Buzz
When it comes to removing gel nails, it’s best to visit a nail salon. However, you can also do this at home, especially if you prefer to avoid acetone. Acetone can be harmful as it strips away the skin’s natural oils. Therefore, it’s advisable to opt for peeling or filing off the gel nails without using acetone. Soaking your nails beforehand can also make the process easier. Additionally, no matter which method you choose, always moisturize your hands and nails afterward.
Steps
Peeling Off Gel Nails
Lift a portion of the gel nail. Wait until the nail begins to lift. Find an open spot on the nail and use your fingernail or tweezers to peel off the gel layer.
- Waiting about one or two weeks before removing the gel nails will minimize damage to your natural nails, as the gel layer will naturally start to lift over time.
Run water over the area where you have lifted and separated the gel nail. Place your hand under warm running water, then use another nail to gently slide under the lifted gel layer and carefully separate it from the natural nail. Be patient and work slowly to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath.
Use olive oil or cuticle oil if you can't remove the gel nail in water. If you find it difficult to separate the gel nail under water, try using olive oil or cuticle oil. Apply the oil to the gel nail and the nail you're using to separate it, then gently slide the nail underneath the gel layer and peel it off. Reapply oil as needed.
Use a nail file to remove any remaining gel residue. Even after removing the gel nail, you may notice some leftover gel on your nail. Dry your nails and gently file the surface to remove the residue. Be careful to only file the leftover gel and avoid filing the natural nail.
Moisturize your nails with cuticle oil and apply hand cream. The gel nail removal process can leave your nails and hands dry and cracked. After removing the gel, apply cuticle oil to your nails and use hand cream to hydrate your skin.
File off the gel nail
Trim your nails. Start by cutting your nails as short as possible to reduce the surface area that needs filing.
File the nail surface using the coarse side of a nail file. Gently file in diagonal strokes to create an even and smooth surface. Continuously move the file around the nail to avoid generating heat. Be patient and work slowly, as filing off gel nails can take time. Wipe away the dust while filing.
Switch to the fine side of the nail file once the natural nail starts to appear. When you notice the natural nail beneath the gel, stop using the coarse side. Now, use the fine side to clean up any remaining gel residue.
Moisturize and buff your nails. After removing the gel polish, it's essential to hydrate and care for your nails. Buff the surface to make it clean and smooth. Finally, apply moisturizer or oil to your nails and hands.
Soak to remove gel nails
Prepare a bowl with warm water, dish soap, and salt. Use a bowl large enough to soak one or both hands, then add a few drops of dish soap and a teaspoon of salt.
Soak your hands for 15-20 minutes. Ensure your nails are fully submerged in the water. There's no need to move your fingers. Simply soak for 15-20 minutes.
Remove your hands from the bowl and dry them with a towel. After soaking, pat your nails dry with a towel. Some gel nails may have cracked or started to peel by now.
Separate or file the gel nails. Soaking may not always fully remove gel nails, but it makes the process easier. If you choose to file the nails after soaking, ensure they are completely dry before starting.
What you'll need
Separate gel nails
- Cuticle oil or olive oil
- Nail file
- Tweezers (optional)
- Cuticle pusher (optional)
File off gel nails
- Nail file with coarse and fine sides
- Metal nail file (optional)
- Hand cream or oil
Soak to remove gel nails
- Small bowl
- Dish soap
- Salt
- Towel
Tips
- Avoid exposing your nails and hands to chemicals for at least a few days after removing gel nails.
Warnings
- Removing gel nails without acetone can damage your natural nails, no matter how careful you are. It's best to use acetone for removal, whether at home or at a salon.
