To get gel polish off your nails at home, follow these steps for a safe and effective removal:
- File the topcoat : Lightly file the shiny top layer of your gel polish to break the seal and help acetone penetrate better.
- Protect your skin : Apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly around your nails to protect the skin from dryness and irritation.
- Soak cotton balls in acetone : Saturate cotton balls with pure acetone (not regular nail polish remover).
- Wrap your nails : Place the acetone-soaked cotton ball on your nail and wrap the fingertip with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to hold the cotton in place and seal the acetone onto the nail.
- Wait : Leave the wraps on for about 10 to 15 minutes. The gel polish should start to lift and bubble.
- Remove the polish : Gently push off the softened gel polish using a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. If it doesn’t come off easily, re-soak and wait a few more minutes.
- Buff and hydrate : Buff your nails gently to smooth any leftover residue. Finish by applying cuticle oil or a moisturizing treatment to rehydrate your nails and surrounding skin.
Avoid peeling or forcibly picking off the gel as this can damage your nails. Also, soaking your nails directly in acetone or overusing the acetone can dry out your nails and skin, so use acetone-soaked cotton balls and wraps for targeted soaking to minimize damage.
