To remove gel nail polish, there are several methods and supplies you can use. The most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home is to use acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in tin foil, and then scrape the remainder of the polish off with a nail buffer or nail file. Here are the steps to follow:
- File your nail bed with a nail file to "roughen up" the surface of the polish and make it easier to remove.
- Drench some cotton balls or cotton pads with acetone and place them on your nails.
- Wrap each finger with aluminum foil to trap in heat and help the gel break down faster.
- Leave the cotton balls and aluminum foil on your nails for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the aluminum foil and cotton balls, and use a cuticle stick to gently scrape off any remaining gel polish residue.
- Buff your nails to remove any remaining polish.
- Apply cuticle oil on your nails to replenish oil and nutrients back into your natural nails.
Here are some supplies you will need to remove gel nail polish:
- Nail file
- Cotton balls or cotton pads
- 100% pure acetone
- Aluminum foil
- Cuticle stick
- Cuticle oil or petroleum jelly
It is important to note that acetone can cause damage to surfaces, so it is recommended to line your work area with plastic wrap and place a thick towel on top to protect your furniture. Additionally, you can use an orange stick or cuticle stick to gently scrape off any gel polish residue without peeling off your nail polish.
There are also premade kits available that include cotton pads and plastic clips or pre-cut foil to hold the acetone-soaked pads against your nails. However, non-acetone nail polish remover is not as effective on gel polish as acetone, and vinegar is not strong enough to remove gel polish.
