DIY Gel Nail Removal: Removing Gel Nails at Home

There are a variety of reasons why someone would want to remove gel nails at home. It might be due to natural nail growth, chipping or damage to gel nails, or simply seeking a change in their nail style. When compared to visiting a salon, removing gel nails at home can save time and money.

It’s crucial to remember that removing gel nails might be damaging to your natural nails. The acetone and filing used in the removal procedure might cause the nails to dry up and weaken. It is critical to use caution and avoid over-removal. It’s also a good idea to moisturize your nails and cuticles after they’ve been removed to maintain them healthy.

Here are ways of removing gel nails at home;

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Soaking Method

Materials Needed: To use the soaking method, you will need a bowl and acetone.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Fill a dish partially with acetone and submerge your nails in it.
  • Soak your nails for 15-20 minutes, or until the gel polish softens noticeably.
  • Gently push off the leftover gel polish with a cuticle pusher or an orange stick.
  • Repeat the procedure for any leftover nails.
  • To remove any residual acetone, wash your hands with soap and water.

Tips for Best Results:

  • It is essential to use gloves during the process to avoid skin discomfort.
  • To avoid harming the natural nails, soak the nails in acetone for the recommended amount of time.
  • If the gel polish does not come off easily, try wrapping a warm cloth around the bowl to warm up the acetone, which can help loosen the gel polish.

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Acetone may be tough on natural nails, drying them out and weakening them.
  • Soaking time may be longer than with other procedures.
  • If not done properly, the soaking process might cause natural nail damage or leave acetone residue on the nails.

Wrapping Method

Materials Needed: To use the wrapping method, you will need acetone, cotton balls, and aluminum foil.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Soak the cotton balls in acetone after cutting them into little pieces.
  • Wrap the acetone-soaked cotton balls over each finger to keep the cotton balls in place.
  • Allow the cotton balls to sit on the nails for 15-20 minutes, or until the gel polish softens significantly.
  • Gently push off the leftover gel polish with a cuticle pusher or an orange stick.
  • Rep the procedure for any leftover nails.
  • To remove any residual acetone, wash your hands with soap and water.

File-and-buff Method

Materials Needed: To use the file-and-buff method, you will need a coarse file and buffer. The file will be used to gently scrape away the gel polish, and the buffer will be used to smooth out the nails after the gel polish has been removed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Begin by filing the top layer of the gel polish with a coarse file. To prevent damaging the natural nails, file in one direction only and do not push too hard.
  • After filing the top layer, buff the nails to remove any residual gel polish.
  • Repeat on any remaining nails, making careful to file and buff in the same direction.
  • To remove any residue gel polish, wash your hands with soap and water.

Tips for Best Results

  • For the greatest results, start with a coarse file and then go to a finer file.
  • Take your time and be delicate to prevent damaging the natural nails.
  • After removing the gel polish, use a buffer to smooth out the nails.

Potential Drawbacks:

  • The filing process can be time-consuming and requires patience
  • If not done correctly, the filing process can cause damage to the natural nails, or leave the nails looking uneven.

Aftercare

When you remove gel nails, your nails and cuticles may get dry and damaged. It is important to hydrate your nails and cuticles in order to maintain them healthy. Using a cuticle oil or a moisturizer containing natural oils like almond or coconut oil will help keep your nails and cuticles hydrated.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Nails:

  • Avoid using strong chemicals or nail products.
  • Avoid picking or chewing your nails.
  • Maintain your nails by trimming and filing them.
  • When doing household chores or using cleaning supplies, use gloves.
  • Avoid using nail polish removers containing harsh chemicals, such as acetone.
  • Consume a nutritious diet high in vitamins and minerals that are good for your nails, such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

Advice on Avoiding Damage to Natural Nails:

  • Allow your nails to rest and recuperate between gel nail applications.
  • Avoid filing or polishing your nails excessively.
  • Avoid using nail polish removers containing harsh chemicals, such as acetone.
  • Avoid plucking or chewing your nails.
  • When doing household chores or using cleaning supplies, use gloves.
  • When removing the gel polish, be careful and don’t hurry the procedure.

Removing gel nails at home can be a delicate process and can cause damage to your natural nails if not done properly. Be sure to use caution and follow the instructions carefully to avoid excessive removal or damage to your nails.