Undoubtedly, the shiny surface of a fresh gel manicure she is irresistible. But, although gel polish offers a long life and perfect appearance, it has its own “trap”: it is extremely durable and difficult to remove. If you are wondering how to remove gel polish properly at home, without damaging them fingernails you, read below.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I remove the gel polish with normal acetone?

No. The acetone we use for regular nail polish is not enough for gel. To remove the gel, you will need highly concentrated acetone, which is capable of dissolving the gel formula and allowing safe removal.

Is it better to soak or scrape off the gel polish?

The correct procedure involves two steps: first, gently scrape the surface of the gel to “break” its seal. Next, soak your nails in acetone to dissolve the polish.

Can petroleum jelly help remove the gel?

No, petroleum jelly cannot remove the gel, but it can protect the cuticles and the skin around the nails from dryness caused by acetone.

How to remove gel polish – Step by step instructions

Gently scrape the surface of the gel

The first step is to very gently scrape the surface of the gel with a buffer to break the gel coating. It is important to use a buffer with a low grit (around 100-300) so as not to scratch the nails or the skin around them. This process is not intended to remove the gel, but to create a rough surface so that the acetone can penetrate better.

It is also a good idea to put petroleum jelly around the cuticles to protect the skin from the drying effect of acetone.

Soak your nails in acetone

Cut cotton towels into small squares (one for each nail) and soak them in acetone. Then place them over your nails and wrap them in aluminum foil so they stay in contact with the acetone to work more effectively. It is also a good idea to cut small strips of aluminum foil to secure the cotton to the nail.

Leave it on for 10-15 minutes

The action of acetone takes time. Let the foil and cotton remain on your nails for 10-15 minutes. If you have cotton wool and foil for each nail, you can keep them separate to prevent the gel from resetting.

Remove the foil and cotton wool

Remove the foil and cotton from each nail and if the gel has not completely dissolved, repeat the process with fresh acetone. Once the gel has softened, use a wooden stick (or a special nail tool) to gently remove it.

Scrape and shape the nails

Once the gel is completely removed, use the buffer to smooth the surface of your nails and give them the shape you want. Don’t push too hard.

Moisturize your nails

Your nails will probably be a little more sensitive after removing the gel and using acetone, so it’s very important to moisturize them with a good nail and cuticle oil. Using almond oil, for example, will help the nails to hydrate and recover.

With this process, your nails will remain healthy and strong, without being damaged by the removal of the gel polish.