Remove Gel Nail Polish

Gel polish is a nail lacquer that is set with UV light in order to harden it. It is known for being especially durable for a period of 10 days to 3 weeks. Salons that give gel manicures also remove the polish; however, you can remove it at home if necessary. Keep in mind that repeating this process every 10 days to 3 weeks can weaken your nails. This article will tell you how to remove gel nail polish at home.

Steps

Set up a Beauty Station

  1. Find a place in your home where you do not risk ruining clothing, furniture or other items with acetone. Acetone is a solvent that is required to eliminate gel polish.
  2. Place a paper mat or cereal box in the area you plan to use. Put it near a sink, if possible.
  3. Tear aluminum foil strips to fit around the tops of your nails. It is a good idea to have this prepared before you start the removal process.
  4. Place a bottle of acetone, nail file, nail buffer, foil strips, cotton ball and orange stick.
    • You can find acetone nail polish remover, a nail file, cotton balls, a nail buffer and a wood orange stick in the cosmetics section of a drug store, box store or supermarket.

Soak your Nails

  1. Use a nail file to scuff the surface of each nail. This will allow the acetone to penetrate below the finishing coat.
  2. Pour the acetone into a small bowl. Soak a cotton ball in the acetone.
  3. Place the acetone cotton ball directly on your first nail.
  4. Wrap that nail with a strip of aluminum foil, so that the cotton ball stays on the nail. This will also produce extra heat that will help remove the polish.
  5. Repeat this with each of your 10 nails. Allow the acetone to sit on the nail bed for 7 minutes.
    • You may want to repeat this process 1 hand at a time.

Remove Gel Polish

  1. Slide the foil off of the tip of your finger. This will allow you to replace the foil and soak for a longer period if the polish is still hard.
  2. Use a wood orange stick to scrape off the gel polish. This will be easier to use than your other finger nails.
    • It should come off easily. Return it to soaking if it does not. Scrape the polish onto the paper place mat instead of into the sink.
  3. Repeat with each of your nails.

Buff your Nails

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water. Rinse them thoroughly and towel them dry.
  2. Take a nail buffer to each of your nails. Buff any remaining polish off with smooth strokes.
  3. Wash your hands again to remove any dust from the buffing process. Scoop up your tin foil, cotton balls and place mats to dispose of them in the trash can.
  4. Moisturize your skin well after you remove the polish. The acetone and buffing will weaken the nail bed and dry the skin.



Warnings

  • Beware that some gel manicures are harmful to your health. Butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA) is included in some gel polishes and it is considered a cancer-causing agent. UV lights also increase your risk of skin cancer. Ask whether your salon uses BHA-free polish and Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights to reduce your risk.
  • If you are wearing enhancements on your nails, ie soft or hard acrylics, with gel or shellac polish applied to the enhancements, do not soak your nails with acetone products as it will weaken/soften/lift/remove your enhancements.

If you are wearing enhancements and wish to change your gel or shellac colour, you need to visit your nail tech to have the polish removed professionally.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton balls
  • Acetone
  • Nail file
  • Orange stick
  • Aluminum foil
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Moisturizer
  • Small bowl
  • Towel

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Sources and Citations

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