Caleb Foster
Shellac and gel manicures are long-lasting and chip-resistant, but sometimes you need to remove them. The most important thing to remember is not to pick or bite at your nails, as this can cause serious damage to the nail bed and weaken your nails, making them vulnerable to damage and liable to break. Instead, you can use a nail file, acetone, cotton pads, and foil to soak off the polish.
Removing Shellac and Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Nail file, cotton balls/pads/wool, acetone nail polish remover, foil, cuticle stick, petroleum jelly |
| Preparation | Cut cotton into small pieces, tear foil into strips, apply petroleum jelly to cuticles and surrounding skin |
| Removal process | Buff away the surface layer of manicure with a file, soak cotton in acetone, place on nails, wrap nails with foil, wait 10-20 minutes, gently scrape off remaining polish |
| Aftercare | Moisturise with hand cream or cuticle oil, apply a mild soap to avoid skin irritation |
| Warnings | Do not pick, peel, or bite the polish off as this can cause serious long-term damage to your nail beds |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your kit: nail file, acetone, cotton pads, foil, and cuticle oil
To prepare your kit for removing shellac and gel nails, you will need a nail file, acetone, cotton pads, foil, and cuticle oil.
Firstly, it is important to note that you should never pick or bite your gel, shellac, or acrylic nails as this can cause serious damage to the nail bed, leaving your nails weak, vulnerable, and liable to break. Therefore, it is crucial to have the right tools to safely remove your nail polish.
A nail file is an essential item in your kit. It is recommended to use a coarse nail file with a decent amount of friction-causing texture, such as a glass nail file, to effectively break through the tough top layer of gel, shellac, or acrylic nail polish.
Acetone is another key component of your kit. You can use pure acetone, which is available at most drugstores, or an acetone-based nail polish remover. Acetone is necessary to soak off the nail polish. However, it is important to expose as little skin as possible to acetone since it can severely dehydrate your skin and nails.
Cotton pads or balls are also required. You will need to cut the cotton pads into small squares, slightly larger than the size of your nails, and then soak them in the acetone or acetone-based nail polish remover.
Foil, preferably in the form of large squares, is another important item in your kit. The foil is used to wrap around your fingers to secure the cotton pads in place and to help the acetone soak into the nail polish effectively.
Finally, cuticle oil is essential to nourish and hydrate your nails and the skin around them after the removal process. Cuticle oil will help restore moisture to your nails and skin, which may have been dried out by the acetone.
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Buff the surface of the gel topcoat
Buffing the surface of the gel topcoat is an important step in achieving a flawless finish when applying gel nails. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:
Before you begin buffing, ensure that you have the right tools. You will need a fine-grit nail buffer specifically designed for buffing gel nails. These buffers are usually made with a softer material to gently smooth the surface of the gel topcoat without causing damage. It is important to use a fine-grit buffer as a coarse-grit buffer can be too abrasive and may cause more harm than good.
Start by examining your gel topcoat. If you notice any thickness or unevenness in the application, you may need to buff it down to create a smooth and uniform surface. Thick applications of gel topcoat can be prone to premature lifting and bubbling, so it is important to address this issue. Additionally, check if the gel polish has been applied too thickly in certain areas, causing an uneven texture.
When you are ready to begin buffing, hold the nail buffer lightly between your fingers, applying gentle pressure. Start buffing the surface of the gel topcoat with slow and gentle movements. Focus on the areas that appear thicker or uneven. Be cautious not to over-buff any specific area, as this can weaken the gel structure and lead to potential chipping or peeling. Always use a light touch and take your time during this process.
As you work, periodically assess the nail's surface. Ensure that you are creating a smooth and consistent texture across the entire nail. Pay attention to the edges and sides of the nail, as these areas can be prone to unevenness. The goal is to achieve a gentle, even canvas that will allow for optimal adhesion of the subsequent layers of polish or topcoat. Remember, buffing should only be done when necessary, and over-buffing can cause more harm than good.
Once you have finished buffing, examine your work. The nail surface should now appear smooth and uniform, with no noticeable thickness or unevenness. If you notice any significant discrepancies or imperfections, you may need to gently buff those areas again, ensuring a consistent finish across the entire nail. However, always exercise caution and avoid over-buffing, as this can compromise the integrity of the gel manicure.
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Soak nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes
To remove shellac and gel nails at home, you will need to soak your nails in acetone. Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need to hand. This includes a nail file, cotton wool or pads, tinfoil or foil squares, acetone, and orange sticks or a wooden cuticle stick.
Firstly, use your nail file to gently buff the surface of the gel topcoat. This will help the acetone to penetrate the layers of the gel. Next, soak your nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes. Fill a shallow bowl with acetone, ensuring the dish is wide enough to fit your hand in. You only need to pour in enough acetone to fill the dish by about half an inch. Keep your nails submerged in the acetone for the full 10 minutes, even if the polish starts to flake off before the time is up.
If you are using cotton wool or pads, soak them in the acetone until they are saturated. Then, place the cotton wool/pad on top of your nail and wrap a square of tinfoil or foil around your finger to keep the cotton in place. Repeat this process for all your fingers.
After 10-15 minutes, the polish should be flaking off at the edges. If it is not, leave your nails to soak for a little longer. Once the polish is flaking, use a wooden cuticle stick to gently push the flakes of gel away from your nail. Be careful not to dig into your nail or scratch its surface.
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Scrape off the polish with an orange stick
Once you have soaked your nails in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes, you can start to scrape off the polish with an orange stick. Place the flat edge of the orange stick at the bottom of the nail and gently push it along the length of the nail, beneath the shellac. Repeat this gesture until all the polish has been scraped off each nail. Be careful not to scrape the nail itself, as this can cause serious damage to the nail. If the polish is not coming off easily, it means your nails need to soak for longer.
It is important to expose as little skin as possible to the acetone since it can severely dehydrate your skin. To avoid this, dip only your nails and cuticles into the acetone. You can also apply cuticle oil to your cuticles before removing the shellac nail polish to provide a protective layer against the harsh, drying acetone.
After removing the shellac nail polish, you may see a chalky white residue on your nails and fingers. This is residue left behind by the acetone and will wash away with soap and water. You can also apply lotion and more cuticle oil to restore moisture to your skin.
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Moisturise with hand cream or cuticle oil
Moisturising your hands and nails after removing shellac or gel nail polish is crucial. The process of removing nail polish can be drying to your skin and nail beds, so it's important to restore lost moisture.
You can use a good-quality hand cream or hand lotion to moisturise your hands and nails. Apply a generous amount of hand lotion over both hands, including the skin around your nails. You can also try a hand mask or an intensive hand serum to nourish your hands.
Cuticle oil is another essential product to use after removing shellac or gel nail polish. Cuticle oil is designed to soften and moisturise your cuticles, and it can be found at most drugstores or beauty retailers. Apply a few drops of cuticle oil to your cuticles and rub it into the skin around your nails. You can also apply cuticle oil to your nails themselves to stimulate nail growth and promote stronger nails. Cuticle oil will also prevent hangnails and the outer layers of the nail from peeling. It is especially effective when applied right out of the shower while your skin is still damp, as this encourages deeper absorption.
You can use cuticle oil daily to keep your cuticles and nails supple and strong. It is an essential step in your nail care regimen, just like face moisturiser. Cuticle oil will also extend the life of your manicure, whether it's gel or regular polish.
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