Liam Carter
Gel manicures are a great, long-lasting option for those who want glossy nails without chipping. However, they can be difficult to remove and may damage your nails if not done properly. To prevent damage, it is important to avoid using an electric file or peeling nails. Instead, use acetone to remove the gel polish, followed by nourishing the nails with oil. After removing gel nail polish, you may want to reseal your nails to protect them and make them look shiny and healthy. This can be done by applying a nail strengthener or cuticle oil, followed by a hand cream to lock in moisture.
How to Reseal Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Remove Gel Nails | Use acetone, cotton balls, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. |
| Protect Skin | Apply petroleum jelly to cuticles and surrounding skin. |
| Soak Cotton | Cut cotton balls/pads to size and soak in acetone. |
| Wrap Nails | Use aluminum foil or plastic food wrap. Wait 10 minutes. |
| Remove Gel | Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. |
| Buff Nails | Smooth out ridges and create an even surface. Be gentle to avoid thinning nails. |
| File Nails | Use a 220/280 grit file. Start with the coarser side, then the softer side. |
| Seal Nails | Use a nail strengthener or hardener. Apply two coats. |
| Cuticle Care | Apply cuticle oil followed by hand cream. |
| Nail Growth | Clip nails weekly to remove gel and prevent catching. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing gel nail polish with acetone
Prepare your workspace:
Cover your work area with a cloth or plastic wrap to protect it from acetone stains and damage. Acetone has a strong smell, so make sure you are in a well-ventilated area. Gather all the supplies you need, including acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick, and a nail file. Cuticle oil and a nail buffer are optional but recommended to keep your nails healthy.
File your nails:
Use a coarse nail file to gently file down the gel top coat layer. Start with your non-dominant hand and file from the cuticle to the edge of your nail in a left-to-right motion. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion or focusing on one spot. Filing the top coat disrupts the shiny surface, making it easier for the acetone to penetrate and remove the polish.
Soak your nails in acetone:
Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone. They should be damp but not dripping wet—about 5 to 10 drops of acetone per cotton ball should be enough. If using cotton pads, apply acetone directly to the pad. Make sure the cotton is thin and only covers your nail bed, avoiding contact with the surrounding skin and cuticles. Place each acetone-soaked cotton ball on top of the corresponding nail and wrap it with aluminum foil to create a tight seal. Leave the foil on for about 10 minutes to allow the acetone to soak into the gel polish.
Remove the gel polish:
After 10 minutes, remove the foil and cotton ball from each nail. The gel polish should now be soft and may appear bubbly or curled. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish. If the polish is still stubborn, soak the nail with the acetone-soaked cotton ball for an additional 5 minutes before trying again.
Buff and moisturize your nails:
Gently buff your nails to smooth out any ridges and uneven surfaces. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails and make it difficult for gel polish to adhere in the future. Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and nails to rehydrate and nourish them. You can also use a nail strengthener product to protect your nails and prevent over-filing.
It's important to note that there are alternative methods to remove gel nail polish, such as using a gel nail polish remover, which can be faster and less damaging to your nails. However, the acetone method is widely recognized as effective for at-home gel nail polish removal. Always be gentle with your nails during the removal process to minimize any potential damage.
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Using a nail strengthener
After removing your gel nails, it's important to nourish and protect your natural nails. One way to do this is by using a nail strengthener.
Start by choosing a nail strengthener product. You can opt for a nail hardener, like the one by Fiote, available at Zillabeau, or select a product with keratin or wheat protein, like ORLY Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment or Lights Lacquer Magic Strengthener. Apply two coats of your chosen nail strengthener to your nails and let them dry.
If you're doing cuticle work, it's best to do this before applying the nail strengthener. Cuticle oil can help impart deep hydration to your nails and the surrounding area, where new, healthy nail growth will start. You can also try straight-up jojoba oil, which can strengthen nail beds and boost healthy nail growth. Apply cuticle oil or jojoba oil three times a day for five days, keeping your nails otherwise bare, for optimal results.
After applying the nail strengthener, grab your nail files. You can use an emery board, like the one from the gel nail brand Vetro, or a high-quality sponge buffer, to gently buff your nails, focusing only on the area where the gel was applied. Avoid the new growth area, and be careful not to over-buff, as this can thin your nails down and make them susceptible to damage.
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Repairing nails with cuticle oil
While cuticle oil is a great product to have in your gel nail arsenal, it is important to note that you should not use it before applying gel polish, as it will prevent the polish from sticking to your nails. Instead, you should apply cuticle oil after doing your gel nails and in between manicures to keep your cuticles hydrated and healthy.
To repair your nails with cuticle oil, you can follow these steps:
- Start by removing any previous gel polish using the traditional method of acetone or a gel nail polish remover.
- After removing the gel polish, apply a nail strengthener product.
- Use a nail buffer to gently buff your nails and smooth out any ridges or uneven surfaces. Be careful not to over-buff your nails, as this can make them thin and weak.
- Apply two coats of cuticle oil to your nails and cuticles. Cuticle oil will help to stimulate nail growth, promote stronger nails, and prevent the layers of the natural nail from peeling.
- You can also apply cuticle oil right out of the shower while your skin is still damp to encourage deeper absorption.
- For on-the-go hydration, you can use a cuticle oil rollerball pen, which has an easy-to-use applicator and can be applied throughout the day as needed.
It is important to note that while cuticle oil can help repair and strengthen your nails, it should be used in conjunction with other nail care products and techniques for the best results.
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Buffing nails to smooth ridges
Buffing your nails is a great way to smooth out ridges and uneven edges. It helps to smooth the surface of your nails and remove any leftover gel polish. However, it is important to be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails, making them thin and susceptible to bending.
When buffing your nails, it is best to use a high-quality buffer, as this will be gentler on your nails and less likely to cause damage. Start by using the rougher side of the buffer to smooth out the ridges, then switch to the softer side to finish. Be sure to only buff the part of the nail where the gel was applied, avoiding any new nail growth.
It is also important to be mindful of the direction in which you are buffing. Avoid a back-and-forth motion, and instead, gently file from the cuticle to the edge of your nail, moving left to right. This will help to ensure that you are not putting too much pressure on one spot, which could lead to over-buffing.
If you are looking for an alternative to buffing, you may want to consider using a ridge-filling base coat. Ridge fillers settle into the nooks and crannies of your nails, creating a smooth canvas for your nail polish. They can be used in conjunction with buffing, by lightly buffing between coats, to achieve an even smoother finish.
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Fixing lifted gel nails
Once you've identified the possible cause, it's time to think creatively to prevent the gel nail from lifting again. If the nail is severely compromised, consider opting for a full-coverage tip, which acts as a "brace" to hold the nail in place and prevent flexing. A half-tip may also work if the nail bed isn't too short. However, ensure that the extension isn't too long, as it may lift during daily activities.
Additionally, improving adhesion by etching or using a bonder can help reduce lifting. Make sure to use a full-coverage tip from a reputable brand and its corresponding unit to avoid an allergic reaction.
To prevent gel nails from lifting in the first place, it is recommended to keep your hands moisturised, invest in cuticle oil, use thin coats of polish, and avoid using clippers or nail files, as these can break down the seal and cause lifting and peeling. Allow your nails to breathe between gel manicures, as going back-to-back can damage and suffocate your nail beds.
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Frequently asked questions
You can remove gel nail polish at home using either the traditional method or with a gel nail polish remover. The traditional method involves using acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. First, gently file the top coat of your nail. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nail, wrapping your nail with aluminum foil. Wait 10 minutes, then gently push the gel polish off using a cuticle pusher.
Alternatively, you can use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster and takes only 5 minutes.
To prevent damage, make sure not to use an electric file and do not peel or pick at your nails. Instead, use acetone and nourish your nails with oil afterward. You can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the surrounding skin to protect them from the acetone.
You can apply cuticle oil followed by hand cream to repair your nails after removing gel nail polish. Cuticle oil delivers vitamins and nourishment, while the cream locks in moisture. You can also soak your nails in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes daily.
To prevent your gel nails from lifting, you should get them fixed at a nail salon to ensure they are done correctly and to protect against any damage.
To reseal your gel nails, start by cutting off the lifted part of the nail using a cuticle clipper. Then, buff the nail where the gel polish and your natural nail meet to create a smooth, even surface. Finally, repaint the nail with a matching nail polish and apply a top coat once dry.
