How to remove gel nail polish at home

6 January 2014

beautiful nails

Gel manicures and nail extensions are very popular among many of us ladies.

What’s not to love? There are a variety of colours and endless designs to pick from and you have perfect shiny nails that last longer than regular polish and can go a whole two weeks without chipping!

However improper care and incorrect removal can cause damage to your nails, there have been cases in which nails have split, cracked and even bled (ladies who like to pick and peel gel off –take note!). Not only does this look unattractive but nails can become extremely sensitive.

Leading cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Nick Lowe, warned on the Daily Mail website how “vigorous scraping and filing can lead to permanent damage where the nail lifts from the nail bed.” He added: “The nail is an extension of your skin. It is grown from skin cells and it's porous. If the nail or nail bed becomes damaged, it can take a long time to repair.”

Gel can be removed professionally by nail technicians in a salon, they have all the right tools and equipment to make sure your nails are properly looked after and plenty of care is taken during the removal process.

There are plenty of us who would rather remove gel ourselves than pay to have them removed at a salon and if you are one of those people and are thinking about removing gel yourself, make sure you do your research to check the best and safest ways. Asking for advice from a professional could be a good idea and will more than likely be the biggest saviour for your delicate nail beds. There are plenty of steps and tutorials online to help you out.

Here are our simple steps to removing gel in the comfort of your own home.

You will need:

Nail file
Foil (cut into strips that will fit around your nails)
Orangewood stick (or cuticle pusher)
Buffing block
Nail & cuticle oil or hand cream

How to remove:

1. Use a nail file to make the surface of the gel rough, this will help to remove the top coat and allow the polish to be removed underneath.

2. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place directly onto your fingernail. Wrap foil around each one to secure it in place and repeat on the rest of your nails and leave for about 10-15 minutes.

(@xoallyson instagram) Gel removal process.

3. If you can feel the gel has become soft and loose, now is the time to gently peel the polish off. Or if you prefer, you can use an orangewood stick/cuticle pusher to scape it off (if the gel isn’t easy to remove just repeat the process).

4. It’s time to give your nails some TLC after all that acetone! - Buff your nails to give them a shiny finish and apply nail oil or hand cream.

Why use nail & cuticle oil?

Nail & cuticle oils are known to be very beneficial, they contain properties that condition your nails and the surrounding skin.

Top benefits: