How to Safely Remove Gel Nails

I am an almost certified nail tech and with everything that has been going on in the world, I, along with other nail technicians cannot work on clients. That has left many clients and friends with long grown out nails. We’ve seen the memes haha, roots showing, nails grown out and eyelashes falling out, but that doesn’t mean we have to do any damage now that we are left without our favourite beauty experts. I have cringed, and I mean really really cringed, at seeing friends posting about ripping their now very grown out nails off. And so, in an effort to avoid any nail damage here is a safe step by step way to remove your gel nails.

Before we really get in to this, I want to make a distinction between gel and acrylic. Gel comes in the form of a gel (hence the name) and is cured under a light. Acrylic is the mixture of powder and liquid. Gel will be easier to remove, it’s just how the product works, but this will also work with some acrylics just with the addition of a lot more time. This technique is also what I recommend for gel polish and will take no time at all!! Please just no picking or ripping your nails ❤

You will need:

• Nail file (a course grit will make this go faster)
• Nail polish remover (times are tough – use what you have. If you have 100% acetone even better!)
• cotton balls/pads/even paper towel or toilet paper (now that we all have a surplus haha)
• Tin foil
• Cuticle pusher
• Buffer (optional)

You will need to start by first filing off the shiny top layer. They should look matte by the time you’re done. If you have extra time keep filling to thin them out, just don’t reach your natural nail. This will reduce the time your nails are exposed to acetone.

Next, you’re going to rip your tinfoil into small squares that will wrap around the ends of your nails/fingers. Just past the first knuckle should be large enough. Soak the cotton balls in acetone, place directly on the nail and wrap the tinfoil around your finger. Repeat with all nails.

Now we wait…. like really wait. Throw on a Netflix show or read a book. This part all depends on the product that is on your nails. Gel polish will only take 5-10 minutes, gel nails 10-20 minutes and acrylic will take a while.

When you get impatient (I know I do) you can go in with your cuticle pusher and remove the gel that has softened. Try to wait at least 10 minutes before you do this! Then, if some still remains, repeat the cotton ball with acetone and tinfoil process. Repeat this until all the product has lifted.

Gently (SO GENTLY), buff your nails to remove any remaining product and smooth out your natural nail.

I then like to go in with a clear coat of regular polish to protect the nails or paint them as you would like.

*Acrylic note: If the acrylic product has not loosened at all after 20 minutes, you will just have to file off the nails. Some product responds better to the acetone.

I hope this has saved a set of nails or two! What service are you most looking forward to when businesses open back up?