Gel polish has become incredibly popular due to its long-lasting wear and glossy finish. However, removing gel polish can be tricky, and if done incorrectly, it can damage your nails. Fortunately, with the right technique, you can remove gel polish safely and effectively at home. Here’s how:
Protect Your Surfaces
Before you begin the removal process, it’s essential to protect your surfaces. Gel remover contains potent ingredients that can strip varnish or coatings off surfaces. To prevent any damage, place a protective layer over your workspace.
Buffing: The Initial Step
Efficient gel polish removal starts with buffing. Use a 180-grit nail file to gently sand off the gel top coat, removing any sheen. This step prepares the nails for the soaking process and helps the acetone penetrate the gel layers more effectively.
Protecting Your Skin and Cuticles
While not crucial for removal, protecting your skin and cuticles can prevent dehydration caused by acetone exposure. Apply cuticle oil to the skin surrounding the nails before proceeding with the removal process.
Soaking Off the Gel
The next step is soaking off the gel polish. Saturate a square of cotton with acetone, either by cutting a round to size or using a cotton ball. Place the soaked cotton on each nail, then wrap aluminum foil tightly around them to hold the cotton in place.
Watching the Gel Flake Off
After allowing the acetone to work its magic for about 10-15 minutes, remove the foil wraps. The gel polish should appear to be flaking off the nails. Use an orange wood stick or nail pusher to gently push off any remaining gel.
Washing Up
Once you’ve removed the gel polish, it’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly to remove any residual acetone. Follow up with another layer of cuticle oil to rehydrate the nails and surrounding skin.
Rehydrating Your Nails
After the removal process is complete, gently buff your nails with a soft buffer, ideally 220 grit, to smooth out any rough edges. Apply plenty of cuticle oil to nourish and hydrate the nails, promoting healthy growth and preventing dryness.