Grab Your Nail File And Get To Work
Bonus points if you have an extra rough nail file, but any will do. Start by filing down the polish until the shine is gone and the color looks buffed. There’s no need to file down the color all the way that risks hitting your nail bed . This quick and easy step makes the whole process go much more smoothly.
Gently Buff Away The Remaining Polish
Gently being the key word here. Applying just a little pressure, use your cuticle stick or manicuring brush to scrape away the the remaining polish. If the polish isn’t sliding off with minimal pressure, that’s a sign that it needs more nail polish remover: Soak a fresh cotton ball, and wrap it up with aluminum foil for a few more minutes before nudging off the rest of the polish.
Beauty Trendshow To Remove Gel Nail Polish
By now, youve probably become pretty adept at how to tackle a slew of at-home beauty processes, including how to color your own hair and how to groom your own 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 cant get to the salon? Well, fortunately, when it comes to how to remove gel nail polish, youve 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, were breaking down how to remove gel nail polish below, but first, lets talk about what not to do.
You May Like: Cheapest Acrylic Nail Kit
Wash Up And Moisturize
After you finish soaking in acetone, you want to make sure that you wash thoroughly, Yankee says. She also suggests putting on another coat of cuticle oil. If you want to get a little fancier than petroleum jelly this time, try the highly rated favorite Maccibelle Cuticle Oil , which comes in three different scents: milk and honey, pomegranate, and tea treelavender.
Yankee also suggests keeping the habit up for a few days just to replenish the moisture in your nails, since acetone can be so harsh.
Stay Away From Water If You Want Them To Last
A gel manicures worst opponent is hot water, states Rita, therefore why soaking them is one of the most effective means to obtain them off. Long baths, showers or time spent in the jacuzzi can create training, so try your best to prevent these or maintain them to a minimum and also always put on rubber handwear covers when you do the meals! Properly kept in mind.
Don’t Miss: Kill Nail Fungus Fast
Loosening The Polish By Soaking
Loosen Up The Top Layer With A Coarse Nail File
The gel topcoat is a tough nearly impermeable layer that seals the color in placethats why gel manicures are able to last for weeks instead of days. Scratching the surface with a coarse nail file will help the acetone to penetrate without a hitch. When filing, apply a light and parallel pressure, Yankee says, which will help you avoid scratching the nail plate underneath.
You May Like: How To Get Child To Stop Biting Nails
Youre Not Using Cuticle Oil
According to Hadley, you can assess nail damage based on their flexibility: Normal nails are somewhat flexible, but the harder and sturdier the nail, the more likely it is to break. Since cold weather tends to make skin drier overall, proper cuticle hydration can make a big difference. Additionally, acetone can be extremely drying to the nail bed, causing nails to break or become brittle over time.
To combat nail dryness, experts suggest keeping cuticle oil close at hand . I swear by cuticle oil and personally love NCLA’s, Pulaski tells SELF. I used to think that cuticle oil wasn’t essential, but I started using it about two years ago and I always carry it with me now, especially in the colder months! Adding a few drops of oil to your nails and cuticles in between salon visits will keep them hydrated.
Keeping my nails looking good, with or without polish, is definitely a priority. So while I probably wont give up on gel nail polish altogether, Ill definitely think twice before trying to stretch my manicure for longer than two weeks at a time.
Gel Manicures Can Damage Your Nails
Whether or not you choose a gel or standard polish formula, the fact is that normal nails of any type of kind can weaken your all-natural nails. how do nail salons remove the rest of your gel nails says Dr. Adigun. I have seen my clients can be found in with peeling, thin, damaging, blemished nails and also uncomfortable nail beds, clarifies Jenna.
That fact isnt to hinder beauty salon regulars, nor those who live for an at-home manicure. However, according to Dr. Adigun, by not considering your all-natural nail a minimum of every 2 weeks you wont have the ability to effectively examine its problem, plus you may even be missing infections and also in particular, extreme instances, growths. The thick, armor-like finishing of polish likewise blocks nails from being able to move oxygen, discusses Jenna.
Recommended Reading: How To Soak Off Dip Nails
What Is The Sticky Residue Left On Your Gel Nails
The sticky residue that remains for some brands of gel polish is the polish that wasnt cured properly.
This occurs because the oxygen in the air prevents the gel polish on the surface or top of your manicure from curing completely leaving a tacky or sticky residue called the inhibition layer. Citation.
Soak Cotton Balls In Acetone
Next, soak a small piece of cotton, or a cotton ball, in acetone and place it on the nail, Poole says. Just be sure this is 100 percent pure acetone, not the standard “nail polish remover” sold at your local drugstore. “Regular nail polish remover contains acetone but is diluted,” explains Poole. “You probably could remove gel nails with regular polish remover, but you would have to allow the nails to soak for a very long time. You need pure acetone to effectively and quickly break down the gel polish.” A bottle of acetone like Pronto’s 100% Pure Acetone will do the trick.
Don’t Miss: Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill Nail Fungus
Gel Nail Polish Remover Prices
You can expect to pay from less than $1 to more than $2 per ounce for gel nail polish remover, depending on the brand, format, and ingredients.
Inexpensive: For less than a $1 per ounce, you can find many liquid gel nail polish removers that contain 98% to 100% acetone. These powerful removers might contain some extra moisturisers like vitamin E and/or grapeseed oil. Some are designed for general nail polish removal, while others are specialised for gel nail polish.
Mid-range: At $1 to $2 per ounce, youll see more formulas specifically designed to remove gel nail polish. Some of these removers also include a nail file for pre-treatment of the nails.
Expensive: For over $2 per ounce, youll find some of the most effective acetone-free, organic, and hydrating gel nail polish removers. These removers may also come as a kit that includes a file or stick to remove excess nail polish.
Soak Cottonballs In Nail Polish Remover
While acetone-free nail polish removers may work fine for regular polish, you should probably stick to the strong stuff when removing gel manicures. “I highly recommend an acetone-based remover because it will break down the product quicker,” says Nunez.
Fill a small dish with nail polish remover and soak 10 cotton balls . Cotton balls are also smaller and better fit your nail, which means less harsh acetone on your cuticles.
You May Like: Ways To Remove Nail Polish Without Nail Polish Remover
Selecting Is A Bad Concept
One thing thats rather usual among gel fans is the picking process. When the color begins to raise, you may be attracted to remove it, almost like you would a scab. As peeling and raising begin, water can seep right into the nail, says Jenna. This can nurture bacteria and also perhaps trigger fungi. Once the peeling phase begins, its hard not to choose at your gloss. If you rip it off, youre possibly taking some layers of your nail off with it. This kind of damage can take control of 6 months to fix. Dr. Adigun includes: In one research, nail plate density was determined both before and after just one gel manicure as well as thinning was observed. Its unclear precisely which component created the thinning, yet one or more factors in the gel procedure are to blame.
When used and gotten rid of appropriately, how do nail salons remove the rest of your gel nails are secure to wear on an ongoing basis, adds Rita. Gels can certainly damage the nails if they are peeled off or pried off the nail, which can strip layers of the natural nail, or if the nail if over buffed before the gel application.
Diy Gel Nail Cleanser Substitute
If you are completely out of options and you are desperate you can use certain household chemicals that have a high concentration of alcohol to clean off the sticky layer.
Chemicals such as Lysol, Hand Sanitizer, Perfumes should be able to work.
Though its important to note that these DIY Methods wont be so effective as Isopropyl Alcohol or a Gel Cleanser and might potentially ruin your manicure.
Read Also: How To Prep Nails For Gel Polish
Is It Worth Doing Gel Nails At Home
Also, both methods take some practice to get right, but I personally think the UV curing process is easier and works a bit better. If you dont mind spending a little extra time on your manicure, an at-home gel manicure may be a great alternative and can certainly save you some money versus going to the salon.
Think Of Gel Polish As Liquid Acrylics
Ever wonder specifically just how gel manicures remain so excellent for so long? The chemical make-ups for gel polish and routine nail polish vary with each brand, however, the significant distinction is that gel polish will only dry out under straight UV or LED light contact, while routine nail polish can broadcast completely dry, discusses star nail musician Yoko Sakakura. Gel gloss applications treat under a lamp, producing a hard layer of polish that makes it more resilient and also longer lasting. The removal procedure for gel gloss is more complicated as well, needing the nail to be soaked in acetone to appropriately liquify the formula off of the nail. Not only will they last much longer, but theyll look more difficult and also shinier while youve obtained em, too.
Read Also: How To Remove Nail Glue
What Is Gel Polish
Gel polish offers a glossy, chip-free option for anyone whos frustrated with their manicure getting chipped the first time they wash the dishes. You start with a base coat layer that primes your nails for the gel. The gel is a different type of polish than regular nail polish. Instead of air drying, it becomes firm under a UV light. After each coat is painted on, your hand goes under a UV light for 30 to 60 seconds. You typically do two coats of gel polish, followed by a glossy top coat, and voila, you have a long-lasting polish job!
Gel manicures typically last for two to three weeks, depending on how you treat your hands before and while you have the polish on. Gel polish can weaken your nail beds, but its mostly because of the removal process, which is why its extremely important to take care when you remove your gel polish at home.
How Do I Remove Gel Nails
Before you get to work, youll need to get your hands on some acetone. Why not try Sensationail Gel Polish Remover or Sensationail Remover Wraps?
There are two popular methods for removing gel nails soaking and foils. Well cover soaking first.
Soaking method
Buff using a nail buffer, rough up the surface of your gel polish until the shine is completely gone.
Soak next up, fill a nail soaking tray with acetone, then place your nails in the liquid for five to 10 minutes. Heres a little tip for you stand your bowl of acetone in a slightly bigger bowl of hot water. This should help speed up the process.
Remove gently test a nail with a cuticle pusher to see if any gel polish has come away. If not, dont stress. Just soak your nails for a further two to five minutes. Once youre ready, remove the gel by gently scraping it with the cuticle pusher. Repeat the process until all the polish is removed.
Aftercare youre almost there! Finish off by buffing the nails to remove any residue, then filing them into a shape of your choice. Once youve washed your hands, re-hydrate with a splash of hand lotion and a touch of cuticle oil.
Foils method
This is ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin as theres less contact with the acetone.
Buff like with soaking, youll start by roughing up the surface of your gel polish until the shine is completely gone.
You May Like: How To Take Off Nail Polish Without Remover
Do You Need To Wipe Gel Nails Between Coats
Its important to understand that you dont need to remove the sticky layer from every layer of gel polish. You just need to wipe off the sticky layer on your top coat and not between every coat.
The sticky or wet layer from your base coat and gel polish will cure completely once you apply the other layer over it and the sticky residue actually helps to bond the layers together.
How To Remove Gel
We know too well the temptation that comes with wanting to pick and peel off your gel polish. That moment of satisfaction will be fleeting, but the damage you inflict on your nails could take weeks to repair. Sarah Gibson Tuttle, CEO and founder of the celeb-favorite nail salon Olive & June, shares the rundown on how to safely remove a gel manicure at home.
Also Check: Strengthen Dog Nails
How To Remove Gel Nails Or Why You Shouldnt Remove Them At Home
First, theyre sweet, then theyre sour.
This is a typical attitude that many clients have regarding gel nail polish. They love the shiny, long-lasting look, but hate the damage that gels can cause to their nails. What you may not know is that gel polish is not the culprit here. So who or what is to blame? Is gel nail polish safe? Chances are, its the removal process. But fear not, there is light at the end of this dry, damaged tunnel.
As clients, we place our trust in nail technicians to provide us with a service that we cannot perform ourselves. Unfortunately, some nail techs take advantage of the fact that clients dont know how to perform that service properly, and the result is a speedy gel removal session that leaves their nails dry, brittle, and much worse off than they started. This type of quick-turnaround service has led to the myth that gel nails are harmful.
Now you find yourself playing the game of wondering how to remove gel nail polish and end up with healthy nails. As a client, the best thing you can do is educate yourself as much as you can about the removal process. Its a process so easy, you could do it at home. Should you? Probably not.
1. File off the top coat .
2. Take a piece of cotton soaked in pure acetone and place it over the nail.
3. Wrap the nail in aluminum foil.
4. Soak for 11-13 minutes .
The polish you removed should look like this:
How Do I Remove Acrylic Nails
Trim start by carefully clipping your acrylics, cutting them as close as possible to your real nail length.
Buff like with the gel removal, grab a nail buffer and rough up the surface of your polish until the shine is completely gone.
Soak next up, fill a nail soaking tray with acetone, then place your nails in it for five to 10 minutes.
Remove gently test a nail with a cuticle pusher. If nothing shifts, re-dip your nails for a further two to five minutes, then gently try again. Repeat the process until your acrylics have completely soaked off.
Aftercare just a few finishing touches to go! Rub away any stubborn pieces of acrylic with a nail buffer before filing into a shape of your choice. Round, oval, square you decide. Now wash your hands and apply cuticle oil and hand cream.
See that wasnt so hard, was it? Looks like youve nailed it.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does Nail School Cost
