Isla Bennett
Modicious polygel nails are a revolutionary all-in-one nail system that combines the best features of acrylic and hard gel nails. This system offers strong, flexible, lightweight, and odourless nails that are easy to apply and long-lasting. While polygel nails are popular, they can be challenging to remove at home, and improper removal can damage your natural nails. The recommended methods for removing polygel nails are acetone removal or filing off the gel. Acetone removal involves cutting and filing the nails, soaking them in acetone, and then scraping off the remaining polygel. Filing off the gel involves trimming the nails and using a file or electric file to remove the polygel. After removing polygel nails, it is important to restore your natural nails' strength and health by trimming, shaping, cleansing, and moisturising them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal difficulty | Hard to remove, especially for DIYers |
| Professional removal | Recommended to avoid damaging the natural nail |
| Tools | Nail drill, nail file, electric file (e-file), acetone, cotton pad/ball, aluminium foil, cuticle scraper/pusher, orange stick, buffing block, nail clippers |
| Techniques | Filing, soaking in acetone, trimming, lubricating |
| Aftercare | Trim, shape, cleanse, moisturize, apply cuticle oil |
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What You'll Learn
Using acetone
To start, cut your nails down to avoid cracking or damage at the tips. Then, use a coarse nail file to remove the top coat of the polygel gently. This step is crucial as it allows the acetone to penetrate and soften the polygel more effectively. Be careful not to file too deep and stop when the natural nail is reached or the polygel layer becomes thin.
The next step is to soak your nails in acetone. There are two methods for this: the foil method and the bowl method. For the foil method, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it directly on the filed polygel nail. Wrap each finger with aluminum foil to keep the cotton ball in place and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, use nail clips to secure the aluminum foil. For the bowl method, pour acetone into a bowl and soak your fingertips directly in the liquid for 15-20 minutes.
After soaking, gently scrape away the loosened polygel with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. If the polygel is still too hard to remove, soak your nails in acetone for another 5-10 minutes before trying again.
Finally, buff away any excess polygel residue with a buffing block or nail file. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any remaining acetone, and then moisturize your hands and nails. Acetone can be drying, so it is important to rehydrate your skin and nails after removal.
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Filing off the gel
To start, cut your nails down to avoid cracking or damage at the tips. Then, use a coarse file to remove the top coat on the nail. File in one direction, from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. Don't use a back-and-forth motion and don't focus on just one spot. Be careful not to file too deep and avoid filing too close to the cuticle.
Once the top coat has been filed down, the gel polish underneath will be exposed, making it easier to take off with acetone. If you do not have acetone, continue filing gently and carefully until the gel is removed.
After removing the gel, your nails may feel brittle and weak. To restore your nails' strength and health, trim and shape them, then apply a generous amount of cuticle oil and moisturizer to prevent dryness and protect them from damage.
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Trimming and shaping natural nails
Trimming and shaping your natural nails is an essential step in creating salon-quality manicures at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve well-groomed nails:
Step 1: Soften Your Nails
Start by softening your nails to make them easier to trim. The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower when they are softer and more pliable.
Step 2: Gather the Right Tools
Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails and a toenail clipper for your toenails. Ensure that your tools are clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of bacteria. To disinfect your tools, soak a small scrub brush in a bowl of 70-90% isopropyl alcohol, then scrub your nail clippers or scissors. Rinse and dry them completely before use.
Step 3: Trim Your Nails
For fingernails, cut almost straight across the nail, leaving a slight curve at the corners. This will help keep them strong and prevent them from catching on things. For toenails, cut straight across to reduce the chances of getting an ingrown toenail.
Step 4: File and Shape Your Nails
Use a nail file to shape your nails to your desired style. You can choose from various shapes, including almond, oval, round, square, or squoval (a combination of square and oval). File your nails gently, following the natural line of your cuticle for a smooth and precise finish.
For an almond shape, use a 240-grit nail file, starting from one side and filing in one direction. You can also use nail clippers to clip the sides of the nail, holding them at a slight angle. Alternating between both sides will ensure an even shape.
For a square shape, trim your nails straight across the top to create a straight-line finish. Use a file to smooth the edges. This shape is best suited for those with long fingers and slim nails as it visually shortens fingers and adds width.
For a round shape, file your nails in one direction to create a gentle curve that follows the natural line of your cuticle. This shape is perfect for those with wide nail beds or those who want to elongate the look of their hands and fingers.
For an oval shape, start from the outside and use your file to shape the tip of your nail into a rounded but flat, blunt tip.
For a squoval shape, file the sides of your nails to create gently rounded edges while keeping the line across the centre straight.
Step 5: Finish and Care
Once you've achieved your desired nail shape, you can finish with a neutral or coloured nail polish, depending on your preference. Don't forget to apply a generous amount of cuticle oil and moisturiser to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated and healthy.
By following these steps, you can achieve well-trimmed and shaped natural nails that not only look great but are also less likely to harbour dirt and bacteria, promoting healthy and happy nails!
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Using a nail drill
Before using the nail drill, trim your nails to remove any excess length. Then, push back your cuticles to prevent the drill from damaging them. Choose a nail drill with different types of drill bits, such as the Makartt nail drill, and select a softer and smoother sanding band to gently file the edges of your polygel nails. You can adjust the speed of the drill depending on the area you are working on—for example, 2000-3000 RPM for working with the natural nail, 5000-7000 RPM for prepping the cuticles, and 8000-10000 RPM for lifting dead skin.
Once the edges are filed, switch to a harsher and more coarse sanding band to file away the bulk of the polygel. Be careful not to touch your natural nails. After filing, wash away all the dust from your nails. Finally, use a low-grit nail file to manually take off any remaining polygel.
It's important to know whether you are left- or right-handed when using a nail drill. If you are right-handed, work forward, and if you are left-handed, work in reverse. Use a feathering motion, working through the center and gently moving around the nail perimeter. Always consider the area you are working on and adjust the speed accordingly to prevent damage and injury to your natural nails.
After removing the polygel, your nails may feel brittle and weak. To restore their strength and health, trim and shape your natural nails, cleanse the skin, and apply cuticle oil and moisturizer. Continue applying a generous amount of cuticle oil daily to moisturize dryness and protect your nails from damage.
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Soaking nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove polygel nails. However, it is a time-consuming process and can cause your nails to become weak, dry, and brittle.
To begin the removal process, cut down the length of the polygel nail using toenail clippers or guillotine-style nail clippers. Be sure to cut the nail down to the length of your natural nail or just past your fingertip. This will make removing the polygel much easier.
Next, use a coarse file to remove the top coat on the nail. Filing the top coat helps the acetone penetrate the polygel, reducing the amount of time your nails need to soak. Be cautious when using an electric nail file, as it may damage your natural nail bed.
Now, you can begin soaking your nails in acetone. Soak a cotton pad with acetone and place it on your nail. Then, wrap your fingertip with aluminium foil and wait. The acetone will soften the polygel, making it easier to remove. You may need to soak your nails for up to 30 minutes, and you can speed up the process by placing the acetone container in a bowl of warm water.
After soaking, gently scrape away the softened polygel with a cuticle scraper or orange stick. Be sure to scrape quickly, as the polygel will dry fast. If the polygel is still too hard to remove, soak your nails for another 5 minutes and try again.
Finally, buff away any excess polygel residue with a buffing block and trim and shape your natural nails. To restore your nails' strength and health, apply a generous amount of cuticle oil and moisturizer.
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Frequently asked questions
You can remove polygel nails using acetone or by filing off the gel. It is recommended to get them removed by a professional to avoid damaging your natural nails.
First, cut down the length of the polygel tip to just past the end of your finger. Then, use a coarse file to remove the top coat on the nail. Now, soak your nails in acetone to soften the polygel. You can do this by placing acetone-soaked pads on your nails and wrapping them in aluminum foil, or by dipping your nails into a bowl of acetone. Gently scrape away the softened polygel with a cuticle scraper or orange stick.
Use a nail file or an electric file to file off as much of the polygel as you can. Then, when the polygel is thin, soak your nails in acetone and try to gently scrape off the rest of the product.
After removing the polygel, wash your nails thoroughly and lubricate them and the surrounding skin with cuticle oil. Trim and shape your natural nails and apply moisturizer.
No, do not try to peel off or tear off polygel nails. You could end up ripping off your natural nail.
