To remove gel polish at home effectively and safely, follow these expert- recommended steps:
- Gather supplies : You will need a nail file (180 grit), 100% acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil or plastic food wrap, a cuticle pusher, nail buffer, petroleum jelly, and cuticle oil
- Prep your nails : File the shiny top coat of the gel polish gently to break the seal and allow acetone to penetrate better. Avoid over-filing to prevent nail damage
- Protect your skin : Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your cuticles and skin to protect from acetone irritation
- Soak cotton in acetone : Douse cotton balls or pads with pure acetone. Cut them to fit your nails to minimize skin contact
- Wrap nails : Place the acetone-soaked cotton on each nail and wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap. Plastic wrap is recommended by dermatologists for a tighter seal and less dripping
- Wait : Leave the wraps on for about 10-20 minutes. This allows the acetone to dissolve the gel polish
- Remove polish : After soaking, gently push off the loosened gel polish with a cuticle pusher. Avoid scraping harshly to prevent nail damage
- Clean and nourish : Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove acetone residue. Apply cuticle oil and moisturizer to rehydrate nails and skin
Additional tips:
- Work on one hand at a time for easier handling
- Avoid picking or peeling gel polish off as it can damage nails and cause white spots
- If you prefer, you can let gel polish grow out and trim it gradually, but this takes several months
- There are also gel polish removers that can speed up the process and be gentler on nails
This method is the safest and most effective way to remove gel polish at home without causing significant nail damage
