Have you ever seen your cracked gel nails and wished there was an easier way to take them off at home? Are you suffering through making salon appointments just for gel polish removal? If this is all too familiar, you are in the right place!
We’ll go through some of the most efficient methods for removing gel polish nails in detail and answer the ultimate question: “How to remove gel polish at home? Straight and simple.”
We’ll guide you through common household appliances, focusing on one tool in particular. These suggestions will significantly benefit you, whether you’re doing it yourself or saving time and money.
So, are you ready to say goodbye to that stubborn gel polish that never stepped foot in a salon? Well, read on! By the end of this blog, you will feel empowered and in the mood to fight back against nail removal with gel like an ace.
Can I Take off the Gel Polish at Home?
Removing gel polish at home is pretty painless if you get the technique right. Here are the materials you’ll need: cotton balls, acetone-based nail polish remover, aluminum foil, and a nail file. All you do is buff the top layer of your gel nails with the nail file. Now, break the seal —this is when the acetone gets going.
Use a cotton ball dampened with acetone; press it on the nail. Then, take the aluminum foil, wrap the whole limb, and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, wait a moment, then use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently slide off the gel. And if that pesky little bit of polish is still there after peeling, don’t worry. Soak again.
So, want to know how to remove ordinary nail polish or even learn other helpful tips on nail care? Read on as we share more useful information to heighten your experience doing manicures at home!
How to Remove Your Gel Nail Polish at Home?
Like other polish, gel polish is easy to remove at home and simple if you follow the basic steps. Please keep reading for this breakdown so you can carry it out with ease and healthy nails.
#1 Preparation of Materials
Before starting the process, you need nail polish remover with acetone, two cotton balls, some foil, a nail file, and a cuticle pusher. That’s all you need! Don’t get up and jump all over the room to find what you need—it’s much more handy!
#2 Buff the Gel Polish
Apply a small amount of nail buffing through your gel nails on the nail file. Now comes the most crucial step: it breaks the seal off of your gel polish, allowing for better acetone penetration and, hence, easier peeling out of the paint.
#3 Soak cotton balls
For this, soak cotton balls with acetone-based nail polish remover until they are saturated but not drippy-wet in liquid. The acetone works best only if it directly interacts with the gel polish.
#4 Wrap in aluminum foil
Put the wet cotton ball up to your nail and add some aluminum foil over it so this shell cushions the cotton. This shell will now warm up space, allowing acetone activity to function.
#5 Wait for 15-20 minutes.
Let the magic happen! Softening the gel polish takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Use that time to breathe out and relax, or have a mini self-care session!
#6 Sweetly peel the gel.
Be careful when removing the aluminum foil and cotton balls during this waiting time. Push the gel polish off your nail with a cuticle pusher or orange stick dipped in the cuticle pusher. Depending on how hard it is at that point, you may need to soak it a few minutes more.
#7 Polish and Moisturize
Once you have massaged all the shine from the nail, buff it lightly to smooth out the edges. Remember to top off with cuticle oil or moisturizing lotion to nourish your nails and cuticles.
#8 Don’t Destroy
Peel the gel off gently so as not to hurt your original nail. Be more patient, as pulling or tearing the gel would hurt your nail badly.
Simple Methods to Safely Remove Gel Nail Polish at Home
Here are some other ways to remove the gel from there besides the good old tried-and-true acetone, listed below with a few techniques you might use to get an even cleaner look:
Using Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer
- Cotton Ball: Place the cotton ball in a dropper bottle with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
- Apply on Nail: Apply it to your nail and intake aluminum foil to fix it.
- Wait and Peel: Wait 20-30 minutes, then remove the foil and gently peel off the gel polish.
Using Vinegar and Lemon Juice
- Ingredients: Measure. Mix together equal portions of vinegar and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Dipping Nails: Allow your nails to soak in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Careful removal: Remove gel polish by gently rubbing it onto the nail with a soft cloth or by hand.
Hot Water Soaking
- Fill a bowl with hot water; fill another bowl with hot but not boiling water and add dish soap.
- Soaking Your Nails: Soak your nails in hot water for 15-20 minutes.
- Eliminate any polish left: Use a cuticle pusher to remove the soft gel polish.
Olive oil or coconut oil
- Oil your nails: Rub some olive or coconut oil, applying a thick layer to your nails.
- Massage it lightly: Massage the oil gently into your nail area and cuticle in a circular motion for a few minutes.
- Remove Gel Polish. Rubbing off the gel polish using the cloth since oil dissolves the polish.
A pumice stone or nail buffer
- Scour Off the Shine: Soak your nails in one of the options above, use a pumice stone or nail buffer, and use a dull sanding action to scuff off the gel polish.
- Be gentle: Sand so softly that the newly nourished natural nails are not harmed.
Professional Gel Nail Remover
- Buy a Gel Remover: Use professional gel nail polish remover available in beauty supply stores.
- Use according to Instructions: To effectively remove it without damaging your nails, follow the product’s instructions.
Natural Method to Remove Gel Nail Polish Without Acetone
- Prepare Your Solution: A bowl, some drops of dish soap, a pinch of salt, and warm water.
- Soak Your Nails Dip your nails inside the solution gently so that all your nails should be soaked inside the solution.
- Soak it in for 15-20 minutes: Soak the nail in that for about 15-20 minutes to loosen the gel polish.
- Dry your hands: Take your hand out of the bowl after submerging and dry your hands properly.
- You could even see the polish coming off of your nails.
- Rub it off with a finger pad. Wipe off the rest of the polish with a soft cloth or your fingers.
- Of course, you can use it if you have some polish on your skin while trying to clean your nails. Moisturizer: Add some hand cream or cuticle oil at the end to moisten your nails and skin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Self-Remove Gel Nail Polish:
Removing gel polish at home should include this fundamental step. An individual has to be careful not to commit to making some common mistakes that may lead to nail damage or skin destruction.
Here are some of the common mistakes that may arise and thus ensure the effective and safe removal of a gel manicure:
Pure acetone is used without restrictions.
Pure acetone is very good for removing gel polish, but while it is pretty good at this, it dries out your nails and skin if overdone, so use it with caution. Remember to dilute it in a smaller volume of a more gentle remover and pair it with moisturizing products for nails and skin.
Lacking The Buffing Stage
Left unbuffed, the gel manicure will be tricky to remove. By opening the seal, your remover will only stay for a short time to remove the gel polish after your buffing application.
Not Protecting the Skin Around Your Nails
The skin around your nails is sensitive to acetone and other removers. Before submerging your nails, cover the skin with cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to prevent irritation before removal.
Removing the Gel Polish
Hold your nails firmly on one side of each nail. Pull your nails away, and the gel polish should quickly be removed.
Among the most careless errors is attempting to remove the gel polish without sufficient soaking. This can break the nail plate and cause tears that would be unbearable to the patient. There should always be an adequate soaking time for the polish to come off quickly.
Permitted Aftercare
Failure to take care of the nail after removal will weaken it. Moisturizing is a must for your nails and cuticles after removal. You should follow through with the nourishing treatment, as acetone will ruin your nails otherwise.
By avoiding the common mistakes above, you can safely remove gel polish at home without harming your nails!
Conclusion
A person can understand that gel polish removal is highly needed to maintain the health and beauty of one’s nails. One will be sure of a safe gel removal manicure by avoiding such mistakes and following proper techniques. Then, take care of them—moisturize and nourish them afterward.
Yet do not forget to remember that every time you change from gel polish to ordinary polish or experiment with some nail art designs, it is not the right time to forget about nail care. The perfect removal adjustment will make you enjoy beautiful nails for any occasion. Keep these in mind; you will also make those fabulous-looking nails healthy.