Caleb Foster
Changing the colour of gel polish on acrylic nails can be a tricky process. Acrylic nails are composed of acetone, the same ingredient used in nail polish remover, so it's important to take care not to damage the acrylic nails or your natural nail bed. The best method for removing gel polish is to file it off, but this can be a lengthy process. If you're looking to change your gel polish colour, it's best to go to a professional nail technician, but if that's not an option, there are ways to do it yourself at home.
How to change gel polish on acrylic nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to remove gel polish from acrylic nails | File the gel polish off with swift strokes in one direction at a time until the gel polish starts to come off. |
| Moisten a cotton ball with a non-acetone nail polish remover and rub it on your nail without applying too much pressure. | |
| Place the soaked cotton ball on top of the nail, then wrap a square of tinfoil around it to keep it in place. Repeat for all fingers, leave on for 10–20 minutes, and wipe the gel polish off with the cotton balls. | |
| Use a 150-grit nail file to remove the polish and move the file in a single direction over the nail polish. | |
| Buff the shine off the top coat and then paint over the polish. | |
| File off the top coat and then file off the color. | |
| Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to avoid damaging the acrylic nails. | |
| How to take care of acrylic nails | Keep your nails clean and dry. |
| File the nails frequently to avoid breakage and infection. |
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What You'll Learn
Use non-acetone nail polish remover
Using a non-acetone nail polish remover is a good option when removing regular nail polish from acrylic nails. Acetone-based removers can be too harsh and may even remove the acrylic nails themselves.
There are several non-acetone products available, which are gentler on acrylic nails. These products are also better for natural nails, as acetone can be very harsh. If you are removing gel polish, however, it is more difficult to do so without acetone.
To remove gel polish with a non-acetone remover, you will need to use a nail file. First, gently buff the tops of your nails. After the gel polish is removed and you begin to see your natural nails underneath, switch to a fine-grit nail file or your nail buffer. Buffing the nails will help remove any excess gel base coat or clear layers of gel.
You can also use non-acetone nail polish remover to remove the gel polish. Moisten a cotton ball generously with the remover. Add enough so that the cotton ball is moist, but not dripping. Without applying too much pressure, rub the cotton ball on your nail to take off the polish. Repeat for all nails until they are clean. Replace the cotton ball from time to time.
If you don't have any nail polish remover, there are some DIY solutions you can try. You can use rubbing alcohol, perfume, or hand sanitizer—although these methods will require more product. A mixture of orange juice and vinegar can also be used to remove nail polish in a pinch.
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File off the top coat
To file off the top coat of gel polish on acrylic nails, you will need to use a nail file. It is important to select a file that is suitable for use on acrylic nails, such as a buffer file, which is effective yet gentle. You can also use a 150-grit nail file, which has enough texture to remove the polish.
When filing, apply gentle pressure and move the file in a single direction over the nail polish. Start by pressing the file onto the surface of the polish and then move it in one direction. This will help to avoid causing any damage to the acrylic nail underneath. Be sure to file off all the top coat from each nail until they are completely clean.
It is important to note that removing gel polish from acrylic nails requires extra care. The methods used to remove polish from natural nails may not be suitable for acrylic nails, as they can inadvertently damage them. Additionally, some nail polish removers can also be too harsh for acrylic nails and may remove the acrylic material itself, along with the polish.
Therefore, it is recommended to use a non-acetone nail polish remover when removing gel polish from acrylic nails. Acetone can dissolve the acrylics, so a non-acetone remover is necessary to ensure that the acrylic nails are not degraded or lifted during the removal process.
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Buff the nails
Buffing is an essential step in changing the colour of your gel polish on acrylic nails. It is a safe method to remove the gel polish without damaging the acrylic nails.
Firstly, get a good nail file with a decent amount of friction-causing texture. A 150-grit nail file should have enough texture to remove the polish. You can also use a fine-grit buffer, which is especially useful for getting around the cuticles and smoothing.
Then, buff the surface of the nails with the nail file until there is no shiny coating left. Work on one nail at a time, focusing on different areas of the nail until the gel polish is removed. Always move the file in a single direction over the nail polish to avoid damaging the acrylic nails.
Buffing is a great method to remove gel polish from your acrylic nails, but it can be time-consuming and requires patience. It is also important to be cautious and gentle to avoid accidentally removing more of the acrylic nail than intended.
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Soak nails in non-acetone remover
When changing the polish on your acrylic nails, it's important to remember to never use an acetone-based nail polish remover, as acetone can dissolve the acrylic nails themselves. Instead, opt for a non-acetone nail polish remover, which is gentler on acrylic nails and natural nails.
If you're using cotton balls, tear off pieces that are about 1.5x1.5 cm. Make sure they're thin but big enough to cover your nail bed. The cotton shouldn't hang over and touch the skin around your nails or your cuticles. Next, soak a cotton ball in non-acetone nail polish remover. It should be damp, but not dripping wet. Usually, 5 to 10 drops of non-acetone nail polish remover will do the trick. If you soak the cotton ball with too much remover, it might irritate your skin. This can make your skin red, dry, or even cracked.
Place the non-acetone-soaked cotton on top of your fingernail, then move on to the next step. To keep the cotton ball in place, start wrapping your fingertip with plastic food wrap, creating a tighter seal than foil and preventing the non-acetone remover from dripping. Wait for about 10 minutes. This gives the non-acetone remover time to dissolve the polish. After 10 minutes, the nail polish should be soft and might look bubbly or curled. Now you can pinch off the plastic wrap and cotton ball from your nail. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the nail polish off each nail. If the polish isn't coming off easily, keep soaking the nail with the non-acetone-soaked cotton ball for another 5 minutes.
It's important to note that while acrylic nails are durable, they are not indestructible. Be sure to take care of your acrylic nails by keeping them clean and dry, filing them frequently, and visiting your salon often to get them treated and maintained.
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Moisturise hands and nails
Moisturising your hands and nails is an important step in maintaining healthy skin and nails, especially after removing gel polish from acrylic nails. Here are some detailed tips to help you effectively moisturise your hands and nails:
Choose the Right Products:
Select a moisturising product specifically designed for nail and hand care. You can opt for nail-specific creams that contain vitamins and nutrients to strengthen your nails and prevent cracking. For example, Londontown's Kur Restorative Nail Cream with vitamin E. Alternatively, you can use a regular hand cream that you already have. Oils, such as coconut oil, sunflower oil, or Brazil nut oil, are also excellent choices as they tend to absorb better into the nails and combat dryness.
Apply Moisturiser Frequently:
It is essential to moisturise your hands and nails daily, especially after exposing them to water. Wash your hands and nails, dry them thoroughly, and then apply your chosen moisturising product. For best results, moisturise your hands and nails before bed as well. The more you can do it, the better.
Exfoliate Your Hands and Nails:
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promotes the absorption of the moisturiser. You can use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a nail brush to exfoliate your hands and nails. Be sure to focus on the areas around your nails and cuticles.
Protect Your Hands and Nails:
To prevent moisture loss and maintain healthy nails, it is advisable to wear gloves when doing household chores that involve getting your hands wet, such as washing dishes or cleaning. Additionally, remember to wear sunscreen on your hands when exposed to the sun to protect the delicate skin from UV damage.
Improve Nail and Skin Health with Diet:
In addition to external care, you can promote healthy nails and skin by consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, soy, eggs, and seeds. Eating calcium-rich foods and taking supplements like the B vitamin biotin can also help strengthen your nails and improve their appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
The best method for removing gel polish from acrylic nails is the filing method. File the gel polish off with swift strokes in one direction at a time until the gel polish starts to come off. You can also use a cotton ball soaked in non-acetone nail polish remover and place it on your nail, wrapping a square of tin foil around it to keep it in place.
It is important to remember to never use an acetone-based nail polish remover when removing gel polish from acrylic nails. Acetone can dissolve the acrylics. Instead, opt for a non-acetone nail polish remover.
You should leave the soaked cotton ball on your nail for 10-20 minutes. After that, you should be able to wipe the gel polish off with the cotton ball.
After removing the gel polish, you can file off the top coat and then file off the colour. Then, you can paint your nails with your desired nail polish and seal it with a top coat.
