Gel polish on nails always looks beautiful, and the hands look very well-groomed. However, it’s not always possible to get a manicure done in a salon: endless work force majeure is to blame.
We invite you to look beautiful under any circumstances – read how to remove gel polish at home!
Ways to remove gel polish yourself
There are several of them, and each has its advantages/disadvantages. We talked to specialists at the Mint beauty salon to find out which method is the safest for gel-coated fingers.
“Removing gel polish coating using acetone and foil is possible. It will be removed, and then you can carefully remove it with a stick. But we cover the liquid with foil and create a “sauna effect”; everything is soaked down to the nail plate. After that, it becomes thin and soft. Why is that bad? Your nails will become “like rags.” Re-coating with gel will hold it up even worse.
No one had canceled the “old fashioned” method: ordinary hard files were used when no machines were yet. Of course, not metal, but with harsh abrasiveness. They cut off the coating itself. The most important thing here is not to damage the skin around the nails. Otherwise, it must be trimmed or polished; not everyone has many tools at home. It is advisable to leave the same thin layer of the base not to damage your nail plate.
Finally, you can take a nail file and file down the length. This removes the stress from the nail, which is the most important thing. We cut it “to zero” to our length – as you like. You definitely shouldn’t leave your nails to the mercy of fate. Sooner or later, you will come to the master, and if the gel polish coating is neglected, it will be difficult for the specialist to give the desired shape and keep your nails in order.”
A very important point: you should not tear off the gel from overgrown nails; this can damage the plate and even cause a hematoma! Otherwise, there are no prohibitions; choose a method of removing the manicure that is convenient for you. And please give your loved ones beautiful nails!
One way. Nail polish remover and foil
It is extremely popular among the fairer sex due to its inexpensive price – acetone is sold in any cosmetics department, and foil can be bought even in a grocery store.
Note! The bottle should have the inscription “suitable for gel coating and shellac”; the usual product “will not take” the durable top layer of manicure.
Pros: inexpensive method, safe for beginners.
Cons: harmful effects of acetone on nails.
Second way. Buying special napkins
They are sold in cosmetic departments and can also be ordered online. These are polyethylene bags soaked in acetone. The pack contains ten pieces for two hands. Before use, you need to cut off the top layer of the gel and then “put” a napkin on each finger.
Note! The skin around the nail plate is treated with a greasy cream or Vaseline to prevent it from drying out. The procedure time is 10-15 minutes. After this, the varnish softens, and a wooden stick can easily remove the residue.
Pros: safe method for beginners.
Cons: Such napkins are not sold in all stores, and acetone harms nails.
Third way. Hardware file to help
This method is better known to professional artisans in beauty salons. But you can also use it if you purchase a gel polish remover. It resembles a grinder or a dental drill – with similar functions. Includes 2-3 nozzles. The hardest one is used to cut off the top layer of the gel, and the softest one, similar to a thick cotton swab, is used to treat the cuticle area.
Note! The machine must have a reverse function. It will come in handy when you remove gel polish from your “working” hand – this way, the risk of damaging the cuticle is lower. Turn your palm over with your nails facing up if there is no reverse.
Pros: quick removal of gel polish.
Cons: risk of microtrauma due to inexperience; the machine can be expensive.
Step-by-step instructions for removing gel polish at home
Removing gel polish using foil is simple: cut five cotton swabs in half (you get 10 for all fingers), and prepare ten squares of foil 4×4 cm.
Soak each piece of cotton wool in nail polish remover, apply it to the nail, and wrap it in foil. As a result, you should have hands “a la Freddy Krueger.” It doesn’t take long to scare your neighbors with this type – only 15-20 minutes- necessary for saturation and a chemical reaction.
After this time, remove the tampons and foil. The gel coating will become sticky and pilling. Carefully remove its large parts with tweezers and, if necessary, a wooden stick (even a disposable sushi set will do). After this, the nail plate will be rough and require light filing with a buff file.
The same applies to special napkins. However, with hardware technology, it is more difficult; manual dexterity will be required. But if you want to save on trips to the salon, you should buy a machine and learn how to use it at home. The budget will be saved, and friends with a similar gel coating will be delighted!
Daria Gerasimova, manicurist and pedicurist:
“Removal with a device is considered safer because a thin layer of the previous base remains (this is what professional specialists do). The nail plate is not damaged. If you shoot “zero,” then this is done very, very carefully.”
Be bold and practice before you take on your nails or practice on your loved ones. Plastic samples are suitable for this. For direct work, provide a level place of normal height – your elbows should have firm support. Start removing from the cuticle, then move to the edge. Always keep the nozzle horizontal. Never put pressure on your nails! All that is required is for the shiny surface of the gel polish to come off.
How to care for your nails after removing gel polish at home?
Regardless of the chosen method, the nail plate’s outer side is damaged. Acetone, mechanical movements leave roughness. If you tried hardware removal, wounds may appear out of habit. How do you restore a well-groomed appearance to your hands if you are not planning a new manicure shortly?
First, stock up on special nail oil. It contains vitamins C and E, which prevent delamination. Natural herb supplements like olive or coconut oil will provide nutrition.
Secondly, organize a “SPA evening” at home. To do this, you will need cosmetic paraffin, which you must purchase in advance. Wax with the addition of honey “bakes” the damaged surface of the nail. In addition, this is an excellent mask for the skin of your hands.
Thirdly, use special varnishes. Professional brands like Zinger, OPI, and Limoni produce them. They offer a wide palette of colors without forgetting the healing properties: protection, care, and strengthening.
