Sophia Delgado
Removing gel resin from nails can be a tedious task, but it's not impossible. The process of removing gel nail polish involves breaking down the gel polish with acetone and gently pushing it off the nail. It is important to note that acetone can be drying, so it is recommended to use nourishing cuticle oils and hand creams post-removal to keep your nails healthy and strong. Additionally, investing in quality gel polishes that are easier to remove can make the process less damaging. The removal process can be done at home with items you may already have, such as cotton balls, foil, and nail files, and can take as little as 15 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best way to remove gel nail polish | Let your nails grow out. Clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. |
| How to remove gel nail polish at home | Use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat is no longer shiny and smooth. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on the nail. Wrap the nail with plastic food wrap or aluminum foil. Leave the wraps on for 10-15 minutes. Use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish. Wash your hands with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone. Apply cuticle oil or nail strengthener to rehydrate your nails. |
| What not to do | Do not pick or peel the lacquer off as it can cause serious long-term damage to your nail beds. Do not buff your nails too much as it can make your nails thin and weak. |
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What You'll Learn
Using cotton balls and foil
To remove gel resin from your nails using cotton balls and foil, start by filing down the top coat layer with a coarse nail file until it's no longer shiny and smooth. This will make it easier to take off the polish with acetone later.
Next, cut the cotton balls into pieces that are about 1.5 x 1.5 cm. Make sure they're thin but large enough to cover your nail bed without hanging over and touching the skin around your nails or your cuticles. You'll need about 10 pieces, depending on how many nails you're treating. Soak each piece of cotton in acetone; it should be damp but not dripping wet. Usually, 5 to 10 drops of acetone will be enough.
Place each piece of soaked cotton on top of your fingernail, and then wrap your fingertip with a 3x3 inch piece of aluminum foil. Repeat this process for each nail, making sure to keep the cotton in place and creating a tight seal.
After wrapping all your nails, wait for about 10 minutes. During this time, the acetone will soak into the gel polish, making it soft, bubbly, or curled. After the waiting period, pinch off the foil and cotton from your nails. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish. If the polish is stubborn and doesn't come off easily, continue soaking the nail with the acetone-soaked cotton ball for an additional 5 minutes.
Finally, gently buff your nails to smooth out any ridges and uneven edges. Be careful not to overdo it, as excessive buffing can weaken your nails and make it challenging for gel polish to adhere properly in the future.
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Applying cuticle oil
To apply cuticle oil, start by applying a drop of oil to each nail on one hand. You can drop, brush, or roll the oil on, depending on the type of applicator. Then, take a minute to massage the oil into your cuticles, nails, and the skin surrounding your nails. Reapply the oil every 2-3 hours or as needed. You can also use cuticle oil to protect your nail polish and prevent chipping. However, it is recommended not to apply cuticle oil before a manicure as it may prevent the nail polish from adhering properly. Instead, apply it after your manicure to rehydrate your cuticles.
There are various types of cuticle oils available, including those with vitamins and antioxidants. For example, Opi Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil contains Vitamin E and has a brush applicator. Dior Crème Abricot, another luxe option, has been around since 1963 and comes in an embossed jar. You can also find cuticle oils with a combination of Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil, which hydrate, nourish, and lock in moisture.
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Filing down the top coat
To begin filing, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat loses its shine and smoothness. Start with your non-dominant hand and work on one hand at a time. File each nail gently from the cuticle to the edge, moving left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion and do not focus on just one spot. Filing in one direction helps prevent permanent damage to the connection between the nail and the nail plate.
The type of nail file you use is also important. A medium-grit file of 150 or 180 grit is recommended. If you are applying soak-off gel polish, use a 180-grit nail file to remove a hardened top coat. Avoid using a file that is too coarse to prevent damaging the natural nail.
Once you are done filing and are happy with the results, dust off the nails with a dry brush. Then, wet the brush with 90% alcohol and dust them off again, remembering to brush under the nails.
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Using a cuticle pusher
Before using a cuticle pusher, it is important to prepare your nails and cuticles. Start by removing any old nail polish and washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Then, soak your hands in warm, soapy water for 5-10 minutes to soften the cuticles, or apply a cuticle oil. You can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone.
When using the cuticle pusher, hold it at a 45-degree angle to your nail. Using light pressure, start at the base of the nail and slowly push the cuticles back towards the skin. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can damage the nail bed or skin. After pushing back the cuticles, use the other end of the cuticle pusher or a cuticle trimmer to carefully remove any excess dead skin for a polished look.
If you are removing gel nail polish, you can use a cuticle pusher in conjunction with acetone. First, file down the gel top coat layer with a coarse nail file until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail, wrapping it with aluminium foil or plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. After about 5-10 minutes, the gel polish should be soft and can be gently pushed off with a cuticle pusher.
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Letting nails grow out
Allowing your nails to grow out is a safe and effective way to remove gel nails. However, it is a slow process that requires patience. On average, it takes about six months for fingernails to grow out completely, and toenails can take 12 to 18 months. During this time, it is important to resist the urge to pick or scrape off the gel polish, as this can damage your nails. Instead, you can gently file your nails once a week to maintain your desired length and shape.
When letting your nails grow out, it is crucial to monitor the thickness of the gel polish. If the gel becomes too thick, it can increase the risk of nail breakage as the nail grows out. To mitigate this risk, you can file the gel polish until it is fairly thin and then continue to let your nails grow. Filing should be done carefully, in one direction, without sawing the file back and forth, as this can lead to splits and tears. Always file across the top surface of the nail, avoiding the edges, until the layer of gel is thin.
As your nails grow out, you may notice differences in texture or colour between the gel-covered portion and the new nail growth. This is normal and will even out as your nails continue to grow. It is also important to be mindful of any lifting or gaps that may occur during the growth process, as these areas can harbour bacteria and dirt. If you experience any discomfort or notice any signs of infection, it is advisable to consult a professional.
While letting your nails grow out may seem like a lengthy process, it can be a gentle alternative to more aggressive removal methods. By regularly filing and maintaining your nails, you can minimise the risks associated with thick gel polish and safely allow your natural nails to regenerate. This approach may be particularly beneficial for those who have experienced nail thinning or weakness from previous gel nail removals.
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Frequently asked questions
Dr. Lipner recommends using plastic food wrap rather than foil when removing gel nail polish at home. Start by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone. Then, cut the cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail and soak them in acetone. Place each piece of soaked cotton on top of the nail and wrap it with plastic food wrap. Leave the plastic wrap on for 10 minutes. When you remove the plastic wrap, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone.
You should use a nail polish remover with acetone. Soak a cotton pad with the remover and apply it to a freshly buffed nail. You can also use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the gel polish off each nail.
It should take around 15 minutes to remove gel nail polish.
Gel nail polish can weaken your nails, so it's important to keep your nails healthy and strong by applying cuticle oil post-removal.
