove it with a pusher.
It is important to note that rebalancing is necessary to maintain the structural integrity and fresh look of the nails. This involves shortening the length, thinning out the enhancement, and then reapplying the product. A rebalance can also be done by filing the product thin at the cuticle and the free edge, without breaking the seal, and then proceeding with a fill as usual.
Additionally, overlays and extensions should ideally be fitted and removed at a salon to avoid damaging the nail bed. Gels are generally stronger, more flexible, and odourless compared to acrylics, but they don't last as long and tend to be more expensive.
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Use an 80-grit coarse nail file or nail drill
To remove IBD gel nails, you can use an 80-grit coarse nail file or a nail drill. It is important to note that removing gel nails with a nail file can be a time-consuming process, especially if done manually. A nail drill will speed up the process, but it may still take a while. The key is to remove most of the gel without damaging the natural nail or the skin around it.
When using an 80-grit coarse nail file, it is recommended to use cross-hatch strokes in one direction only, filing down to where you can see the colour flaking off. It is better to remove too little gel and have to repeat the process than to damage the nail underneath. If you are using a nail drill, look for a professional drill with minimal vibration and a lightweight wand, as this will be easier for beginners to control.
If you are pleased with the results of the filing, you can stop there. It is not uncommon to leave a thin layer of gel to reinforce the natural nail, and this may be safer if you are not experienced in gel nail removal. After filing, you may be able to soak off any remaining gel with acetone. To protect your skin from dryness, apply cuticle oil or hand cream around your nails before soaking them in acetone. Instead of dipping your fingers directly into acetone, it is recommended to wrap your nails with acetone-saturated cotton pads wrapped in aluminium foil.
It is important to note that an 80-grit nail file is quite coarse, and you should never overfile your nails with it. This type of file is best suited for heavy product removal and should not be used on natural nails. When removing gel nails, it is generally recommended to use a medium-grit 100/180 nail file to avoid damaging the natural nail.
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Soak off with acetone
Soaking off IBD gel nails with acetone is a simple process, but it may take some time. Firstly, it is important to note that not all IBD gels are soak-off gels. If you are using a traditional gel, it is not possible to remove it by soaking in acetone. In this case, you should file the gel until it becomes opaque or cloudy, indicating that the seal has been broken from the natural nail. You can then remove the product by sliding a pusher between the product and the nail.
If you are using a soak-off gel, you can start by filing the product thin at the cuticle and the free edge, being careful not to break the seal. Then, soak your nails in acetone. This process can take up to an hour, and you may need to use a nail file to help remove the gel. It is recommended to use an 80-grit coarse nail file or a nail drill with an appropriate bit to file off the gel. You can also use an e-file, which is an electric nail file, to speed up the process. If you are in a rush, be cautious as you may accidentally damage your nails.
To soak off the gel, you will need acetone, a cuticle pusher or orange stick, foil, and cotton balls. Soak your nails in acetone for about 10 minutes. You can wrap your nails in foil and cotton balls soaked in acetone to help speed up the process. After removing the gel, use a 180-grit file or a buffing block to shape your nails and apply cuticle oil to moisturize your skin.
It is always best to have your IBD gel nails removed professionally at a salon. However, if that is not possible, you can use the above method to safely remove them at home.
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Rebalance by filing the product thin at the cuticle
Rebalancing is a method used to maintain the structural integrity and fresh look of your nails. It is a process that should be done every 4 weeks or so, as this is when the apex is usually grown out and requires "restructuring" to place the apex in the proper position. Without rebalancing the apex, the nail's structure and strength can be affected, leading to breaks or poor wear.
To rebalance by filing the product thin at the cuticle, you should first prep the nail properly. This includes performing cuticle work, such as removing the cuticle from the nail plate with a cuticle pusher, and filing down the product. Cuticle care is important as it helps your manicure look neat and last longer. It also helps the gel adhere to your nail and not your cuticle.
Next, apply a coat of "Commit" Primer if you are planning on filing down and filling. If you plan on soaking off at the next service, you can apply Commit to the free edge or not at all. This gel has great adhesion on its own, but each client has individual needs, so experimentation may be necessary if you do not want to use primer.
Then, file the product thin at the cuticle and the free edge, but not too thin as to break the seal. After this, prep as usual for a fill, cleanse, and bond the growth. You can then apply white to the free edge to reset your new smile and clean your smile to be crisp with a clean brush and cure.
Finally, finish filing if needed and apply a top coat.
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Go to a salon for professional removal
If you're unsure about removing your IBD gel nails yourself, it's best to go to a salon for professional removal. IBD gel nails can be tricky and time-consuming to remove, so it's worth seeking expert help to ensure the process is safe and efficient.
Firstly, a nail technician will assess whether you have IBD's Soak Off Gel or their traditional file-off gel. If you have the Soak Off Gel, they will apply the IBD Gel Remover Soak to remove it. This is a much quicker method than the traditional gel removal process.
If you have the traditional IBD gel, the nail technician will need to file the product down until it becomes opaque or cloudy. This indicates that the seal has been broken from the natural nail. They will then be able to remove the product by sliding a pusher between the gel and the natural nail. It's important not to file the product too thin, as this can damage the natural nail.
A rebalance is another method that can be used to maintain the structural integrity and fresh look of your nails. This involves filing the product thin at the cuticle and free edge, without breaking the seal. The nail technician will then prep the nail as usual for a fill, cleansing and bonding the growth. They will then apply white to the free edge to reset the smile line, ensuring it is crisp with a clean brush and cure.
By visiting a salon for professional removal, you can ensure your IBD gel nails are safely and effectively removed, minimising any potential damage to your natural nails.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are using IBD's Soak Off Gel, you should use the IBD Gel Remover Soak to remove them. If you are using traditional gels, file them until they become opaque or cloudy, then remove by sliding a pusher between the product and your nail.
Soak-off gels are acetone-resistant. The molecules are packed tightly together and won't soak up acetone.
File off or grind down the overlays or extensions. Be careful not to damage your natural nail or the skin around it.
Removing IBD gel nails can take a long time, especially if you are doing it manually. If you are using acetone to soak off the gel, it should take about 10 minutes.
