The best at-home method for removing gel nail paint is acetone, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD. She suggests using plastic food wrap to wrap your nails instead of foil.
Picking or filing off gel nail paint can seriously harm your nails, even though applying acetone to them may seem harsh.
What are gel nails?
First things first, let’s review what we know about gel nails. Depending on the brand, an LED or UV lamp cures the base coat, polish colour, and top coat that make up gel nails. The outcomes? Shiny, non-tacky nails.
What is the lifespan of gel nails?
Before they begin to chip or lift, they usually last two weeks. However, gels cannot be removed with a simple swipe of remover, unlike conventional nail polish (sorry!).
How frequently should you stop wearing gel nails?
According to expert manicurist Naomi Bjorkhaug, “Having a break is not necessary as long as the proper maintenance and removal procedure is followed.” I would advise avoiding polish until your nails are noticeably stronger, though, if you see that they are beginning to feel weak. The significance of cuticle oil in preserving strong, healthy nails cannot be overstated.
Why It’s Important to Remove Gel Polish Correctly
Because gel nail paint is made to last and not chip, it is also more difficult to remove. Nail weakening, peeling, and long-term damage can result from improper removal techniques such as picking or scraping. To preserve your natural nails, it is essential to use the appropriate technique.
Equipment You’ll Need Before You Begin
- Acetone (100 cent pure for optimal effects)
- Cotton pads or balls
- Strips of aluminium foil
- Media grit nail file
- Stick of orangewood or cuticle pusher
- Nail buffer
- A soothing hand cream or cuticle oil
Take these actions.
Working on one hand at a time makes it easier to remove gel nail paint from your fingernails. Having someone else take off the polish is an additional choice.
The following procedures will help you remove gel nail polish from your fingernails or toenails:
- Put a small amount of petroleum jelly on the skin around each cuticle. This will lessen the acetone’s damaging effects on your skin.
- Cut the cotton strips or balls to the appropriate length for each nail. You can lessen the chance of getting acetone on your skin by using cotton that is around the same size as each nail. Acetone can irritate and harm your skin if it remains on it.
- Generally speaking, the nails on your little toes or pinkie fingers (the fifth finger) require roughly ¼ of a cotton ball. You can use ½ of a cotton ball to cover the remaining nails.
- Each cut cotton piece should be soaked in acetone.
- After cutting each piece of moistened cotton to fit, place it on top of the nail and cover it with plastic food wrap. A tight seal is what you want. Do not cut off circulation by wrapping your nails too firmly.
- For ten minutes, keep the plastic wrap in place. Most or all of the gel nail polish should be removed when the plastic wrap is removed.
- Use a washcloth that has just been washed with warm water to remove any last bits of gel nail paint. Any residual polish can be gently removed with the moist washcloth. Be careful not to rub the surrounding skin; just the nail should be rubbed.
- To get rid of the acetone, wash your hands or feet with mild soap and water. Use a fragrance-free soap if you have one. You can prevent irritating your skin by using any gentle soap.
Without acetone, how can gel nails be removed?
Although there are alternatives, they are typically less successful and run the risk of harming your natural nail.
“Acetone works to remove gel polish by breaking it down and stripping it from the nail,” says Naomi. “It won’t harm the natural nail when used properly, as stated in the tutorial above. That being said, acetone can be drying, so it’s important to always use hand creams and nourishing cuticle oils after using it. They are essential to maintaining the greatest possible condition for your nails.
Avoid These Errors When Removing
- Your nail layers will be harmed if you peel or remove the gel.
- Don’t be rough with metal tools.
- Because acetone is so drying, don’t skip the moisturising phase.
How to Maintain Your Nails After Taking Off Gel
Take a few days off from polishing your nails. Make sure they are well-moisturised, trimmed, and filed. If necessary, use biotin supplements or nail strengtheners to aid in healing.
Bonus: Natural Substitutes to Maintain Healthy Nails
- To restore moisture, olive oil soaks.
- Coconut oil to moisturise and nourish cuticles
- Using baking soda and lemon juice to naturally whiten nails
Nail growth provides a secure substitute.
According to Dr Lipner, letting your nails grow out is the best method for removing gel nail polish. To assist in keeping the nails from catching on clothes and other items, clip them once a week to remove the gel polish.
You must fight the temptation to pick at your gel nail polish if you decide to go with this choice. Your nails may get damaged if you pick and scrape off the polish.
It takes time to let your nails develop. It takes roughly six months for your fingernails to grow out, according to Dr Lipner. It takes 12 to 18 months for toenails to grow out.
You can keep your nails healthy and gorgeous by properly removing gel nail paint at home with the correct equipment and a little perseverance!
