To remove gel nail polish at home safely and effectively, follow these expert- recommended steps:
What You Need
- Nail file (preferably 180 grit)
- 100% pure acetone
- Cotton balls or pads (cut to nail size)
- Aluminum foil or plastic food wrap
- Cuticle stick or orangewood stick
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil or petroleum jelly
- Warm towel or heating pad (optional)
Step-by-Step Removal Process
1. File the Top Coat
Gently file the shiny top coat of the gel polish with a nail file until the
surface is dull. This helps acetone penetrate better
. 2. Protect Your Skin
Apply petroleum jelly or cuticle oil around your nails to protect the skin
from acetone irritation
. 3. Soak Cotton in Acetone
Saturate cotton balls or pads with acetone and place one on each nail. Use
cotton pieces that fit your nail size to avoid excess acetone on the skin
. 4. Wrap Nails
Wrap each nail with the acetone-soaked cotton in aluminum foil or plastic
wrap. Plastic wrap creates a tighter seal and reduces dripping compared to
foil
. 5. Wait and Relax
Let your nails soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. For faster results, you can
wrap your hands in a warm towel or use a heating pad to help loosen the gel
polish
. 6. Remove the Gel Polish
After soaking, gently remove the foil and cotton. The gel polish should appear
lifted. Use a cuticle stick to carefully push off any remaining polish without
scraping aggressively
. 7. Buff and Moisturize
Lightly buff your nails to smooth the surface and apply cuticle oil to nourish
and hydrate your nails and surrounding skin
. Additional Tips
- Avoid picking or peeling off gel polish as it can damage your nails
- If acetone is not available, soaking your hands in warm soapy water with salt and cuticle oil for 20-30 minutes may soften the gel enough to remove it gently
- After removal, keep your nails moisturized and give them time to recover before applying new gel polish
This method mimics professional salon removal and minimizes damage to your natural nails while effectively removing gel polish at home
