Caleb Foster
Removing gel nail colour can be a tricky process. While there are many methods to remove gel nail polish, acetone is the most effective way to do so at home. Acetone is different from nail polish remover, and it is important to use 100% acetone for the process. The use of foil or plastic food wrap is also recommended to protect the nails and skin from the acetone. However, it is important to note that acetone can be harsh on the skin and nails, and alternative methods, such as gel nail polish remover, are available for those who want to avoid using acetone.
Removing Gel Nail Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Supplies | Acetone, Cotton Balls/Pads/Rounds, Foil, Cuticle Pusher, Nail File |
| Additional Supplies | Cuticle Oil, Hand/Body Cream, Nail Buffer, Petroleum Jelly |
| Preparation | Work in a well-ventilated area. Protect your work area with a cloth. Cut foil into squares big enough for each fingertip. Tear off cotton to fit just the nail bed of each nail. |
| Soaking | Soak cotton in acetone. Place the soaked cotton on your fingernail and wrap it with foil to hold it in place. |
| Waiting | Wait 10-15 minutes. Check one nail after 10 minutes; if the polish is flaking off, proceed to the next step. |
| Removal | Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to carefully remove any softened gel. Buff your nails to smooth out ridges and remove any remaining gel polish. |
| Aftercare | Apply cuticle oil to keep nails moisturized and healthy. Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone. |
| Alternative | Let your nails grow out. Clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. |
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What You'll Learn
Use 100% acetone, not nail polish remover
It is important to differentiate between nail polish remover and 100% acetone when removing gel nail colour. While nail polish remover is different from 100% acetone, the latter is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home.
Board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD, recommends using 100% acetone to remove gel nail polish. Acetone can be applied to the nails using a cotton ball, and it is important to protect the skin around the nails with petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to avoid irritation and damage. Additionally, wrapping the nails in plastic food wrap instead of foil creates a tighter seal, preventing drips and protecting surfaces.
When removing gel nail polish, it is recommended to work on one hand at a time. After applying acetone and wrapping the nails in plastic, leave it on for about 10 minutes. Most or all of the gel nail polish should come off with the plastic wrap. Any remaining gel nail polish can be gently removed with a warm, wet washcloth, taking care to rub only the nail and not the surrounding skin.
Using 100% acetone is an effective and efficient way to remove gel nail colour. It is important to follow the recommended steps to protect the skin and nails and avoid damage.
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File down the top coat layer
Filing down the top coat layer of a gel nail colour is a common method used to remove gel nail polish. However, it is important to note that this method can be damaging to the nail underneath. Picking, filing, or peeling off the gel coating can cause significant injury to the nail and lead to white spots or other forms of nail damage. Therefore, it is recommended to proceed with caution and use alternative methods if possible.
If you choose to file down the top coat layer, it is important to use a coarse nail file. File the top coat gently until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Start with your non-dominant hand and file gently from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion or focusing on just one spot. The goal is to remove the shiny top layer without damaging the underlying nail.
When filing, it is normal to file into the colour coat. This is unavoidable and should not cause alarm. However, take care not to file too deeply, as this can increase the risk of nail damage. If you do file into the colour, use a buffer to smooth out the surface and add a little extra colour if needed.
After filing down the top coat layer, your nails will be more susceptible to acetone removal methods. The filing process exposes the gel polish underneath, making it easier to remove with acetone. You can then proceed with the acetone removal process, being mindful of the potential risks associated with acetone use.
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Soak nails in acetone for 10-20 minutes
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove gel nail colour at home. However, before you begin, it is important to note that acetone can be damaging to your skin and nails if not used carefully. It is recommended to use 100% acetone, not nail polish remover, and to protect your skin with cuticle oil, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly.
To begin the process, you will need to prepare a bowl filled with acetone. Soak each of your nails in the acetone for 10 to 20 minutes. You can also try an acetone/lotion oil bath bag, placed on top of a bowl of warm rice to heat the acetone. This will help soften the gel nail colour.
After soaking, the gel nail colour should be soft and may appear bubbly or curled. Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push and wipe away the gel polish from each nail. If the gel polish is not coming off easily, you may need to soak your nails for a little longer or use a nail file to gently file away any remaining colour.
It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging your natural nails. You can finish by washing your hands with a gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone.
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Protect skin with petroleum jelly or cuticle oil
Protecting the skin around your nails is crucial when removing gel nail colour. Acetone is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish, but it can irritate and damage the skin. Before you start the removal process, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails. Make sure to cover the area generously, extending slightly beyond the nail fold.
Cuticle oil and petroleum jelly create a protective barrier, preventing the gel polish from adhering to the skin. The occlusive nature of these products also helps the gel slide off the skin more easily. Additionally, they help to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
If you don't have cuticle oil or petroleum jelly, you can use olive oil or coconut oil as an alternative. These oils can help dissolve the gel polish without stripping the skin. Massage the oil into the skin surrounding your nails and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping away the softened polish.
You can also take a proactive approach by applying a moisturising hand cream daily and nourishing your cuticles with cuticle oil. This will help keep your skin and nails healthy and hydrated, reducing the impact of any potential irritation from the gel removal process.
Remember, it's important to be careful during the gel removal process to avoid damaging your nails and skin. If you're concerned about skin irritation or damage, consider letting your nails grow out and clipping them once a week to remove the gel nail polish gradually.
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Buff and hydrate nails after removal
After removing gel nail polish, your nails may feel brittle and dry. To restore their health, it is important to buff and hydrate them.
Buffing your nails helps to remove ridges and strengthen them. Use a nail buffer to smooth out any ridges or unevenness on the surface of your nails. Be gentle and avoid over-buffing, as this can thin and weaken your nails.
Hydrating your nails is crucial to restore moisture and promote nail growth. Cuticle oils, such as apricot, jojoba, or olive oil, are excellent for nourishing and hydrating the nail bed and the skin around it. Massage the oil into your cuticles and nails, focusing on the cuticle area where new nail growth starts. You can also use a nail strengthener or nail hardener, which can be applied as a base coat to deeply heal and strengthen your nails.
Additionally, consider using hand creams or lotions to hydrate your hands and nails. Look for products with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, vitamin E, or natural oils like sunflower or aloe vera. Moisturizing your hands and nails regularly can help strengthen your nails and improve their overall health.
It is recommended to keep your nails free of polish for at least a few days after gel removal to allow them to breathe and recover. During this time, continue to buff gently and moisturize daily to promote healthy nail growth and restore their strength.
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