The peeling off of gel polish can be tempting when it starts lifting at the edges. However, pulling it off incorrectly will make the nails weak, thin, and even damaged. The good news? You won’t have to harm your nails to remove gel polish. Therefore, all you have to do is prepare some basic things and follow these steps to remove your gel polish safely from the comfort of your home.
Additionally, taking off gel polish can appear daunting, but it is relatively simple, provided one knows the proper procedure. It requires great gentleness, a lot of patience, and some time taken over it. Thus, whether one is preparing for a fresh manicure or wants to give the nails a rest, the removal of the gel polish in a careful manner is important.
This guide will walk you through each step in detail, from filing and soaking to rehydrating your nails at the end, learn how to remove gel polish while maintaining strong and healthy nails safely.
1. Gather the Necessary Tools
First, make sure you have everything you need before you start. It’s easier and much safer for your nails that way. What you’ll be needing is as follows:
- Pure acetone (100% works best)
- Cotton balls or pads
- Aluminum foil or nail clips
- Nail file, 180 grit or finer is best
- A wooden cuticle stick or silicone pusher
- A nail buffer
- Cuticle oil
- Hand cream or moisturizer
Also, remember that doing it with high-quality tools won’t damage your nails. Acetone is the best for dissolving the gel polish, as it can also help protect your nails, along with a careful nail file and buffer. Last but not least, get some cuticle oil and hand cream afterward, as this helps rehydrate the nails and skin when you are done. Thus, using a quality gel polish will also contribute to a healthier manicure experience.
2. File Down the Top Coat
To break the seal, use a nail file and gently file off the shiny top layer. This is because gel manicures are created to last, with the top coat sealing the polish and making it resistant to acetone penetration.
Furthermore, just focus on filling the nail’s surface, keeping the file at a slight angle, and using long, light strokes to avoid building up too much pressure or heat. Also, you want it to roughen the surface so the acetone can soak through the layers of polish.
3. Soak Your Nails in Acetone
The most crucial step in safely removing gel polish is soaking your nails in acetone. It softens the polish, making it easy to remove without harming your nails. You can do this using the cotton ball and foil method or the bowl method.
Cotton Ball and Foil Method
- Dip a cotton ball or pad into some acetone.
- Place it on top of your nail and make sure not to leave a single spot uncovered.
- With a small square of aluminum foil, wrap it around your finger to keep the cotton ball in place.
- Repeat for all your nails.
Bowl Method
Another option is to pour some acetone into a bowl. Then, soak your nails for 10–15 minutes. You can apply petroleum jelly around your cuticles before soaking to protect your skin from drying out.
Therefore, whichever method you employ, don’t rush this step. The acetone needs enough time to break down the gel polish correctly. Moreover, if you don’t soak long enough, removing the polish will be much more difficult and could even damage your nails.
4. Gently Remove the Gel Polish
Now that the gel polish has been softened, carefully remove it. Take your cuticle stick or silicone pusher and gently scrape the polish off, starting from the base and working toward the tip, very slowly and with much care.
Besides, if it doesn’t come off that easily, never force it. Reapply more acetone on stubborn areas and soak your nails for another 5 to 10 minutes. Consequently, forcing the polish further will only continue to damage your natural nails, so be patient; let the acetone do its work.
Now, scrape off most of the polish and check for remaining residue. Gently buff your nails using a light nail buffer to remove any remaining pieces of gel from your nails. Also, always try not to buff too hard because one might weaken the nail. You are just looking to make the surface smooth, not thinner.
5. Buff and Shape Your Nails
With the gel polish finally off your nail, shape and refine your nails, shaping edges with a clean nail file. So, file in one direction back and forth if you like them square, round, or almond; this will prevent splitting.
Then, use a soft nail buffer to smoothen the surface of your nails. Buffing can remove minor imperfections and make your nails look better after the gel removal. However, please don’t overdo it; too much buffing can weaken your nails. Hence, this step will help if your nails feel uneven or slightly damaged.
Final Thoughts
Safely removing gel polish doesn’t have to be difficult. These six easy steps will help you safeguard your nails and avoid damage. Moreover, the secret lies in patience and proper techniques. Therefore, hurrying or using rough tools makes the nails weak and brittle, while a careful and delicate touch will leave the nails firm and healthy.
That is why it pays to give a little extra time to one’s nails today to have good manicures in the future.
So, whether giving your nails a break or prepping for a new color, you have the tools and the tips to do it like a pro.
Also Read: Choosing the Right Podiatrist for Ingrown Toenail Surgery: What to Look For
