Caleb Foster
Picking off gel nails can be tempting, but it can cause serious long-term damage to your nail beds. As OPI’s North America Education Manager, Sigourney Nunez, explains, you're very likely [peeling] a layer of your natural nail plate too. The best way to remove gel nail polish is to use acetone, which gently dissolves the gel without causing damage to the natural nail. To do this, you will need acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminium foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. First, use a nail file to buff away the surface layer of the manicure. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone and attach it to the nail, covering both with a piece of foil. Repeat this process for each nail and let the foils sit for about 15-20 minutes. Finally, use an orange stick to gently push off the gel polish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safest method | Using acetone, foil, and cotton |
| Items needed | Acetone, cotton balls (or pads), aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file |
| Preparation | Cut 10 squares of aluminum foil, big enough for each fingertip. If using cotton balls, tear off 10 pieces that fit just the nail bed of each nail. Soak a cotton ball in acetone. It should be damp, but not dripping wet. |
| Application | Wrap each nail with the prepared cotton and foil. Wait for 10-20 minutes. The gel polish should be soft and might look bubbly or curled. Pinch off the foil and cotton ball from the nail. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the gel polish off each nail. |
| Alternative method | Using a gel nail polish remover |
| Safest alternative method | Letting your nails grow out. Clipping them once a week will remove the gel nail polish and help prevent the nails from catching on clothing and other objects. |
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What You'll Learn
Why you shouldn't pick off gel nails
It is not advisable to pick off gel nails as it can cause serious long-term damage to your nail beds. By picking off gel nails, you are also peeling off a layer of your natural nail plate, which weakens your nails and makes them more prone to cracking, breaking, and odd textures. It can take months for the healthy nail to regrow and for the damage to be reversed.
The proper way to remove gel nails is by using acetone, which can effectively remove gel nail polish. To do this, you will need acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. First, gently file the top coat of your nail from the cuticle to the edge, moving left to right. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail, wrapping it with foil. After 10 minutes, the gel polish should be soft and can be gently pushed off with a cuticle pusher.
Another method is to simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This method is slower and can take up to six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. However, it is a safer alternative that can help prevent damage to your nails.
Resist the temptation to pick at your gel nails by taking proper care of your manicure. Wear gloves when cleaning, use cuticle oil, and avoid using your nails as tools. By following these tips, you can maintain healthy and strong nails while avoiding the negative consequences of picking off gel nails.
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Using acetone to remove gel nails
Picking off gel nails can cause serious long-term damage to your nail beds, so it is best to use acetone to remove them. Acetone is an effective way to remove gel nail polish at home, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use acetone to remove gel nails:
Firstly, it is important to work on one hand at a time, as this is easier. Choose a well-ventilated area to work in, as acetone has a strong smell, and cover your work area with a cloth to avoid acetone stains.
Next, you need to break the "seal" of the top coat. Use a nail file (150-grit would work well) to gently buff away the surface layer of manicure. Be careful not to file down to the natural nail, as this can cause damage. You just want to get rid of the shine.
Now, you can apply the acetone. If you are using cotton balls, tear off pieces that are about 1.5x1.5 cm. Make sure they are thin but big enough to cover your whole nail bed. The cotton shouldn't hang over and touch the skin around your nails or cuticles. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone. It should be damp but not dripping wet. 5 to 10 drops of acetone are usually enough. If you are using cotton pads, put acetone directly onto the pad.
After this, wrap your fingers with the cotton and aluminium foil. Wait for around 10 minutes. During this time, the acetone will soak into the gel polish, making it soft and possibly wrinkled.
Finally, remove the foil and cotton from your nail. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the gel polish off each nail. If the polish is not coming off easily, keep soaking the nail with the acetone for another 5 minutes.
To finish, gently buff your nails to smooth out any ridges and uneven edges. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can make your nails thin and weak.
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Using foil and cotton to remove gel nails
After the cotton is prepared, place it on top of your nail and wrap your finger tightly with foil. The foil should be wrapped securely to hold the cotton in place and create a bit of heat to speed up the process. Repeat this for all ten nails. Then, wait. The wait time can vary from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the formula of the gel polish. Softer gel polishes may only need 10 minutes, while harder formulas may need longer.
After the waiting period, use a twisting and squeezing motion to pull off the foil and cotton. The gel polish should now be soft and may look bubbly or curled. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish. If the polish is not coming off easily, you may need to soak the nail with the acetone-soaked cotton for another 5 minutes. Finally, gently buff your nails to smooth out any ridges and remove any small bits of leftover polish. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails and make it difficult for gel polish to stick in the future.
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Removing gel nail extensions
Firstly, it is recommended to avoid physically picking or peeling off gel nail extensions. This can cause serious long-term damage to your nail beds, as you may peel off a layer of your natural nail plate, making your nails weak, thin, and susceptible to breakage. Instead, opt for a method that involves gently removing the extensions.
One effective method for removing gel nail extensions is to use acetone, which can gently dissolve the gel. Start by filing the top layer of the extensions to break the seal and allow the acetone to penetrate better. You can use a nail file to buff away the surface layer of the manicure. Be careful not to over-file, as you want to still see some colour on the nails to protect the integrity of your natural nails.
Next, you will need acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminium foil, and a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. You can also use cuticle oil and a nail buffer to keep your nails healthy, but these are optional. Work on one hand at a time, and choose a well-ventilated area as acetone has a strong smell. Cut 10 squares of aluminium foil, big enough to cover each fingertip. If using cotton balls, tear off pieces that are about 1.5x1.5 cm, ensuring they are thin but large enough to cover the nail bed without touching the surrounding skin.
Soak the cotton balls or pads in acetone. They should be damp but not dripping wet – usually, 5-10 drops will suffice. If using too much acetone, it may irritate your skin. Now, place the acetone-soaked cotton on your nails and wrap them with the aluminium foil. Wait for about 15-20 minutes, during which the acetone will dissolve the gel.
After this, gently push or pinch off the foil and cotton from your nails. Use the cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to carefully push off the gel polish. If the polish is not coming off easily, continue soaking the nails with acetone for a few more minutes. Finally, gently buff your nails to smooth out any ridges and remove any remaining bits of gel polish. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can make your nails thin and weak, causing issues for future gel polish applications.
An alternative to the above method is to soak your nails in a small glass bowl filled with enough acetone to cover your nails. This option may take a bit longer, but it can be more convenient than wrapping each nail individually.
Remember, it is essential to be patient and gentle throughout the removal process to avoid damaging your nails and surrounding skin.
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Removing gel nail polish at a salon
At a salon, a nail technician will safely remove your gel nail polish using acetone, which is the most effective way to do so. They will begin by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle to protect the surrounding skin. Then, they will use a nail file to gently buff away the surface layer of the manicure, also known as the top coat. This step helps accelerate the removal process by giving the remover a head start and one less coat to break down.
Next, the technician will soak small pieces of cotton in acetone and place them on your nails. They will then wrap your nails in either foil or plastic food wrap, which creates a tighter seal to prevent dripping. After about 10-20 minutes, the gel polish should be soft and may appear bubbly or curled. The technician will then remove the foil and cotton, gently pushing off any remaining gel polish with a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick.
Finally, they will wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any residual acetone. To nourish and protect your nails, they may also apply a generous amount of cuticle oil or petroleum jelly.
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