Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is cured under a UV light, giving it that super staying power. But when it's time for a change, how do you remove it without damaging your nails? The most common method is to use acetone, but this can be harsh on your nails and skin, causing dryness, peeling and cracking. To avoid this, you can use a gel nail polish remover, which doesn't contain acetone, or try a home remedy such as soaking your nails in hot water, dish soap and salt. You can also file down the top coat of your gel polish to make it easier to remove, but be careful not to file away too much and damage your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gel nail polish removal methods | Traditional method, Gel nail polish remover |
| Tools required | Cotton balls/pads, Foil, Cuticle oil, Bowl, Orangewood stick, Plastic wrap, Towel, Heating pad, Petroleum jelly, Acetone, Warm water, Dish soap, Salt |
| Pros | Maintains healthy nail beds, Avoids brittle nails, Fewer tools, Simple to use |
| Cons | Damages nails, Damages skin, Time-consuming |
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Using acetone
Firstly, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone. You can also use cuticle oil to help your cuticles stay hydrated and keep your nails healthy and strong.
Next, you can use a nail file to gently buff off the shiny top layer of the gel nail polish. Be careful not to file off all of the lingering polish, as this can cause nail damage. Filing off the top coat first will make it easier to take off the polish with acetone later.
Now, you can use acetone-soaked cotton balls or pads to remove the gel nail polish. Tear off pieces of cotton that are thin but big enough to cover your nail bed. Soak the cotton in acetone, but be careful not to use too much acetone as it can irritate your skin. Place the acetone-soaked cotton on top of your fingernail and wrap your fingertip with aluminium foil to keep the cotton in place.
Let your nails soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can wrap your hands in a warm towel or heating pad to loosen the gel and expedite the process. After soaking, the gel nail polish should be lifted from the nail and can be pushed off with a stick or your fingernail.
It is important to note that improper gel nail polish removal can lead to damaged nail beds, lifted and jagged edges, and brittle nails. Therefore, it is recommended to take your time and be gentle during the removal process to avoid damaging your nails.
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Filing
If you want to remove the entire manicure, start by carefully filing away just the top coat seal. You will know you have removed enough of the top coat when the colour fades and the finish becomes dull. Be careful not to file off all of your lingering polish as doing so can also cause nail damage. Continue filing until there is just a thin layer of polish left on the nail. Keep filing in a cross-hatching motion until you have taken the majority of the polish off your nail. Be sure to leave a little polish on your nail—stop once you can see the ridges in your natural nail. If you file down past that point, you could damage your nail.
Switch to a finer-grit file once you can see your nail ridges. Once you get to that very bottom layer of polish, grab a fine nail file—around 400- to 600-grit. Using that, slowly and carefully file away the gel polish that's left. The finer grit will be less likely to damage your natural nail as you get down past the remaining polish.
If you are using a hand file, it can be painful for your wrists. It is also difficult to not damage the nail plate. Filing is a skill that takes practice to master.
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Gel nail polish remover
Gel nail polishes are cured under a UV light, which gives them that extra staying power. However, this also makes them more challenging to remove. The traditional method of removing gel nail polish involves using acetone, which can be tough on your nails and skin. It can dry out your skin and make your nails feel rough. So, if you want to remove gel nail polish without damaging your nails, you should consider using a gel nail polish remover.
There are various gel nail polish removers available in the market, such as Cutex's Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover. These removers are generally less irritating to the skin and nails than acetone. If you have sensitive skin or dry and brittle nails, an acetone-free remover is a good option.
If you are in a pinch and don't have a gel nail polish remover, you can use the traditional acetone method. However, it is important to take certain precautions to minimize the damage to your nails and skin. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Protect your work area by lining it with plastic wrap or foil.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to shield your nails and skin from the acetone.
- File down the top coat of the gel polish.
- Cut cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail.
- Soak the cotton in acetone and place it on your fingernail.
- Wrap your fingertip with aluminium foil to keep the cotton in place.
- Let your nails soak for about 10-15 minutes.
- Gently remove the gel polish with an orangewood stick.
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Soaking in hot water
Soaking your nails in hot water is a great way to remove gel nail polish at home without damaging your nails. This method is recommended by celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein, who notes that "acetone needs heat to work properly".
To begin, use a nail file to carefully file away the top coat seal of your gel manicure. Be careful not to file off all of the lingering polish, as this can cause nail damage. Next, fill a glass bowl with acetone or nail polish remover and place it in a larger bowl of hot water to warm the acetone or remover. Soak your nails in the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes. If the polish does not easily slide off, let your nails soak for a little longer.
After soaking, rinse your hands with water and dry them. Then, take a wooden stick, such as a chopstick or a pencil cut in half for a flat edge, and gently scrape off the polish from each nail. It is important to do this slowly and gently, without using too much pressure. If the polish is still not coming off, soak your nails in the warm water again and use a nail buffer to gently remove any remaining polish.
Finally, apply a generous amount of lotion or oil to your fingers and massage it into your hands, paying special attention to the tips of your fingers and your nails. This will help to keep your nails and skin healthy and hydrated.
While this method is effective, it is important to note that acetone can be tough on your nails and skin, drying them out and making your nails feel rough. It can also damage sinks, countertops, and furniture, so it is recommended to protect your work area with plastic wrap and a thick towel.
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Visiting a salon
Most nail salons will apply acetone-soaked cotton balls directly to your nails and wrap them in aluminium foil. If the residual polish is not easily removable after 10 minutes, your nail technician may use professional tools, such as an electric file or a nail drill, for a clean finish.
To protect your nails, it is recommended that you let them grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This will also help prevent your nails from catching on clothing and other objects.
If you are removing gel nail polish at home, you can follow the steps below:
- Protect your surfaces. Gel remover will strip varnish or coatings off surfaces, so cover your work area with plastic wrap. Then place a thick towel on top.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone.
- Cut cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail.
- Place the cotton on each of your nails, then wrap the tips of your fingers in foil to hold the cotton in place.
- Let your nails soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. If the polish doesn't easily slide off, let your nails soak for longer.
- Wash your hands or feet with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.
- Gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and the skin around your nails every day for seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to take off gel nails is to go to a salon to get them professionally removed. However, if you want to remove them at home, you can use a gel nail polish remover or the traditional method of removing gel nail polish with acetone.
First, file down the top coat seal. Then, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone. Cut cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail, making sure they are thin but big enough to cover your nail bed. Soak the cotton in acetone and place it on your fingernail. Wrap your fingertip with aluminium foil to keep the cotton in place. Let your nails soak for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Soaking your nails in a bowl of hot water for 5-6 minutes can weaken the base coat, and you can push it off with a cuticle pusher. You can also use an acetone-free nail polish remover, which is less irritating.
