Are you feeling anxious about damaging your natural nails while removing the gel polish at home? I can totally understand. I felt the same too when I first tried by myself.
Doing a manicure and a pedicure at home feels relaxing. But removing them yourself can seem like a hassle. What if I tell you it is not?
I have been doing my own gel nails and removing them for the last four years. In this guide, I will share How to Remove Gel Nail Polish at home by following 7 easy steps. Keep reading till the end to avoid common mistakes people make while doing it by themselves.
Table of Contents
Essential Tools You Need to Remove Gel Polish
People often follow the wrong way to remove the gel polish and end up damaging their natural nails. These methods include forcefully peeling, using a metal pusher, using an electric nail drill, and not using proper tools.
These methods are even more time-consuming. With the proper tools and following the correct method, you can remove the gel polish within 15 to 20 minutes. So, before jumping into How to Remove Gel Nail Polish, let’s collect the essential tools for the removal:
- A wooden cuticle pusher or cuticle stick
- A nail file (180 grit preferred)
- 100% pure acetone
- Cotton pads or cotton balls (lint-free)
- Aluminium foil
- A nail buffer (Minimum 240 grit)
- Cuticle oil
✅ A nail buffer and cuticle oil are optional. They keep your nails healthy and maintain the growth of your natural nails.
Additional Tips for Preparation
Before you start your nail-removing process, here are some preparation tips that you can follow to prevent any mess:
✔ Put a towel or cloth underneath to avoid acetone stains or any mess.
✔ It is best to work on one hand at a time. It is less time-consuming and easier.
✔ Choose a well-ventilated area as the acetone has a strong smell.
✔ Cut the aluminum foil into small squares. Make sure they are big enough to cover your fingertips.
7 Steps: How to Remove Gel Nail Polish
Here is an easy-to-follow and step-by-step guide on How to Remove Gel Nail Polish at home:
Step 1: Trim the Nails
The first and most important step is to trim your nails. Start by removing the extra lengths and filing the edges to give the perfect shape. It prevents damage or breakage of nails during the buffing process.
Step 2: File the Gel Nail Surface
Then, file the surface of the gel polish using the 180-grit nail file. Remove the shine from the upper surface. However, make sure not to file too much, as this may damage the natural nail bed.
Step 3: Protect Cuticles
Many people forget to follow this step. Protecting cuticles is essential before wrapping the nails. Acetone can temporarily dehydrate the cuticles. If you have dry skin, avoiding this step can cause flaky skin issues later.
Step 4: Soak Nails and Wrap
Pour some acetone into the cotton pad or cotton ball until it is completely soaked. Place it on top of your nails and wrap it with aluminium foil. It might irritate your skin for a bit. Do one nail at a time. Keep the nails wrapped for 10 minutes. It will keep the acetone time to do its job!
Step 5: Check the Gel Polish
Check on the nails by removing the aluminium foils and cotton pads. If the gel is all flaky and easily releases with the cotton, it is ready to remove. If not, take another acetone-soaked cotton pad and wrap for another 5 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the Gel Polish
Once the gel polishes are all flaky, take a cuticle pusher and gently push the residue. Always push down from cuticles to tips. This direction is more gentle and won’t hurt your cuticles. Take another clean cotton pad and wipe off the nails.
Step 7: Buff and Hydrate Nails
The last and most important step is taking care of the nails. Once you are done removing the gel polishes, it is essential to smooth the surface. Take the 240 grit nail buffer and gently buff the nail bed. Apply a good base coat on the nails and cuticle oil to keep the nails hydrated. This post-cleaning treatment will ensure your natural nails have healthy growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now that you know How to Remove Gel Nail Polish, it is time to be aware of the common mistakes. Let’s explore them:
✘ Soaking the nails in an acetone bath for too long damages your nails and the surrounding area.
✘ Not removing the gel residue from the skin can cause skin peeling and a reaction.
✘ Using a metal pusher to forcefully remove gel polish damage to natural nails.
✘ Skipping hydration after gel polish removal exposes skin and nails to extreme dehydration.
✘ Trying to remove the gel polish completely damages the nail plate.
Bottom Lines
And there you go! Fresh nails to start your next nail design. By following all the steps of How to Remove Gel Nail Polish, you can easily take care of your nails. However, make sure not to expose the nails to excessive water. After gel polish removal, the nails get softer in contact with water. They will get back to their natural form within a few hours or a day.
Remember, practice makes things perfect! So, try on your own and let me know how your first experience was. Let me know in the comment box if you need further guidance regarding nails or any other topic. I’m happy to be a help!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get the nails back to normal after gel nail removal?
Give your nails a few weeks’ break from any artificial nails and moisturise them regularly. It will help them grow back to their normal state.
What is the healthiest way to remove the gel polishes?
Acetone is the most effective way to remove gel polishes without damaging the natural nail. However, there are also non-acetone gel polish removals available that are also a healthier option.
What is the quickest way to remove gel nail polish?
Using 100% pure acetone on a cotton pad and wrapping it around the nail is the quickest and most powerful way to remove gel polish. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Why am I itchy after a gel nail removal?
It is probably due to the exposure to acetone. If you have sensitive skin, acetone can cause skin irritation, itchiness, and allergic reactions.
How many days do gel nails last?
Gel nails last 3 to 4 weeks if taken care of properly. However, it is recommended to remove the gel polish within 3 weeks to prevent damage to the natural nails.
