How to Remove Gel Nail Polish at Home?

Why Gel Polish is Tough to Remove?

Gel nail polish is exceptionally strong and resistant nail paint that dries out comparably more than the normal nail polish. It is then hardened under a UV or an LED lamp, which makes it extremely strong and long-lasting – a great cure for chippings on the nails. Still, due to how well it sticks on the nails, gel polish is a bit more difficult to remove than its traditional counterpart. It is essential to do it correctly since using the wrong techniques can harm your nails so let’s proceed to the safest technique for removing that gel.

What You’ll Need?

Before you start, gather these supplies:

Acetone: The best solvent to use when removing gel polish is pure acetone. You can buy it in most drugstores.
Cotton Balls or Pads: These will grip the acetone on your nails.
Aluminum Foil: Dice similarly (big enough to encase each fingertip).
Nail File or Buffer: A coarse nail file will assist in the cutting of the surface of the gel polish and a buffer is perfect for use in the last stages.
Cuticle Stick (Optional): This is for gently ‘shifting-off’ the gel after using it for soaking.
Cuticle Oil or Hand Cream: Acetone should not be used on excessively dry skin as it can worst the condition, therefore, it’s important to moisturize after using acetone.
Bowl of Warm Water (Optional): This can make the acetone work faster if you are in an hastened time range.

Step 1: Prepare Your Nails

Trim or File the Tips: In case your nails are extremely long, you should try to trim or file slightly the tips for the purpose of making the process take less time.
Gently Buff the Top Layer: Take a rough side of a nail emery board, then lightly scrape off the high shine layer of the gel polish. You don’t have to go right down to the buff – you just want a smooth surface to which you can apply polish and that will remove that tacky layer. This step helps the acetone which is present in the polish solution to have deep penetration into the layers of the polish.

Step 2: Protect Your Cuticles

Apply Cuticle Oil: Gel removal tends to be problematic in the sense that it dries the skin, and this one involved acetone. Rub some cuticle oil or Vaseline around each nail so that there will be protection from the acetone from causing dryness or irritation.

Step 3: Soak Off the Gel Polish

Soak Cotton Balls with Acetone: Soak each of the cotton balls with acetone. It is recommended that is becomes saturated, but not to the extent that there is water dripping off it.
Place Cotton on Nails: Put a piece of cotton soaked with acetone on each nail, making sure it covers the nail plate.
Wrap with Aluminum Foil: Taking aluminum foil and roll a piece of it and put it around the finger covering the cotton ball tightly. This aids in holding heat and does not let acetone evaporate, and make it work more efficiently.
Wait 10-15 Minutes: Let your nails soak. Acetone, during this time will dissolve the gel polish in layers In this time, the acetone dissolves the gel polish layers. Patience is key here! If you are in a hurry the polish may not rub off fully during this step.

Step 4: Remove the Foil and Cotton

After about 10-15minutes elapse go back and press down gently on each of the cotton balls and remove it off one the nail. The gel polish must be smooth to touch and should be slightly raised at the corners. If some of it is still sticky, just leave it; you can proceed to the next step to clean up.

Step 5: Gently Scrape Off Remaining Polish

Use a Cuticle Stick or Orange Wood Stick: Carefully, using the cuticle stick, push off the softened gel polish. Begin at the cuticle line and wash off in the direction of the nail’s tip. Do not be too harsh to prevent bending or inducing a breakage on your natural nail.
Repeat If Needed: If there’s still gel still holding its ground you can use another cotton soaked in acetone, put this in another piece of foil and leave it for another 5-10 minutes. Do not over scrape them as this may weaken the nails making them look thinner than they really are.

Step 6: Buff and Smooth Your Nails

Use a Nail Buffer: When you wash off all the gel, your nails might be a little rough. One must use a mild nail buffer to file down the surface in order of getting rid of the bits of residue and reconstructing the shine.
Avoid Filing the Nail Surface Too Much: Just lightly should be buffed; if one buffs more, the nail becomes thin and weak.

Step 7:Moisturize and Nourish Your Nails

Apply Cuticle Oil: After your nails has been stripped off gel, they may feel dry due to acetone use During the gel removal process, it is therefore important to; Rub cuticle oil on nails and cuticles apply a lot to make sure that nails and cuticles are well moisturized.
Moisturize with Hand Cream: Finisher with a nice hand crème or lotion to ensure your hands and nails remain soft and moisturized.

Additional Tips for Safe Gel Polish Removal

Avoid Peeling or Picking: Sometimes, the process of removing gel polish can remove several coats of your own natural nail, leaving them thin and fragile. Selection of an appropriate soak-off method should be undertaken every time.

Limit Acetone Exposure: Although it helps, acetone is really dry. Don’t let the nails soak for too long and always make sure to follow up with cuticle oil and skin moisturizer.

Consider a Non-Acetone Remover (if Sensitive): Non-acetone gel polish removers exist, but they are usually less effective and might take a longer time, for example, may require longer time in the acetone bath.

Give Your Nails a Break: If you fancy gel polish, then allow your nails a couple of days break in between filing and applying gel polish. This is the best time to apply a nourishing oil and strength treating upon them so as to keep them healthy.

Conclusion

Gel nail polish can be safely and successfully removed at home with only several products and time. If you follow this guide, then you can have gel nails without putting your natural nails at risk for damage. Don’t scratch during each stage and always make sure to moisturize after using acetone. By doing these, your nails will be strong healthy and in a great shape to give you the nail do it yourself gel manicure.