A  Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Remove Gel Nails at Home

Gel nails possess a duality: their durability is a boon, yet their tenacity can be a bane. While they grant you stunning, long-lasting polish, they also present the challenge of removal. Perhaps you adorned your nails with a captivating red creme for your New Year’s Eve celebration, but now you yearn for a change. The impulsive urge to pick or hastily sand it down may jeopardize your delicate nail beds and thin out your nails. Fear not! There exists a secure method to eliminate gel polish without unnecessary complications. Armed with a few essential supplies and a modicum of patience, you can bid adieu to your gel nails without any damage.

Let’s begin by assembling your arsenal of tools:

Nail buffing block

Pure acetone

Cotton balls

Gel nail caps (Alternatively, you can fashion 2-inch squares from tin foil)

Wooden manicuring stick

Cuticle oil

To initiate the process, lightly sand down the top layer of polish on all your nails using the nail buffing block. Exercise caution, avoiding excessive pressure or overzealous filing. Your aim is to create a slightly roughened texture on the gel’s surface, which facilitates the subsequent acetone soak.

Next, divide several cotton balls in half to ensure a better fit for your nails. Immerse a cotton ball entirely in the pure acetone. It is crucial to utilize pure acetone, despite the allure of moisturizing alternatives.

Place the soaked cotton ball atop your nail and encase it with a gel nail cap. Repeat this procedure for all your nails. In the absence of gel nail caps, you can fashion a substitute by wrapping a piece of tin foil around the nail and securely folding the top down. Though slightly more challenging and limiting in movement, this method is equally effective.

Now, exercise patience as you wait for 15 minutes. Afterward, assess one of your nails. If the majority of the polish does not easily wipe off, reseal it and extend the waiting time by an additional 5 minutes.

Once the designated time has elapsed, remove the caps and cotton balls. You will find that a significant portion of the polish flakes off effortlessly. Employ the wooden manicuring stick to gently scrape away the remaining traces. Exercise restraint and avoid applying excessive pressure to prevent any potential nail damage. Embrace a meditative mindset as you navigate through this meticulous task.

Once the polish has been completely eradicated, apply a generous amount of cuticle oil to your nail beds and the surrounding skin. Although the acetone itself does not harm the nails, it does have a tendency to dehydrate them.

Now, you are prepared to embark on a fresh application or grant your nails a well-deserved respite! Visit our website for more tips and tricks about makeup and remember to take breaks from nail polish at least every 8 weeks to allow your nails to recuperate.