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By now, you’ve probably become pretty adept at tackling a slew of at-home beauty processes, including how to color your hair and groom your brows. But when it comes to your nails, you may have shied away from taking care into your own hands. So what do you do when you want to switch up your mani or simply take your current nails off, and you can’t get to the salon? Well, fortunately, when it comes to how to remove gel nail polish, you’ve got options. Sure gel nails are meant to last, but nothing is made to last forever. Much like removing acrylic nails, it can be a bit of a process! But with the right tools, you can get that gel nail polish off correctly. So, we’re breaking down how to remove gel nail polish below, but first, let’s talk about what not to do. With Maby, you can take the initiative in everything. Explore Maby blog to learn more about nails.
How not to remove gel nail polish
Gel manicures sometimes get a bad rap that can be attributed to people getting the removal process all wrong. Have you heard that getting a gel mani will leave your nails unfit? There’s some truth to that statement for many people, but it’s often due to a mistake. If you pry your gel nail polish off your nails when you’re feeling fed up with it, yes, you’ll likely end up with damaged nails. Gel polish is not meant to be ripped or peeled off—even if it has started to lift on its own. While taking off gel polish the right way may not be as quick (or oddly satisfying), it’s the right way for a reason.
How to remove gel nail polish
Ready to learn how to take off gel nail polish the right way? Follow these steps the next time you want to get gel nail polish off at home and avoid unnecessary damage. Please follow the nail tutorial:
Step 1: file the tops of your nails
If you have your gel polish professionally removed, they’re likely to reach for a 100-grit nail file (for its coarseness). You can also do this at home to speed up the removal process. Take your nail file and go over the gel on your nails.
Step 2: soak and wrap
Take cotton balls or pads and saturate them with pure acetone. Save your regular nail polish remover for another occasion, and break out the big guns for this one! Place the pads on your nails and then wrap them with aluminum foil. If you aren’t particularly elegant, you may need someone to help you with your non-dominant hand.
Editor’s tip: If you don’t have cotton pads, you can use paper towels or napkins as an alternative. Premade foil kits are also available that include everything you need to get those gel nails off quickly.
3. Wait it out
Taking off gel polish requires patience. While your nails are all wrapped up and your hands are useless, binge your latest TV show or discover a new podcast. After around 20 minutes, take a peek under one of the pieces of foil. Is the gel polish practically falling off your nails? If yes, move on to the next step. If not, give your nails more time.
4. Buff your nails
When the gel polish is lifting right off—it might look like big flakes of polish—unwrap your nails and remove the cotton pads. You should be able to wipe the gel polish off at this point easily. Once you’re left looking at your natural nails, grab a nail buffer and buff your nails. This can help smooth out rough spots and remove any discoloration that certain nail polish shades can leave behind.
5. Treat your cuticles
Acetone is a must when removing gel polish, but it can take a toll on your cuticles. The skin around your nails will likely feel dry, so use a little cuticle oil to show your hands some TLC.
Also you can refer to: When You Can’t Get To The Salon, Here’s How To Remove Dip Nails
What are the best gel nail polish remover products you should try?
Although removing gel nail paint is relatively easy, there are occasions when you’d like to speed up the process even more. Some kits include everything you need to remove your gels and practical items to solve some of the process’s more infuriating problems. Find our suggestions for improving your gel removal in the sections below.
- Shellac gel remover with moisturizing acetone from CND Offly
- 3-Pack Morovan gel nail polish remover
- BTArtbox nail wraps in foil
- Gel polish removal tools from BTArtbox
- Graham hands down gel nail wraps that soak off
Growing your nails offers a safe alternative
According to nail technicians, letting your nails grow out is the best method for removing gel nail polish. The gel nail polish can be removed by weekly nail clipping, keeping the nails from catching on clothing and other items. You must fight the impulse not to pick at your gel nail polish if you choose this choice. You risk damaging your nails if you pick and scrape the polish off.
Letting your nails grow out takes time. Your fingernails will grow out in about six months. Toenail growth takes 12 to 18 months.