Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting, professional-grade polish that requires special care to remove. Picking, peeling, or scraping it off can damage your nails, so it's important to take the time to do it properly and gently. While it's best to go to a nail salon to have it removed professionally, it is possible to remove gel nail polish at home using a few common household items.
How to Remove Gelaze Nail Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Items Required | Acetone, cotton balls, aluminum foil, nail file, cuticle pusher, cuticle oil, hand cream, plastic food wrap, towel, petroleum jelly, mild soap, warm water |
| Process | File the top coat, soak cotton in acetone, wrap each nail, wait 10-15 minutes, gently push off the gel, buff and hydrate |
| Warnings | Avoid picking or filing off gel nail polish, do not use a drill, do not use acetone near sinks or countertops, do not use a back-and-forth motion when filing, do not buff too much |
| Alternatives | Visit a nail salon, use a gel nail polish remover, grow out your nails |
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What You'll Learn
Using acetone
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can effectively remove gel nail polish without damaging the nail plate. It works by breaking down the gel polish so that it slips off easily. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use acetone to remove gel nail polish:
Prepare the Workspace
Acetone can damage surfaces, so it is important to protect your workspace. Line your work area with a cloth or plastic wrap, and place a thick towel on top. Gather all the necessary tools, including acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick, a nail file, and cuticle oil or hand cream.
Protect the Skin Around Your Nails
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to the skin around your nails. This will help to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
File the Top Coat
Use a nail file to gently buff away the shiny top layer of the gel nail polish. This step helps the acetone penetrate the gel polish faster. Be careful not to file too much, as this can weaken your nails.
Soak Cotton in Acetone
Soak cotton balls or pads in pure acetone. If using cotton balls, tear off pieces that are slightly larger than your nails. The cotton should be saturated but not dripping.
Wrap Each Nail
Place the soaked cotton on top of each nail, ensuring it covers the entire nail. Then, wrap each nail with aluminum foil to hold the cotton in place. Make sure the wrap is snug, but not too tight as to cut off circulation.
Wait
Let the acetone work on the gel polish. For most soak-off gels, 10-15 minutes is sufficient. However, hard gels may need up to 20-30 minutes. Check one nail after 10 minutes. If the gel polish is soft and flaking or lifting at the edges, you can move on to the next step. If not, rewrap the nail and wait a few more minutes.
Remove the Gel Polish
Remove the foil and cotton. Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push off the softened gel polish. Be careful not to scrape or force the polish off, as this can damage your nails. If the polish is resistant, rewrap the nail and soak it for a few more minutes.
Buff and Hydrate
Gently buff your nails to smooth out any ridges and remove any remaining gel polish. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails. Finally, apply cuticle oil or a rich hand cream to rehydrate your nails.
It is important to note that acetone can be tough on your nails and skin, causing dryness and sensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize nail health and hydration during the removal process and in the days following.
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Plastic wrap, not foil
To protect your work area, line it with plastic wrap and then place a thick towel on top. Work on one hand at a time, and start with your non-dominant hand. First, gently file the top coat from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. Don't use a back-and-forth motion and don't focus on just one spot. Filing down the top coat will make it easier to take off the polish with acetone later.
Next, soak a cotton ball or pad in acetone. It should be damp, but not dripping wet. Place the cotton on your nail and wrap it with plastic food wrap to hold it in place. The plastic creates a tighter seal than foil, so the acetone is less likely to drip. Leave the plastic wrap on for 10 minutes. When you remove it, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone.
If there is any remaining gel nail polish, use a wet washcloth to gently rub it off, taking care to rub only the nail and avoid the surrounding skin. Wash your hands or feet with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone. If you have a fragrance-free soap, use that, as any mild soap will help you avoid irritating your skin.
Finally, gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and the skin around your nails. Do this every day for seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
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Buffing and hydrating
Buffing your nails is an important step in the gel nail polish removal process. It helps to smooth out the surface of your nails and remove any small bits of gel polish that may be left after using acetone. However, it is important not to overdo it, as this can make your nails thin and weak, causing them to bend easily and making it difficult for gel polish to adhere properly in the future.
To buff your nails, use a nail buffer to gently smooth out ridges and uneven edges. Be careful not to buff too much, as this can lead to nail damage.
After buffing, it is important to hydrate your nails to keep them healthy and strong. Cuticle oil or hand cream can be used for this purpose. Apply a small amount of cuticle oil or hand cream to each nail and massage it into the nail bed and surrounding skin. This will help to rehydrate your nails and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle.
Additionally, you can use cuticle oil or hand cream as a form of aftercare. After removing your gel nail polish, your nails may feel dry or brittle. Applying a small amount of cuticle oil or hand cream to your nails each day can help to keep them moisturized and promote healthy nail growth.
It is worth noting that some sources recommend using pure acetone to remove gel nail polish, while others suggest using a gel nail polish remover. Acetone can be effective, but it is important to use it carefully as it can dry out your nails and skin, making them more susceptible to breakage and irritation. Always use 100% acetone and avoid nail polish remover, as it will not effectively remove gel nail polish. Additionally, avoid filing off gel nail polish without using acetone, as this can damage the top layer of your nails, making them brittle and prone to cracking and breaking.
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Avoid peeling
While it may be tempting to peel off your gel nail polish, especially when it starts chipping, doing so can damage the surface of your nails, making them weak, dry, flaky, and brittle. Picking at your gel nail polish can also cause ridges and lines on your nail beds.
To avoid peeling, it is recommended to have your gel nail polish removed by a nail technician. A professional will use a coarse nail file to remove the shiny top layer and roughen the surface. They will then place individual cotton pads or cotton balls soaked with acetone on each nail and wrap the fingers with aluminum foil to let the acetone soak in for about 10 minutes. After removing the coverings, they will use a cuticle stick or cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel from your nail bed. They will then use a buffer to gently smooth out the nail surface and finish with cuticle oil to rehydrate and condition your natural nail.
If you want to remove your gel nail polish at home, you can use a similar process as the one described above. However, it is important to be very careful to avoid damaging your nails. You can also use acetone-soaked cotton balls on your nails, wrap them in tin foil, and wait for 10 minutes or so. Then, wipe off whatever polish you can, and then scrape off what's left with a nail file or buffer.
Another option for removing gel nail polish at home is to let your nails grow out. You can clip them once a week until the gel is completely off. This process can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
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Professional removal
While it is possible to remove gel nail polish at home, it is recommended to get a professional manicurist to do it to avoid damaging your nails.
Celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen says that a nail technician will first use a coarse nail file to remove the shiny top layer and roughen up the surface. This helps the acetone penetrate the gel polish faster. Then, they will place individual cotton pads or cotton balls soaked with acetone on each nail and wrap the fingers with aluminum foil to let the acetone soak in for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, the gel polish should be soft and might look bubbly or curled. Now you can pinch off the foil and cotton ball from your nail. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the gel polish off each nail. If the polish isn't coming off easily, keep soaking the nail with the acetone cotton ball for another 5 minutes.
Once your nails are bare and gel-free, wash your hands with a gentle cleanser and warm water and add a protective barrier like the Vaseline Healing Ointment, to help skin lock in moisture. You can also use a hand cream or cuticle oil to hydrate skin and for added nourishment.
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Frequently asked questions
According to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, the best way to remove gel nail polish is by using acetone. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and wrap your nails with plastic food wrap or aluminium foil.
You should leave the acetone on your nails for about 10 minutes. After this, the gel polish should be soft and might look bubbly or curled. If the polish is not coming off easily, keep soaking for another 5 minutes.
If you don't want to use acetone, you can simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week until the gel is completely off. This process can take about 6 months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
You should avoid picking, peeling, scraping, or filing off gel nail polish, as this can damage your nails and cause white spots. You should also avoid using a drill on yourself to speed up the process.
After removing gel nail polish, you should wash your hands with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone. You can then apply a protective barrier, such as petroleum jelly, hand cream, or cuticle oil, to rehydrate and nourish your nails.
