Gel polish is one of the most popular choices for those looking to beautify their nails thanks to its long-lasting and chip-resistant properties. However, removing gel polish can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re used to visiting a salon for professional removal. Thankfully, you can effectively remove gel polish in the comfort of your own home and save yourself some time and money. In this guide, we’ll give you a step-by-step on how to do a safe and efficient gel polish removal.
How To Remove Gel Nail Polish At Home
What You’ll Need:
- Acetone: Look for pure acetone or a gel polish remover with a high acetone content (at least 90%). Avoid using regular nail polish remover, as it may not be strong enough to dissolve gel polish effectively.
- Aluminium foil: For wrapping the nails and holding the acetone-soaked cotton pads in place.
- Cotton pads or balls: To saturate with acetone for removing gel polish.
- Cuticle pusher: For gently lifting and removing softened gel polish.
- Nail file or buffer: To remove the top shiny layer of gel polish.
1. Apply Petroleum Jelly To Cuticles
Begin by applying some petroleum jelly to your nail cuticles. This helps protect the skin around your nails from the acetone and cuticle pushing during the gel removal process.
2. Cut Cotton Balls To Size of Nail
Cut the cotton balls into the size of your nails. This is to reduce the risk of getting acetone on your skin, as it can be irritating and damaging.
3. Soak Cotton Ball In Acetone
Take the small pieces of cotton you previously cut to the size of your nails and soak them each in the acetone. Ensure that each cotton pad is saturated but not dripping.
4. Place Cotton Ball On Nail
Place the acetone-saturated cotton directly on top of each nail, ensuring the entire nail surface is covered.
5. Wrap in Foil
Once the cotton has been placed on your nails, wrap each finger with aluminium foil to hold the soaked cotton pad in place. Alternatively, you could use nail clips for this step.
Allow the acetone-soaked cotton to sit on your nails for approximately 10-15 minutes. This waiting period ensures that the acetone will soften and dissolve the gel polish effectively.
6. Remove Any Remaining Gel Polish
After this waiting period, remove the foil. Gently press down on each nail covered with cotton and apply slight pressure to help loosen the gel polish from your nail. Then use a cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the softened gel polish, being cautious not to apply excessive force or damage the natural nail underneath.
7. Rinse and Moisturise
Once the gel polish has been successfully removed from all nails, wash your hands with warm water and mild soap to remove any remaining acetone or residue. Dry your hands thoroughly before applying a moisturising hand cream or cuticle oil to restore moisture and nourish your nails and cuticles.
How To Remove Gel Polish Without Acetone
Removing gel polish without acetone is definitely more of a challenge, but if you’re in a pinch, it’s possible with alternative methods.
One acetone-free approach is to use a nail file or buffer to gently file off the top shiny layer of the gel polish, (be cautious not to file too aggressively to avoid damaging your natural nails) then soak a cotton ball in warm soapy water and place it on the nail, before wrapping the finger with aluminium foil and letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then, gently push the softened gel polish off the nail using a cuticle pusher. This method requires patience and care, but it can be effective in removing gel polish without the use of acetone.
People Also Ask…
Can you remove gel nail polish with regular nail polish remover?
Regular nail polish remover doesn’t have high enough acetone content to be as effective in removing gel nail polish. It’s possible that you could remove your gel nails with a regular nail polish remover, but you’d have to leave those nails to soak for a long time.
Is gel polish easy to remove at home?
It certainly takes more effort than regular nail polish, but as long as you have the right tools, it’s perfectly simple to remove your gel nails from the comfort of your own home.
How do nail salons remove gel polish?
Essentially, nail salons do the same thing you’ll be doing at home. Nail salons tend to use 100% acetone, and use the saturated cotton wrapped in foil or nail clips for a 10-15 minute period method. But, nail salons will likely have professional tools at their disposal to remove the gel that you won’t have.
