Liam Carter
There are several methods to remove colour gel from nails, and it's important to do so without damaging the nail. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using plastic wrap to create a tighter seal, preventing acetone from dripping. Soaking nails in acetone is a popular method, but it can be damaging to the nail plate and skin. A gentle alternative is to use a non-acetone nail polish remover, which will not harm the gel nail underneath.
How to remove colour gel from nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools required | Coarse nail file, acetone, cotton balls, plastic food wrap, washcloth, mild soap, petroleum jelly, metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick |
| Steps | File down the gel top coat layer until it is no longer shiny, soak cotton balls in acetone and place on nails, wrap nails with plastic food wrap or foil, wait 10-15 minutes, gently push off the gel polish, rub off any remaining polish with a wet washcloth, wash hands with mild soap, apply petroleum jelly to cuticles and surrounding skin |
| Time required | 10-15 minutes |
| Alternative methods | Let nails grow out and clip them once a week, use a gel nail polish remover, soak nails in a bowl of warm water, dish soap and salt |
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What You'll Learn
Using plastic wrap instead of foil
To start, cut cotton balls or pads to the size of your nails. The cotton should be big enough to cover your nail bed but not so big that it touches the surrounding skin. Next, soak the cotton in acetone. Then, place the cotton on top of your nail and wrap your nails with plastic food wrap. Ensure the wrap is tight enough to create a good seal, but not too tight that you cut off your circulation.
After 10 minutes, remove the plastic wrap and cotton. The gel nail polish should be soft and may look bubbly or curled. Most or all of the polish should be gone. If there is any remaining polish, gently rub your nails with a warm, wet washcloth to remove it. Be careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin. Finally, wash your hands or feet with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
Using plastic wrap is a safe and effective alternative to foil when removing gel nail polish at home. It helps prevent acetone drips and potential damage to your skin and work surfaces.
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Filing down the top coat
To start the process of removal, you will need to use a nail file. The type of nail file you use is important, as you want to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath. A medium-grit file, 180 or 150-grit, is recommended. If you are applying soak-off gel polish, use a 180-grit nail file to remove the hardened top coat before removing the soak-off gel polish.
When filing, start with your non-dominant hand. Gently file from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion and do not focus on just one spot. You should only file in one direction as moving the file back and forth can permanently damage the connection between the nail and the nail plate. Filing down the top coat will remove the shine and smoothness, revealing the gel polish underneath. This makes it easier to take off the polish with acetone later.
If you are removing the gel nail polish at home, you can use a coarse nail file to file down the top coat and as much of the gel polish as you can. This will make the removal process easier. However, be careful not to over-file, as this can cause your nails to become thin and weak, making it hard for gel polish to stick properly in the future.
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Soaking nails in acetone
Before soaking your nails in acetone, it is important to prepare your nails by filing them. Use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth. This step helps expose the gel polish underneath, making it easier to remove with acetone. Be careful not to file too aggressively, as this can damage your natural nail.
Once your nails are filed, you can begin the acetone soaking process. Soak small pieces of cotton balls in acetone, ensuring they are damp but not dripping wet. The cotton balls should be large enough to cover your nail bed without hanging over and touching the surrounding skin. Place the acetone-soaked cotton balls on your nails, then wrap your fingertips with aluminium foil to hold the cotton balls in place.
Let the acetone soak for about 10 minutes. During this time, the gel polish will soften and may appear bubbly or curled. After soaking, remove the foil and cotton balls, then use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish from each nail. If the polish is stubborn, you can soak your nails with the acetone-soaked cotton balls for an additional 5 minutes before trying again.
After removing the gel polish, gently buff your nails to smooth out any ridges and uneven edges. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails and make it difficult for gel polish to adhere properly in the future. Finally, wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone, and apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails to reduce irritation.
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Using a gel nail polish remover
Firstly, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until it is no longer shiny. Do this gently, moving the file from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion and do not focus on just one spot. Filing down the top coat will expose the gel polish underneath, making it easier to remove with acetone.
Next, tear off pieces of cotton wool that are about 1.5 x 1.5 cm. They should be thin but big enough to cover your nail bed without touching the surrounding skin. Soak each piece of cotton in acetone. Then, place the cotton on top of your nail and wrap your finger with foil to keep it in place.
Let the acetone soak in for 15-20 minutes. You will know it is working when the edges of the gel polish start to peel, crack, bubble, or burst. If the polish is thick, you may need to wait a little longer.
After soaking, gently push off the gel polish with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. If the polish is not coming off easily, soak the nail in acetone again for another 5 minutes. Finally, wash your hands with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone. Apply a generous amount of cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to rehydrate your nails and cuticles.
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Letting nails grow out
Allowing your gel nails to grow out is a safe option, but it can take a long time—up to six months for your fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. During this period, you can file your nails down to keep them at your desired length and prevent them from catching on clothing and other objects. However, filing too much can cause damage, so it is important to file in one direction and only file the top layers of polish, not the edges of your nails.
If you choose to let your gel nails grow out, you should be aware of a few things. Firstly, once about half of your nail bed is bare, there is a risk that if you break a nail, it might tear up to the nail bed where the line of gel ends—the weakest point. Secondly, your nails may become weak and brittle due to exposure to water and air, which could potentially damage your natural nails. Lastly, you may notice a visible gap between the natural nail plate and the artificial gel layer, and the edges of the gel may start to lift. This "lifting" occurs when the edges of the gel nails start to come away from the natural nail plate.
If you notice any lifting, it is recommended to visit your nail technician for a refill or removal. You can also try a negative space manicure, which will help blend the artificial and natural nails together. Additionally, you can dab a glittery polish into the area where the product has grown out by the cuticle to conceal the seam. Applying cuticle oil will add hydration, and if your nails need extra care, you can use a repairing treatment, such as a keratin and jojoba oil-infused product.
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