Introduction

How to get gel nail polish off Removing gel nails properly requires the right set of tools, procedures, and patience. If your nails are sensitive or weak, doing it yourself home will save you money and physical discomfort.

For many fingernail fashionistas, you’ll never return once you go for gel. And with the growing selection of DIY gel manicure products, people have found it more affordable and timely to take matters into their own hands.

While gel polish has more benefits, such as durability and longevity, it doesn’t feel as good when it comes to removing it. The consensus seems to be the most effective method is to peel off the paint. But doing so can cause serious damage to your nails.

What is a gel manicure?

“A gel manicure uses a gel polish that is applied to the nail plate using an LED lamp or a UV lamp, and it will not dry without the lamp,” says celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey. “It usually involves a base coat, two color coats, and a top coat. After each coat, the gel polish is dried under a UV/LED lamp. It helps set the gel polish. Without the phase, the gel polish will not set or stick to your natural nail, making it last longer.” nail technician Meta Francis explains. “Gel manicures are much more durable than regular polish, and you can wear them for several weeks without chipping—think of it as a semi-permanent polish,” Humphrey says.

What’s the safest way to remove gel nail polish at home?

You’ve got your nails done but don’t have time to make an appointment to remove your gel polish. Is there a method to do it at home? Of course, why there! Soaking your nails in acetone is the coolest and most active way to remove gel polish. Take some acetone, cotton balls, aluminum foil, and a little time. So get your supplies, and let’s get started.

Tear five cotton balls in half.

Before getting to any equipment, have your cotton balls ready. Slitting a cotton ball in half makes it easy to apply on your nails. Cut a cotton swab in half if you don’t have cotton balls. The cotton ball or pad will rest on top of your pin, so ensure they are large enough to cover your nail.

Buff off the top layer of polish.

Buffing your nails will speed up the removal process. Just take a regular nail file or nail file and gently brush it back and forth across the surface of your nail. Do not rub vigorously. Otherwise, your natural nails may be damage. Cut only the first layer of paint.

• It breaks the seal of the paint, allowing the acetone to soften and remove it more easily.

Rub petroleum jelly on the skin around your nails.

Keep your cuticles moisturized with a coating of petroleum jelly. Acetone can rapidly dry out and damage the skin. Petroleum jelly acts as a wall between your skin and the chemical and protects it through the removal procedure. Dip a cotton in the jelly and swipe a thin layer with the edge of your nails.

• If you don’t have petroleum jelly on hand, use a lotion or balm with petroleum jelly in its place.
• Acetone is a chemical that responds with gel nail polish to release the adhesive and free it from your natural nail. This chemical can be created in your regular nail polish remover but is the strongest in its purest form.

Wrap your nails with cotton and aluminum foil.

Let the acetone apply to your nails for 15 minutes. Next, soak your parts of cotton in acetone till they’re saturated. Then, place one of the soggy cotton balls on your nail and shawl it strongly with a small foil.

• Try wrapping your nails in plastic wrap instead to make a tighter seal and less messy.
• Give nail caps a try for a reusable foil or plastic wrap alternative.

Swipe away the polish while removing the foil and cotton

Take the foil and cotton in one swipe to safely remove the gel polish. Squeeze the foil and cotton wool over the top of your nail and at the base of your finger. Press firmly, twist, and pull off the foil and cotton ball with your fingernail. Most of the gel polish should be remove with cotton.

• If there’s still a lot of paint left, don’t worry! After giving your nails a 10-minute break, do another round of soaking.
• Clean and scrape off any sticky polish with a wooden stick, being careful not to scratch your natural nails.
• Avoid chipping or peeling off nail polish, which can damage your natural nails.
• Use a warm washcloth to wipe off any excess or clumps of color.

Wash your hands once all the polish is removed

Acetone can damage your skin, so the sooner you remove it, the better. First, go to the sink and wash your hands with soap and warm water until they are nice, clean, and free of acetone.

Moisturize your hands and cuticles.

Finish off your gel polish remover at home by giving your skin some TLC. Rub some lotion into your hands and wipe some cuticle oil at the base of each nail. It will help moisturize your cuticles and keep your nails healthy.

• If you like to shape and file your nails, that’s fine. However, ensure you’re gentle to avoid damaging your brittle nails.
• If your nails feel very brittle, apply a layer of strong nail polish to prevent them from breaking.

Final Thoughts

Gel nails are safe for most people, specifically if you save them for special events when you and your nails need a bit of sparkle. Look for non-toxic products if you can, as nail polish, including gel, can contain harmful chemicals.

Also, your nails can become dry, brittle, and break if you over-manicure. So, if you want your nails to look sleek all the time, consider using classic polish or press-on nails in between gel manicures.