How to do Animal Print Nails

July 23, 2024

Gel nail polish is a long-lasting manicure, with results holding sturdy for up to 3 weeks. Sadly, it does have to come off eventually! Whether it's simply grown out or fallen victim to chipping and lifting, you might need to remove your gel nails at home if you're in between salon appointments. You might feel intimidated if you haven’t done it before, but don’t worry, it’s easy! Follow this expert guide from The Nail & Beauty Link, and your nails will be ready for your next appointment.

How to remove gel nail polish

How to remove gel polish from the skin around the nail

Is there a way to remove gel nail polish without acetone?

Why is acetone not removing my gel polish?

How to remove gel nail polish

To take off your gel nails at home, you will need:

Before you begin, prepare your area and equipment to make the process as smooth as possible.

Cover your workspace with an old cloth or towel to avoid acetone stains.
Cut 10 pieces of cotton pad, big enough to cover each nail bed.
If using kitchen foil, cut 10 pieces big enough to wrap around each nail.
Choose a well-ventilated area, as acetone has a strong smell.

How do you take off gel nails at home?

Step 1: File the nail bed

Use a coarse nail file to file down the top layer of gel on each nail until the top coat is no longer shiny and smooth. File gently around your cuticle and move evenly across the nail to ensure the gel is evenly filed down.

Step 2: Soak cotton pads with acetone

Take your prepared pieces of cotton pad and soak them in the acetone. It should be damp but not dripping. Try and only cover your nail bed with the cotton pad to avoid getting acetone on your skin as it can be irritating.

Step 3: Wrap the nails

Place the soaked cotton pad onto your nail, then wrap it with the foil to keep it in place. Repeat until all your nails are covered and leave to soak for 10-15 minutes. Next, remove the foil and cotton pad by pinching the end of your finger and pulling.

Step 4: Remove the polish

Use the cuticle pusher or stick to push the softened gel polish off each nail gently. If the polish is still hard and isn’t coming off easily, repeat the soaking process for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Buff the nails

Gently buff your nails to remove any ridges or bumps and smooth the surface of the nails. Buffing will also remove any final bits of gel polish remaining. Be careful not to over-buff the nails as this can weaken the nails and make it difficult for gel polish to adhere properly in the future.

Step 6: Apply cuticle oil

Finish the process by applying cuticle oil. Acetone can be very drying and harsh on the skin, so it’s important to soften and rehydrate the skin by massaging oil into the cuticles and the skin around the nails. Apply cuticle oil every day to keep the skin feeling soft and healthy.

How to remove gel polish from the skin around the nail

Removing gel polish from the skin is important as it can cause irritation and reactions. Avoid this in the first place by always removing gel polish from the skin before curing it under a lamp. The easiest way to do this is to use a nail brush dipped in some acetone to simply wipe it away.

If you have ended up with cured gel on your skin, soak a cotton pad in acetone and hold it on the gel for 5-10 minutes. Then, gently lift and push the gel off the skin with a cuticle pusher or stick.

Is there a way to remove gel nail polish without acetone?

Though acetone is the most common way to remove gel polish, alternatives are available. You can use hand sanitiser, hydrogen peroxide, cuticle oil and even household items like olive oil or warm, soapy water.

The process is very similar to how you remove gel polish with acetone. Begin by filing the top shiny layer off the top of the nails, then soak your cotton pads in your chosen remover. If you are using soapy water, ensure the solution is very soapy and hot. Then, simply dip your nails in and leave to soak for around 10 minutes until the gel begins to loosen.

Then, continue the removal process in the same way by pushing the loosened gel off the nail, buffing and applying cuticle oil.

Why is acetone not removing my gel polish?

If you have followed our steps and your gel polish won’t budge, here are some common issues and how to fix them.

Problem	Solution
Not filing the shiny layer enough.	The top coat seals in your gel polish, so filing it off as much as possible is important to help the acetone penetrate the polish. Ensure you are using a rough file to get the best results.
The polish was applied too thickly.	Thick coats make removal much harder. In this case, you should re-file and re-soak the nails to fully remove the gel.
Not soaking for long enough.	Ensure you give the acetone adequate time to penetrate the polish. Between 10-15 minutes each soak. Avoid soaking for longer than 15 minutes, as acetone can dry the skin.
Not using enough acetone.	Ensure your cotton pads are well soaked in acetone for the best results.
Using the wrong strength of acetone.	Pure acetone will give you the most effective removal, so if a weaker formula isn’t working, try 100% acetone.

Shop gel nail supplies at The Nail & Beauty Link

As a supplier to professional nail techs and salons, TNBL has everything you need to create incredible gel manicures, from gel nail polish in every shade imaginable to builder gel and much more. Our blog is your go-to space for inspiration and advice on all things nail and beauty.