How to Remove Gel Nail Polish Manicure at Home

Removing Gel Nails at Home

If you’re looking for cheaper salon alternatives to remove gel nail polish at home, we’ve got some tips and tricks for you! As nail specialists, we’ve got effective techniques you can use to remove gel polish from your nails without damaging them. We want to help reduce any temptations to peel or pick at them to eliminate further possibilities of ruining your nails. Follow our tips to get a safe and clean finish!

What You’ll Need to Remove Gel Nails Polish - Foil Method

• Nail Filer / Buffer
• Cotton Balls / Pads
• Aluminium Foil
• Acetone
  
• Vaseline / Nail Creams / Cuticle Oils

Step #1 File/Buff

Begin the process off by gently buffing or filing your nails. This will assist in breaking down the top layers of gel polish for efficient removal. Make sure to take your time in filing and be gentle, as harsh movements may cause further damage to your nails. This technique allows for the top layers of gel to break down, allowing the acetone we use later on to penetrate more effectively: a vital step when we remove gel nail polish.

Step #2 Soak With Acetone

After you have filed most of the gel polish off, it’s now time to soak your nails in acetone to eradicate any remaining stubborn polish. This process begins with saturating either cotton balls or pads in polish remover, this will help break down and remove the gel nails without directly damaging your cuticles. Once they have been completely soaked, place a cotton ball on each nail. Remember to only soak your nails and not your whole finger!

Tip: You can further apply some Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the skin around the nails so that the acetone is less harmful to the skin.

Step #3 Wrap in Foil

Now all you need to do is keep them in place and let them work its magic. Wrap pieces of foil around each cotton ball, do them as tightly as possible to keep them in position (don’t worry, the foil will relax). Using this method will prevent the acetone from evaporating - making sure the gel polish dissolves effectively. Be careful of using alternatives to foil, such as plastic wrap as the acetone might melt it. Leave them covered over your nails for approximately 20 – 30 minutes.

If they have been soaked for the right amount of time, the gel polish should be easy to wipe off. If you find it a bit difficult to wipe off then soak your nails again for an extra 10 minutes and they should come right off. Make sure you don’t scrape or pick at your nails as this may be harmful to them.

Tip: You can use a long narrow stick like a cuticle pusher which techs often use to push back cuticles and to remove the gel.

Step #4 Replenish & Moisturise

Moisturising your nails is a highly essential step, and if not the most important, when removing gel nail polish. After thorough stages of filing and acetone that can be drying, your nails will need to be rejuvenated. After peeling off your foils and cotton, thoroughly wash away any remaining polish remover with soap. Then, apply on a healthy amount of moisturising nail creams, petroleum jelly or Vaseline onto your fingernails and the surrounding skin to help rehydrate them. You can also opt to soak your nails in coconut or cuticle oils, this method is also equally as moisturising.

Other methods is to soak or file off the gel polish, though this is not preferred. The above method is the preferred guide to take-off and removing gel nail polish in the comfort of your own home. It’s not a tricky process and will save you some extra cash from visiting the salon to use on a brand new nail colour instead! We also highly encourage following our tips to reduce damaging your nails. Removing gel nail polish has never been so easy, get your nails looking brand new and healthy! For a wide range of gel nails, shop online or visit our store.