Ava Monroe
Harmony Gelish nail polish is a type of gel nail polish that is cured under a UV light, giving it its super staying power. While this makes it more stubborn to remove than regular nail polish, there are several ways to remove it at home. The traditional method involves using acetone, cotton balls, and aluminium foil. However, it's important to note that acetone can be harsh on the nails, so it's recommended to use a gel nail polish remover for a faster and gentler alternative.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main supplies needed | Acetone, cotton balls or pads, plastic food wrap or aluminium foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file |
| Additional supplies | Cuticle oil, hand cream, nail buffer, petroleum jelly |
| Preparation | Cut 10 squares of plastic food wrap or aluminium foil, big enough for each fingertip; if using cotton balls, tear off 10 pieces that fit just the nail bed of each nail; soak cotton balls or pads in acetone |
| Application | Place the soaked cotton on the nail and wrap it with plastic food wrap or aluminium foil to hold it in place; wait 10-15 minutes; gently push off the gel with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick; buff and hydrate with a nail buffer and cuticle oil or hand cream |
| Caution | Acetone has a strong smell and can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture; picking, filing, or peeling off gel nail polish can damage nails |
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What You'll Learn
Using acetone
To start the removal process, file the top coat of your nail polish with a nail file. This helps the acetone penetrate the gel polish faster. Next, soak cotton balls in acetone and place them on your nails. Then, wrap your fingertips in foil to hold the cotton balls in place.
Allow your nails to soak for 10 to 20 minutes. The gel polish should then be soft and might look bubbly or curled. Remove the foil and cotton balls and gently push off the gel with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. If the polish is not coming off easily, re-soak your nails in acetone for another 5 minutes.
Finally, buff your nails gently to smooth out ridges and remove any remaining gel polish. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails. To rehydrate your nails, apply cuticle oil or a rich hand cream.
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Filing nails
Filing your nails is an important step in the process of removing gel nail polish. It is crucial to use the right technique and exercise patience to avoid damaging your nails. Here is a step-by-step guide to filing your nails when removing gel nail polish:
Start by gently filing the top layer of the gel polish with a nail file. Use a medium-grit buffer and slowly buff until you significantly thin the top layer. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or rush this step, as it can lead to over-filing and nail damage. The goal is to break the seal of the gel polish, allowing the acetone to penetrate faster and soften the polish for easier removal.
After filing the top layer, it is essential to smooth out any roughness. Finish the process with a fine-grit buffer to ensure your nails are smooth and even. Be gentle during this step, focusing only on the area where the gel polish was applied, and avoid the new nail growth area.
Once you have completed the filing process, it is crucial to care for your nails and cuticles. Hydrate your nails and cuticles with nourishing oils such as jojoba or vitamin E oil. You can also apply a strengthening treatment if your nails feel thin or flexible. Additionally, consider giving your nails a break from polish for a few days to let them breathe and restore their natural strength.
While filing is an important step in gel nail polish removal, it should be done carefully and in conjunction with other methods, such as using acetone and plastic wrap, to effectively and safely remove the gel polish without damaging your nails. Always follow up with proper nail care and hydration to maintain the health and strength of your nails.
It is worth noting that some sources recommend against filing nails after gel nail polish removal, suggesting that it can cause significant damage to the nails. Instead, they advise letting the nails grow out and clipping them once a week to gradually remove the gel nail polish while preventing damage. This method requires patience, as it can take several months for fingernails and toenails to fully grow out.
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Using plastic food wrap
To use this method, start by protecting your work area with a layer of plastic wrap, then place a thick towel on top. Acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture, so this step is important. Next, cut your cotton pads or balls to size. If you are using cotton pads, cut them to the size of your nails, with larger pieces for bigger nails and smaller pieces for smaller nails. If you are using cotton balls, cut them into halves or quarters, depending on the size of the cotton ball and your nails. The goal is to cover only the nail and not the surrounding skin.
Once you have your cotton cut to size, soak the pieces in acetone. It should be damp but not dripping wet. You can use 5 to 10 drops of acetone for each piece of cotton. If you use too much acetone, it may irritate your skin, causing redness, dryness, or cracking. After soaking the cotton, place each piece on top of the nail that it was cut to fit, and wrap the nail with plastic food wrap. Ensure that you wrap your nails tightly enough to create a good seal but not so tightly that you cut off your circulation.
After waiting for about 10 minutes, remove the plastic wrap. Most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone. Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth soaked in warm water. Gently rub the nail to avoid rubbing the surrounding skin. Finally, wash your hands or feet with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
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Soaking cotton balls in acetone
Next, soak the cotton balls in acetone. It should be damp but not dripping wet. Typically, 5 to 10 drops of acetone will be enough. If you use too much acetone, it may irritate your skin and cause redness, dryness, or cracking. Place the soaked cotton on your fingernail and wrap it with aluminium foil to hold it in place.
Let the acetone work on your nails for 10 to 15 minutes. Check one nail after 10 minutes; if the polish is flaking off, you can move on to the next step. If not, let it sit for the full 15 minutes. After this time, the gel polish should be soft and may appear bubbly or curled.
Now, gently push off the gel with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. Be careful not to press into the nail bed. If the polish is not coming off easily, keep soaking the nail with the acetone-soaked cotton ball for another 5 minutes. Finish by gently buffing your nails to smooth out any ridges and uneven edges.
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Using a gel nail polish remover
To start, work on one hand at a time, in a well-ventilated area. Cover your work area with a cloth to avoid acetone stains.
Next, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat is no longer shiny and smooth. Filing down the top coat first makes it easier to take off the polish with acetone later.
Then, soak 10 squares of cotton balls or pads in acetone. They should be damp but not dripping wet. Place the soaked cotton on your fingernail and wrap it with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap to hold it in place.
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 off and remove any softened gel. If the polish is not coming off easily, keep soaking the nail with the acetone cotton ball for another 5 minutes.
Finally, gently buff your nails to smooth out ridges and uneven edges. Be careful not to over-buff as this can weaken your nails and make it hard for gel polish to stick in the future. Finish with cuticle oil or hand cream to rehydrate your nails.
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