Gel nail polish is designed to last a long time. However, the when your nails grow out, the nail polish can start to look out of place, stretched or old. In that case, it makes sense to remove the gel’s nail polish to redo it again from scratch.
The two easiest ways for removing gel nail polish are to order a gel nail polish remover kit or to just do it in the salon. However, if you want to do it at home, you most certainly can. Just follow these step by step instructions. Here’s how to remove gel nail polish.
Step 1: Soak Cotton Balls in Nail Polish Remover or Acetone
Prepare a small bowl of nail polish remover or acetone. Dip cotton balls in this bowl to soak the cotton balls.
Step 2: Wrap Balls to Your Fingertips
Press the soaked cotton balls against the top of your fingernail. Wrap it in foil to hold the cotton balls in place. Make sure the cotton balls aren’t moving too much and try to get the cotton as tight against the nail as possible.
Step 3: Wait for 10 to 15 Minutes, Then Remove
Now the remaining gel polish will be soft and/or chip easily. It won’t fall off naturally. Instead, you may have to scrape it off or peel it off. Use a toothpick or other similar blunt device to help you peel and push off the nail polish.
Never, ever apply pressure to an area that feels resistant. Trying to force off the nail polish can cause your nail to chip. Instead, if a certain area still seems stuck on, just dip a new cotton ball and let it soak for another 10 to 15 minutes. You can also dip the nail directly into the solution of nail remover for 10 minutes
Step 4: Repeat
You’ll likely have to go through this process two or three times before you’re done with removing gel nail polish.
Step 5: Buff Nails
After removing the nail polish, the top of your nails will feel rough and won’t have that healthy shine. Use a nail buffer to restore a smooth gloss to the tops of your nails.
When you’re removing your gel nail polish, make sure you do it either outdoors or somewhere that has very good ventilation. The chemical reactions of nail polish remover and the polish can create toxic fumes.
After removing the polish, it can help to apply cuticle oil to the whole nail and to your skin surrounding the nail. This just helps your fingernails recover from the damage caused by the process.
Make sure to wait a few hours, preferably a day before re-applying polish.