To soak gel nails in acetone for removal, the typical recommended time is about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the acetone to penetrate and soften the gel polish effectively
. Detailed steps and timing:
- First, gently file or buff the shiny top coat of the gel polish to break the surface. This helps acetone soak in better and speeds up removal
- Soak a cotton ball or pad in acetone (damp but not dripping) and place it on the nail.
- Wrap the fingertip with aluminum foil or use specialized gel removal wraps to keep the cotton in place and prevent acetone evaporation
- Leave the nails wrapped for 10 to 15 minutes. After this time, the gel should look softened, bubbly, or lifted from the nail
- If the gel polish is thick or stubborn, you can soak a bit longer or repeat the process as needed
- Gently push or scrape off the softened gel with an orange stick or similar tool, avoiding metal tools that can damage nails
- Moisturize nails and cuticles after removal to counteract acetone's drying effects
Some users report that soaking one hand at a time for about 10-15 minutes per hand works well, with total removal time around 20-30 minutes for both hands
. Using 100% acetone is most effective, and heating (like wrapping hands in a warm towel) can speed up the process
. In summary, soaking gel nails in acetone for about 10 to 15 minutes per session is standard practice for safe and effective removal. Longer soaking may be needed for thicker gels, but soaking for hours is generally unnecessary
