Nail care specialists around the world swear by gel manicures for their long-lasting durability and simple application process. While gel fans may consider their durability as a win, it can also make the removal process frustrating and potentially damaging to many. While we always recommend visiting a professional for removal, we understand many want the ease and comfort of doing it at home. In this article, we take a deep dive into how to remove gel nail polish at home safely. Your wallet will be thanking you and your nails will look fresher than ever.
Expert ways to safely remove gel nail polish at home
Is picking at your nails a guilty habit? - It’s time to think twice about it. After your gel manicure has done its time and is starting to fade, it can be tempting to pick and peel at your polish. While fast and sometimes effective, this can cause long-term damage to the structure of your nail bed and affect the growth of your nails in the future. When you peel away gel polish, you’re peeling away the top layer of your nail as well. This can cause breakage, texture irregularities, and white spots under the nail where you picked, which can increase your chances of infection. When you’re ready to part ways with your gel manicure, we suggest taking the following steps to remove your gel nail polish at home.
How to remove gel nail polish at home?
At-home manicures are a great alternative to visiting a salon and can save you time and money in the long run. Gel manicures are widely popular amongst at-home options because they only require the polish itself and a UV or LED light to set the gel. While more complicated nail options such as acrylics require tools and skill, gel manicures are a relatively low-cost option that even beginner nail artists can do. While applying gel nails may be simple, removal can be a bit more complicated.
As gel nail polish requires a UV or LED light to set, typical nail polish removers aren’t strong enough to get the job of removal done. Luckily for our do-it-yourself readers, with some time, a few tools, (and a well-ventilated space), you can part ways with your gel manicure and gear up for a fresh set in no time. To get started, you’ll need cuticle oil, an acetone-based nail polish remover, cotton rounds, plastic wrap, and something to scrape away the layers of gel gently. We also suggest following up with a high-quality moisturizer or oil to help replenish the nail bed and promote new growth. So sit back, relax, and soak your nails (and troubles) away.
Step 1: Take Care of the Cuticles
Your cuticles are the fleshy part of the skin that surrounds the base of your nails. They help protect the nail bed from trauma and play an important role in maintaining the health and growth of your nails. When it comes to removing gel nail polish, the process can be hard on your cuticles as acetone can soften and dry out the skin, making nails weak and brittle. Before you get to soaking your nails, take the time to coat your cuticles in cuticle oil to help moisturize and nourish the area. Coconut and olive oil are great natural options that can provide the same benefits as a cuticle oil, and you likely have them at home. Massage the oil into each cuticle for 30 seconds before proceeding to step two.
Step 2: The Soak Off
After you’ve oiled and massaged your cuticles, it's time to get soaking. It’s important to remember that acetone is a strong irritant and it can cause damage when in contact with your skin for prolonged periods of time. Start by cutting each of your cotton rounds to the size of your nails. This ensures the acetone only comes in contact with the gel and not the skin surrounding the nail. If you don’t have access to acetone, you can use hydrogen peroxide as an alternative, but you may need to repeat the process more times.
After you’ve cut each cotton round to the desired size of your nail, you can soak each one in acetone. Carefully place each piece of cotton over your nail, covering as much gel polish as possible. Cover each finger in plastic wrap to hold the cotton in place and create a tight seal. Allow the plastic wrap to sit for ten minutes before removing both the plastic wrap and cotton rounds from each nail.
Pro tip: Use plastic wrap instead of aluminum foil. You’ll get a tighter seal and avoid getting foil stuck to the cotton and acetone on your nails!
Step 3: The Scrape Off
After you’ve allowed the acetone to sit on your nails for ten minutes, get prepared for the most satisfying part of the process. Gently remove the plastic wrap from each finger and discard the cotton round on each nail. If you’re lucky, the gel polish may simply come off with the cotton round, but don’t stress if the process takes a few tries. After removing the plastic wrap and cotton, run a washcloth under warm water and gently wipe your nails clean from the polish. Washcloths are abrasive enough to remove stubborn polish but are gentle on the surrounding skin and cuticle of your nail. You can also gently scrape at any remaining polish using a nail file or cuticle stick.
Pro tip: Don’t fight any polish that doesn’t want to come off as this can damage your nails. Depending on the strength of your manicure, you may need to repeat steps two and three several times to remove all the polish, including the base coat.
Step 4: The Essential After Care
The entire process of removing a gel manicure can be hard on your hands, so it’s important to follow up with a good moisturizer and massage. Once you have removed all polish, wash your hands with warm water and a gentle soap to ensure there are no remaining traces of acetone. You can then reapply your cuticle oil and massage each nail once again. Apply a strong moisturizer to the entire hand, and focus on massaging it into the skin surrounding each nail. Repeat this daily for seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone. If you still have questions, this video can help walk you through the process of removing gel nail polish at home.
Fingernail Care: Do’s
With nail care being one of the bigger trends for 2022, consider building these habits to maintain a healthy nail care routine :
Keep your hands clean and dry. This can help to prevent bacteria and fungus from growing under the nails, which can be a nightmare for your nail health.
Keep your nails trimmed. Use sharp tools and trim your nails straight across. Finish by rounding out each corner to minimize ingrown nails.
Use moisturizer frequently. Just like your hands, your nails can dry out too. Don’t skip your nails when you’re applying moisturizer daily.
Fingernail Care: Don’ts
If you’re looking for strong, healthy nails, it's time to ditch these bad habits once and for all :
Nail and cuticle biting. This habit can wreak havoc on the health and strength of your nails. Minor cuts and tears can allow bacteria to enter the nail bed, which can lead to infection if left untreated.
Overusing acetone. Acetone is a harsh chemical that can dry out and irritate the skin. Allow your nails at least a week to recover after removing your manicure.
Ignoring problems. Just like the rest of your body, your nails can develop infections and fungal growth as well. If something doesn’t look right, always consult a professional.
When maintaining healthy and happy nails, it’s always best to consult a professional and find a trusted salon near you.