Sophia Delgado
Shellac is a brand name for a hybrid polish-gel formula, while gel is the generic term for any soft gel manicure formula. Both are designed to be semi-permanent, so it's important to avoid picking or filing off the polish, as this can damage your nails. Instead, you can remove shellac and gel nail polish at home by using acetone, which offers the most effective way to remove gel nail polish, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Acetone, cotton balls/pads, petroleum jelly, plastic food wrap, nail file, foil, cuticle oil, strengthening nail product |
| Steps | File nails to remove glossiness, apply petroleum jelly to cuticles and surrounding skin, cut cotton to size, soak cotton in acetone, place on nails, wrap nails in plastic food wrap or foil, wait 10-20 minutes, gently rub off remaining polish with a wet washcloth, wash hands with gentle soap, moisturize with cuticle oil |
| Warnings | Do not pick or scrape off gel polish, do not wrap nails too tightly, do not let acetone come into contact with skin |
| Alternatives | Allow nails to grow out and clip them once a week |
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What You'll Learn
Using acetone
Prepare the necessary materials:
Firstly, you will need some common household items, including acetone, cotton pads or balls, foil or plastic food wrap, a shallow bowl, and petroleum jelly or cuticle oil. Ensure you have pure acetone or nail polish remover with a high acetone content (at least 60% or 90% acetone content is recommended).
Protect your skin and nails:
Before starting the removal process, it is important to take steps to protect your skin and nails from the harsh effects of acetone. Gently rub petroleum jelly or cuticle oil into your cuticles and the skin around your nails. This will help create a protective barrier and reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
File the surface of the nail:
Using a nail file, gently buff the top layer of the gel polish to remove the shine and break the seal of the top coat. Be careful not to file down to the natural nail, as this can cause damage. The goal is to create a rough surface that will allow the acetone to penetrate the gel polish more effectively.
Soak cotton pads or balls in acetone:
Cut the cotton pads or balls into sizes that will fit neatly onto each nail. Then, soak them in acetone so that they are wet but not dripping excessively. You can also add a few drops of cuticle oil to the acetone to help condition your nails during the removal process.
Apply the soaked cotton and wrap with foil or plastic:
Place the soaked cotton pads or balls on top of your nails, ensuring they cover the entire nail plate. Then, wrap each finger with foil or plastic food wrap to hold the cotton in place. Make sure the wrap is tight enough to create a warm, sealed environment, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
Let the nails soak:
Leave the foil or plastic wrap on your nails for 10 to 20 minutes. During this time, the acetone will penetrate the gel polish, causing it to soften and crumble. You may see the polish start to flake off at the edges. If you are using plastic wrap, you may need to leave it on for a shorter amount of time, as acetone can damage certain types of plastic.
Remove the foil or plastic and wash your hands:
After the allotted time, remove the foil or plastic wrap from your nails. Most or all of the gel nail polish should come off with it. If there is any remaining polish, you can gently wipe it off with a cotton ball or use a wooden cuticle stick to push the flakes of gel away from the nail. Avoid digging into the nail or scratching its surface. Finally, wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any residual acetone.
Moisturize and nourish your nails:
After removing shellac gel nail polish, it is important to nourish your nails and the surrounding skin. Apply a good quality hand cream or cuticle oil to the nail beds to help restore moisture and promote healthy nail growth.
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Protecting skin with petroleum jelly
To remove Shellac gel nail polish, you will need to use acetone. Acetone can be very harsh on the skin, so it is important to take steps to protect your skin when removing gel nail polish.
One way to protect your skin is by applying a light layer of petroleum jelly to the skin around your nails. This will create a barrier between your skin and the acetone, helping to prevent irritation and damage. It is recommended to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin before starting the removal process. Make sure to gently rub it into your cuticles and skin.
You can also use petroleum jelly to protect your skin when applying nail polish. Rub some petroleum jelly into the skin around your nails before adding nail polish. If you make a mistake, the nail polish will be easier to remove when it's dry, and your cuticles will be softened.
Petroleum jelly is a versatile product with multiple skincare uses. It can be used to relieve dry skin, treat minor wounds, prevent chafing, and rehydrate nails. It is an inexpensive and effective way to care for your skin, and can even be used on your eyelids and lips.
When removing Shellac gel nail polish, it is important to avoid picking or filing off the polish, as this can damage your nails. Instead, use acetone to soak the polish off, protecting your skin with petroleum jelly beforehand.
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Soaking nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. However, it is important to note that acetone can be harsh on your skin and nails, so it should be used with caution. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely soak off gel nail polish using acetone:
Prepare the Workspace:
Before you begin, it is important to protect your work area as acetone can damage surfaces such as sinks, countertops, and furniture. Line your workspace with plastic wrap or foil to catch any drips or spills.
Protect Your Skin:
Acetone can irritate and damage your skin, so it is important to take precautions. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to the skin around your nails to create a protective barrier. You can also wear gloves with the fingertips cut off to further protect your hands from the acetone.
Prepare the Acetone and Cotton:
Pour 100% acetone into a small dish or bowl. Cut cotton balls or cotton pads into pieces that are slightly larger than your nail beds. Soak the cotton pieces in the acetone until they are fully saturated. You may also warm up the acetone by placing the bowl in a larger bowl of warm water.
Soak Your Nails:
Place the soaked cotton pieces on top of your nails, making sure they cover the entire nail plate. Wrap each finger with plastic food wrap or foil to create a tight seal and help retain heat. It is recommended to work on one hand at a time to ensure the process is done thoroughly and effectively.
Removal Process:
Leave the acetone-soaked cotton and plastic wrap on your nails for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. During this time, the acetone will break down the gel polish, causing it to soften and change texture. After the allotted time, carefully remove the plastic wrap and cotton from one nail at a time. Use an orange wood stick or cuticle pusher to gently push off the softened gel polish. If necessary, use a gentle touch to scrape off any remaining polish with a nail file or buffer.
Moisturize:
After removing the gel polish, wash your hands with gentle soap and warm water to remove any residual acetone. Generously apply moisturizer or cuticle oil to your hands and nails to rehydrate and nourish the skin. It is recommended to continue moisturizing your hands and nails daily for several days after the removal process to promote healthy and hydrated skin.
It is important to note that if you are experiencing difficulty removing the gel nail polish with acetone, it may be due to the type of gel polish used. Some gel polishes, such as hard gels, are non-porous and will not soak off. In such cases, filing or professional removal may be necessary. Always assess the type of gel polish before attempting removal at home.
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Sealing nails with plastic wrap or foil
To seal your nails with plastic wrap, start by cutting cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail. Soak the cotton in acetone, ensuring it is completely saturated. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone. Place the soaked cotton on top of the nail and wrap it with plastic food wrap, ensuring a tight seal. Avoid wrapping your nails too tightly to maintain blood circulation.
Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes. When you remove the wrap, the gel nail polish should have lifted and become flakey or gooey. Use a cuticle stick to gently push off the softened polish, being careful not to force or scrape too hard to avoid damaging your nail bed. If necessary, repeat the soaking process.
If you choose to use aluminium foil instead of plastic wrap, follow the same steps. Cut the cotton balls or strips to fit your nails, soak them in acetone, and place them on your nails. Then, cover the cotton with aluminium foil, ensuring a tight seal. Let your nails soak for 15 to 30 minutes before removing the foil and cotton. As with plastic wrap, be cautious not to scrape off the softened polish too aggressively, as it can damage your nails.
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Moisturising nails post-removal
Shellac gel nail polish can cause nail damage, leaving nails thinner, weaker, and prone to breakage. The removal process can also be intensive, and nails can be left feeling sore, flaky, and brittle. To restore nail health, it is important to moisturise and nourish nails post-removal.
Firstly, it is recommended to give your nails a break from any polish for at least a week every eight weeks. This allows nails to recover and promotes healthy nail growth. During this time, you can use cuticle oil to increase circulation, stimulate growth, and protect your nails and cuticles. Cuticle oils with essential vitamins and nourishing ingredients are ideal for repairing damaged nails.
To further moisturise nails, jojoba oil is highly recommended. Its molecular structure is similar to our body's natural oils, allowing it to penetrate the layers of keratin in the nails. Applying jojoba oil at least three times a day can help keep the nail plate bonded and flexible.
Additionally, nail strengtheners can be used to fortify and protect nails while they heal. Ridge-filling base coats can also be applied to smooth out any unevenness caused by shellac removal. Keeping nails short during the recovery process can also reduce the risk of breakage.
It is important to note that repairing damaged nails takes time and consistent care. It can take four to six months for nails to fully recover and grow out the damage caused by shellac. During this period, it is crucial to avoid picking or scraping off any remaining shellac, as this can further damage the nail bed. Instead, opt for gentle removal methods using acetone and always moisturise nails post-removal to promote healthy and strong nails.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need acetone, cotton balls, and foil or plastic food wrap. First, file the polished surface to take away the shininess. Then, cut the cotton balls to the size of each nail and soak them in acetone. Place the cotton on your nails and wrap your fingers with foil or plastic food wrap. Leave for 10-20 minutes, then scrape off the softened polish.
Acetone can be harsh on the skin and may cause irritation and damage. It is recommended to apply a light layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around your nails before wrapping them to protect your skin.
According to Dr. Lipner, the best way to remove gel nail polish is to let your nails grow out. Clipping your nails once a week will help remove the gel and prevent them from catching on clothing and other objects.
It is important to moisturize your nails and the surrounding area after removal. You can use cuticle oil or coconut oil to add moisture and give your nails flexibility.
Shellac is the brand name for a hybrid polish-gel formula, while gel is a generic term for any soft gel manicure formula. Both are designed to be semi-permanent and should not be picked off, as this can damage your nails.
