Removing Gel Manicures

Removing a gel manicure at home can be difficult and messy.

Gel manicures are a durable alternative to traditional manicures for women who prefer a long-lasting, chip-free, yet flexible nail treatment. Although you can apply a gel manicure at home using a kit, it's best to have a professional give you a gel manicure if you're inexperienced, as they can be tricky to apply. While there are many types of gel manicures, all tend to be a bit difficult to remove. Having your gel manicure professionally removed is the easiest option; even then, your manicurist may have to work hard to scrape off bits of the gel. However, if you're adamant about removing your gel manicure yourself, be prepared for a somewhat tedious, time-consuming process.

Things You'll Need

• Fan
• Acetate nail polish remover
• Cotton pads
• Small microwave-safe glass bowl
• Medium-sized bowl
• Medium-grit file
• Orange wood stick
• Soft towel
• Moisturizing hand/nail cream

Instructions

1. Choose a well-ventilated area for the removal process. Inhaling acetone fumes can be painful and may cause headaches, watery eyes or other side effects, so it's important that you have a source of fresh air or, at the very least, a fan nearby to clear the air of fumes.

2. Remove all nail polish from your nails using a cotton pad and acetone nail polish remover. Acetone helps to prevent damage to your natural nails, according to author Rosie Watson in her book, "New Holland Professional: Manicure and Pedicure." To remove gel nails as easily as possible, they should be clean and polish-free.

3. Use a medium-grit file to gently file from the surface of the gel nail down to the natural nail underneath to facilitate removal. This will help decrease the acetone soaking time. Only file until you can see your natural nail. Avoid filing your natural nail.

4. Fill a small microwave-safe glass bowl with a few inches of acetone nail polish remover. Place the bowl in a slightly larger bowl of warm water, to warm up the nail polish remover. Gently warming up the nail polish remover can help to speed up the soaking process.

5. Soak your nails in the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes. Your nails should start to feel pliable, as though you can gently work them off. The gel should begin to dissolve on its own, as the bonds between your natural nail and the gel nail are broken. Continue the soaking process for a few more minutes if the gel hasn't yet started to dissolve.

6. Remove your nails from the bowl. Using an orange wood stick, gently scrape the polish and remaining residue off of your nails. You may need to soak your nails in the polish remover a few times during this process to help loosen debris. Alternatively, you can scrape your nails while they are still soaking in the polish remover, although this can be a bit messier. You may have to repeat this process several times, until all residue is removed.

7. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any leftover residue. Gently dry your hands with a soft towel and apply a moisturizing hand and nail cream to prevent chapping.

Tips & Warnings

• Acetone may damage wooden or plastic bowls. Acetone will not damage or leak through a glass bowl.

• The process of filing the gel nail down can be painful. If you're experiencing any difficulty, it may be easiest to stop and consult a professional before you continue.

References

• New Holland Professional: Manicure and Pedicure; Rosie Watson