Caleb Foster
Polygel nails are a unique and long-lasting style that combines features from various nail designs, most closely resembling acrylic and gel nails. While polygel manicures can last for weeks, there will come a time when you'll want to remove them. It is recommended that polygel nails are removed by a professional to avoid damaging your natural nails. However, if you want to remove them at home, there are several methods you can try, including filing the polygel off, using acetone to soak it off, or using an electric file.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal Methods | Soaking in acetone, filing, using an e-file or nail drill, or a removal kit |
| Soaking in Acetone | Soak nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes, may require longer if polygel is not softening |
| Filing | Use a 100-120 grit nail file, file gently until the natural nail is reached, then use a buffer to remove remaining polygel |
| E-file/Electric File | Use a low speed and gentle motion, stop once the natural nail is reached or the polygel is thin, then use a buffer to remove remaining polygel |
| Nail Drill | A powerful tool that spins at up to 30,000 rpm, use with caution to avoid damaging the natural nail |
| Removal Kit | Use a nail file to remove the top coat, apply latex tape to the edges of the nails, apply gel remover, clean residue, and apply cuticle oil |
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What You'll Learn
File down polygel nails
When removing soak-off polygel nails, it is important to first trim your nails to a healthy length. Then, use a nail file labelled with a 100 or 120 grit surface to gently file down the polygel from the surface of the nail. Be careful not to file past the natural surface of your nail.
If you are using an electric file, use a low and gentle speed, and stop once you reach the top of your natural nail or the layer of polygel has become very thin. You can then use a gentler file or a nail buffer to remove any remaining polygel.
If you are removing soak-off polygel nails, you should file them down as thin as possible without filing your natural nail, and then soak your nails in pure acetone for 15 minutes or more. You can then scrape off the remaining product.
It is recommended that polygel nails are removed by a professional to avoid damaging your natural nail.
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Soak nails in acetone
Soaking your nails in acetone is an effective way to remove polygel nails. However, acetone can be corrosive, so it is important to take precautions to protect your skin and nails. Before soaking your nails in acetone, cut your nails to a healthy length. Then, use a coarse file to remove the top coat on the nail. This will help the acetone penetrate the polygel, reducing the amount of time your nails need to soak.
Once you have filed the top coat, you can start the soaking process. Pour acetone into a glass bowl and soak your nails in it for 10 to 15 minutes. To speed up the process, you can also soak a cotton ball with acetone and press it against your nail, securing it with a 3" x 3" square of aluminium foil. Repeat this process for each nail and wait for the polygel to soften.
After soaking your nails, gently scrape away the softened polygel with a cuticle scraper or orange stick. If the polygel is still hard to remove, soak your nails for another 5 to 10 minutes before trying again. Once the polygel has been removed, buff away any excess residue with a buffing block.
Finally, it is important to rehydrate your nails and the skin around them. Apply lotion and cuticle oil to keep your nails healthy and moisturised.
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Use a solvent-based remover
Polygel nails are a unique and long-lasting style that combines elements from various nail styles. While polygel nails are durable, flexible, and popular, there may come a time when you want to remove them. One way to do this is by using a solvent-based remover.
Firstly, it is important to note that not all polygel nails are soak-off. Check the label on the product to ensure that it is safe to use a solvent-based remover. If it is not soak-off, then filing it off is the only safe removal option. If your product is soak-off, file down the polygel as thinly as possible without filing your natural nail.
To use a solvent-based remover, you will need to file down the surface of the nail so that the solvent can penetrate. Then, soak a cotton pad or ball in the remover and place it on the nail. You can also use pure acetone for this step. Wrap your fingertips with foil and wait around 15 minutes before removing the manicure. If the product is still too hard to remove, soak for another 5 minutes and try again.
After removing the foil, use a clean cuticle pusher to remove the remaining polygel from the surface of the nail. File down the surface if necessary. Finally, apply lotion and cuticle oil to rehydrate the nail plate and the skin around it. Cuticle oil will also help to moisturize dryness and protect your nails from damage.
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Scrape off the product
When scraping off the product, it is important to be patient and gentle to avoid damaging your natural nails. If you have access to an e-file or electric file, you can use this to speed up the process. Use a low and gentle speed with the electric file and stop once you reach the top of your natural nail or the layer of polygel becomes very thin.
If you do not have an e-file, you can use a hand file to carefully file away the product. Trim your nails to a healthy length, removing any soft or brittle excess. Use a file with a grit surface of 100 or 120 and gently begin removing the polygel from the surface of your nail with gentle filing motions. Take care not to file past the natural surface of your nail.
Once you have filed away as much of the product as possible, you can use a gentler file or a nail buffer to remove any remaining polygel on the surface of your nail. Be sure not to over-file your natural nails.
If you have a nail drill, be patient and take your time with it. This powerful tool spins at up to 30,000 rpm to file down polygel and shape nails. It is important to use a gentle touch and not apply heavy pressure when filing.
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Moisturise nails and cuticles
After removing polygel nails, it is important to moisturise your nails and cuticles to ensure full health and moisture on the nail and nail bed. This is because acetone, found in many polish removers, can be corrosive and drying to the nails.
There are many products on the market designed to strengthen and moisturise your nails, cuticles and hands. These include Olive & June's Cuticle Serum, which comes in a pen design with a foam applicator tip and non-greasy formula, and contains ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil and cactus flower extract. Another option is to use a wax or oil-based balm, such as a cuticle balm, hand salve or lotion stick. For an easy, quick option, a standard hand cream can be used, such as Aveeno hand cream.
If your nails are weak or ridged, a base coat can help to provide strength and smoothness, such as Orly Nail Armor. For extra nourishment, you can try a nail treatment like GLOSSLAB's Superboost, which is a nail strengthener and hardener.
You can also try natural alternatives, such as oils like olive, avocado or flaxseed oil, or edible moisturisers like Vaseline or milk and egg yolk concoctions.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to have polygel nails removed by a professional to avoid damaging your natural nails. However, if you would like to remove them at home, you can use acetone or an e-file.
First, cut your nails to a healthy length. Then, use a nail file to remove the top coat. Soak your nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes. Gently scrape away the softened polygel with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. If the polygel is still hard to remove, soak your nails for another 5 minutes.
First, cut your nails to a healthy length. Then, use an e-file or electric nail file on a low and gentle speed to file the polygel down. Stop once you reach the top of your natural nail or the layer of polygel has gotten very thin. Finish by using a gentle file or buffer to remove any remaining polygel.
