9 Methods How To Remove Gel Nail Polish

We all fell in love with gel nail polish for its durability, beauty and convenience. You go to the master, get a manicure and walk around with beautiful nails for almost a month. But there is the other side of the coin, the durability is shown and the moment to remove gel nail polish.

Today I will tell you in detail about nine ways you can remove old gel polish on your own, without the help of beauty salons and manicurists. How to restore your nails after unsuccessful removal of the old coating. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each of these nine methods. Whether it is necessary to remove gel nail polish at all, and if so, in what interval to do it, and a lot of other interesting things.

Whether and when to remove gel nail polish

Nails grow and renew, so it is necessary to monitor the appearance of your nails, and regularly update your manicure. And it is not necessary to go to a manicure salon, you can do it yourself at home.

If you prefer to cover your nails with gel nail polish, an important rule for you is not to overcoat for longer than 2-3 weeks. This is the average wearing time for this coating as recommended by technologists.

Why 2-3 weeks?

Because, as the nail grows, with gel nail polish on it, the load on the nail tip increases. This can lead to unfortunate consequences: to the breakage of the nail, to its deformation, or, worse yet, to the separation of the entire nail from its nail bed. The treatment of the latter is an expensive, long, painful and extremely unpleasant consequence.

So girls, try to keep track of the life of your coat, and renew your manicure in time.

How you can’t take off gel polish

It happens that the gel polish begins to peel from the nail. This can happen after a few days or 2-3 weeks after manicure.

There can be several problems:

• The first is in the gel polish itself.
• The second is that your nail technician did not degrease or badly degreased the nail surface, and the gel polish began to peel off.
• And third – if the peeling occurred after 2-3 weeks, it simply means that it’s time to update your manicure.

This detachment can cling to everything and make you uncomfortable.

But, the main rule is that you can’t peel it off the nail!

Otherwise, you can get:

• Thinning of the nail plate, because together with a piece of gel polish you can peel off the top layer of the nail, or even several layers. And so, time after time, the nails will become thinner and weaker. And the painful sensation when touching the nail plate is getting stronger and more unpleasant.
• Trauma to the nail, because along with a piece of gel polish, there is a risk of ripping the nail plate from the bed completely or partially. For example, if the nail plate was already very thinning. The treatment for this injury is expensive, painful and lasts for years.

What to do if the gel polish peels from the nail:

• Seal the place with a plaster and make an appointment with a master for a manicure.
• Or remove the gel polish at home yourself.

About how you can remove gel polish at home and how to restore your nails afterwards, read on.

Methods for removing gel nail polish

In order to properly remove the coating at home, check with your master what materials he used in the work. Gel lacquers are different. Some are very easy to remove, while others are harder to remove.

The difficulty of removal may depend on the following factors:

• The number of layers of gel polish applied to the nail.
• The density of the gel polish (there are more liquid and thicker densities).
• The chemical composition of the gel polish (more gel or polish prevails in the composition).

Thus, the more layers of gel polish on the nail, the higher the density of gel polish itself, and the more gel in its chemical composition, the harder it will be to remove it from the nail.

There are two main techniques for removing gel polish – sawing and soaking. And on their basis, have already formed the following 9 ways to remove this coating:

1. Sawing off gel lacquer with a nail file.
2. Sawing with a manicure machine.
3. Soaking the gel polish in the container.
4. Removal with vodka.
5. Removal with ethanol.
6. Removal of gel nail polish with acetone and foil.
7. Nail clips removal.
8. Nail polish removal with colorless nail polish.
9. Removal with special wipes.

Let’s talk about each method more specifically and identify the more convenient and acceptable way to remove the old coating.

Sawing off with a file

The first way to remove gel polish is to file off the old coating, using a nail file.

For this method we will need:

• A nail file.
• A polishing buff.
• Cotton pads.

Peel to remove gel nail polish choose as follows: for strong and healthy nails file is suitable hardness of 180 grits, for soft nails, it is better to take a less rigid saw with a hardness of 240 grits.

The removal technology:

Take a nail file and start sawing off the old color coating. Be careful not to touch the skin around the nail, so as not to rub it. We saw only the color. Try to remove the colored layer of gel polish from the nail evenly.

While peeling off the gel polish from the nail, remove the resulting dust with a dry cotton pad.

Then we take the polishing buff, and use it to smooth out the surface of the nail. Since the nail grows back, we will need to polish the step from the gel polish at the cuticle and smooth out all the irregularities on the surface of the nail.

Once the nail plate leveling is done, you can wash your hands of any remaining dust and apply a nourishing cream.

The pros of this method:

• It takes about 3 minutes per nail.
• This method does not require any special skills and knowledge.
• There is no chemical effect on the skin and nails.

The cons of this method:

• You can inadvertently saw through your own nail.

Sawing with a machine

The second way to remove old gel polish from the nails, is in his sawing, with a professional machine for manicure with a special nozzle-freshener.

If you have never used such a device and have not taken any special training courses on its use, it is better to skip this method. Because, inexperience, you can very badly traumatize the nail plate and even let it burn.

For this method we will need:

• A professional manicure machine.
• A cutter to remove the gel coat.

The power of the device should be at least 30-60 watts.

For the removal of gel polish is best suited ceramic cutter in the form of a cone.

The removal technology:

Insert the cutter into the machine and set it to the maximum speed.

Remove the colored coating by moving from the base of the nail to the edge, barely touching the coating with the cutter. The movements when removing the colored coating from the surface of the nail should be even and continuous.

First remove the gel polish in the center of the nail, then move on to the side areas.

The direction of the cutter should match the direction of your hand.

After the removal of gel polish is finished, you can wash your hands of the remaining dust and apply a nourishing cream.

The pros of this method:

• Quick and painless removal of old gel polish.
• There is no chemical effect on the skin and nails.

The cons of this method:

• This method requires special skills and knowledge.
• Inexperience, you can severely traumatize the nail plate and even let it burn.

Soaking in a container with a special liquid

The third way to remove it is to soak the old gel polish in a container filled with a special liquid that contains acetone and solvent.

In my opinion, this is the safest way to remove old gel polish – for your nails, your skin, your respiratory system, and your health in general. Since, in the process of this procedure, there is evaporation of acetone vapors and other chemicals contained in this special liquid, which can lead to allergic reactions and even respiratory diseases. Therefore, technologists strongly advise against its use.

A special liquid is a liquid that can be used to remove a permanent polymerized coating of gel polish. This liquid usually contains solvent and acetone.

There are fluids without acetone, but they contain in their composition other no less, and in some cases even more toxic substances.

Therefore, it is better to give your preference to a liquid with acetone in its composition. In professional parlance, such a liquid is called, remover for gel polish removal.

For this method we will need:

• An empty container or shallow plastic bowl.
• An orange stick.
• A special liquid with acetone in it.
• A nail file with 180-240 grit hardness.
• A polishing buff.
• Vaseline.

The removal technology:

We take a file and file the top layer of shiny gel polish lightly so that it becomes matte.

If you peel off the top layer of gel polish, the liquid penetrates more quickly into all its layers and the coating can be removed more easily from the nail.

In a container or bowl pour the liquid which contains acetone, so that it completely covers the nail plate.

Lubricate the skin around the nails with petroleum jelly to protect the skin from harsh chemical attack.

Dip all the nails into the container and wait about 10 to 20 minutes.

The exact soaking time will be indicated on the bottle with the liquid that you choose. But if you feel an unpleasant burning sensation or any other unpleasant feelings – the procedure should be stopped immediately, and your hands should be well washed with cold water and covered with a greasy cream.

As soon as you see that the gel polish began to depart from the nails, take your hands out of the tub, wipe them with a napkin and begin to gently scrape the soaked gel polish from the nails with an orange wand.

Then, if there are small pieces of gel nail polish left on the nails, take a polishing buff and gently remove them from the nails.

After the entire procedure to remove the gel polish from the nails is finished, wash your hands with soap and water and apply a nourishing cream.

The pros of this method:

• This method does not require special skills and knowledge.

The cons of this method:

• Severe chemical exposure to the skin and nails, as a result of which they are severely dried out and hard to recover.
• The evaporation of acetone vapors and other chemicals contained in the special gel polish remover can lead to allergic reactions or even respiratory illnesses.

Compress of acetone and foil

The fourth way to remove the old gel polish is to soak the nails with a special liquid, which includes acetone, and wrap the nails in foil, for the formation of thermal effect.

For this method we will need:

• A special liquid or gel (remover) containing acetone.
• Foil.
• A file with the hardness of 180-240 grits.
• A polishing buff.
• Cotton pads.
• Orange stick.
• Vaseline.

I really liked the gel remover, it doesn’t leak from under the foil and is very easy to use.

The removal technology:

We take a file and file the top layer of shiny gel-lacquer, so that it becomes matte.

Then we take cotton pads and cut them first into four parts, and then cut each quarter in half.

The smaller the piece of cotton pad, the less acetone will get on the skin around the nails. The main thing is that the piece should completely cover the nail plate.

Lubricate the skin around the nails with petroleum jelly to protect the skin from chemical attack.

Take a liquid or gel remover and soak a piece of cotton pad in it. Put this piece of the disk to the nail and wrap the finger with foil on top. Do the same with all nails.

The foil has two sides – glossy and matte. This is not just because the glossy side retains heat, and the matte on the contrary passes through. Therefore, you should place the foil with the glossy side inside.

We wait about 10 to 20 minutes.

The exact exposure time will be indicated on the bottle with the liquid or gel remover that you choose. But if you feel an unpleasant burning sensation or any other unpleasant feelings – the procedure should be stopped immediately, and your hands should be well washed with cold water and smeared with a greasy cream.

Remove the foil from one finger and check as soon as you see that the gel polish began to come off the nail, take an orange wand and begin to gently scrape off the soaked gel polish.

If the gel polish is hard to remove from the nail, wrap the nail again in foil and wait another 3-5 minutes.

Then, if there are still small pieces of gel polish on the nails, take a polishing buff and gently remove them from the nails.

After the entire procedure to remove the gel polish from the nails is finished, wash your hands with soap and soap and apply a nourishing cream.

The pros of this method:

• This method does not require special skills and knowledge.

The cons of this method:

• There is a chemical effect on the skin and nails, as a result of which they become very dry.
• The chemicals in the special liquid or gel to remove gel polish can lead to allergies.

Using clips (clothespins)

The fifth way to remove old gel polish is to soak the coating with removers, fixing it on the nails with special clamps.

For this method we will need:

• Remover containing acetone.
• Fixing clamps.
• 180-240 grit file.
• Buffing buff.
• Cotton pads.
• Orange stick.
• Vaseline.

The removal technology:

The technology of removing the old gel polish coating is the same as in the previous method, only pieces of absorbent cotton discs we fix on the nails with clips.

The pros of this method:

• This method does not require special skills and knowledge.

The cons of this method:

• There is a chemical effect on the skin and nails, which causes them to become very dry.
• The chemicals in the remover can lead to allergies.

With vodka or ethanol

The sixth and seventh ways to remove the old coating from the nails, is to soak it with vodka or ethanol.

For this method we will need:

• Vodka or ethanol.
• Tin foil or fixing clips.
• A 180-240 grit file.
• Buffing buff.
• Cotton pads.
• Orange stick.
• Vaseline.

Ethanol must be diluted with water 1:1 before use. Vodka is used in pure undiluted form.

The removal technology:

The technology of removing old gel polish is the same as in the fourth and fifth methods, but pieces of absorbent cotton soaked abundantly in vodka or ethanol and fix it on the nail with foil or clips.

Keep it for 20-30 minutes.

If there are still large or small pieces of gel nail polish on your nails, take a 240-grit file or a polishing buff and gently file these remnants off your nails.

After the entire procedure to remove the gel polish from the nails is finished, wash your hands with soap and water and apply a nourishing cream.

The pros of this method:

• This method does not require special skills and knowledge.

The cons of this method:

• Vodka and ethanol dissolve gel polish very weakly, so the soaking time is greatly increased, in addition, you must additionally help yourself with a file before and after soaking.
• The skin and nails get dry because of the effects of the ethanol on them.

With special wipes

The eighth way to remove the old coating from the nails, is to soak this coating with special wipes.

For this method we will need:

• Special wipes.
• A file of 180-240 grit hardness.
• Buffing buff.
• Orange stick.
• Vaseline or greasy cream.

Special wipes for gel polish removal are available in manicure stores. These are wipes soaked in a special liquid that contains acetone and solvent. They are very convenient to take with you on trips or travels.

The removal technology:

Take a nail file and lightly file the top glossy layer of gel polish so that it becomes matte.

Lubricate the skin around the nails with petroleum jelly or greasy cream to protect the skin from chemical attack.

Take a napkin, carefully cut off the top edge of the bag, which it is. Put the bag on your finger, putting the napkin strictly to the nail plate, and wrap your finger tightly with this bag. Do the same with all the nails.

The secret of this method is that the inner side of the bag of tissue consists of foil. Therefore, when you wrap your finger with this bag, it creates a moist, warm environment that promotes faster separation of the gel polish from the nail plate.

Wait about 15-20 minutes. But if you feel an unpleasant burning sensation or any other unpleasant feelings – the procedure should be stopped immediately, and your hands should be well washed with cold water and smeared with a greasy cream.

The exact exposure time will be indicated on the wipe you choose.

Take the napkin off one finger and check, as soon as you see that the gel polish started to come off the nail, take an orange wand and begin to gently scrape off the soaked gel polish.

If the gel polish is hard to remove from the nail, take a new wipe and once again wrap the nail in it, wait another 10-15 minutes.

Then, if there are still small pieces of gel polish on the nails, take a polishing buff and gently remove them from the nails.

After the entire procedure to remove the gel polish from the nails is finished, wash your hands with soap and soap and apply a nourishing cream.

The pros of this method:

• Convenient to use on a trip or journey.
• This method does not require special skills and knowledge.

The cons of this method:

• Since the liquid on the wipes is contained in small quantities, the soaking time and number of wipes can increase considerably.
• There is a chemical effect on the skin and nails, which causes them to become very dry.
• The chemicals in the gel polish remover wipes can lead to allergies.

With transparent nail polish

The ninth way to remove the old coating from the nails, is to soak gel polish with clear nail polish.

For this method we will need:

• Transparent nail polish.
• Wet wipes.

The removal technology:

Take the transparent polish and apply it liberally on the nail, wait 10-15 seconds, take a wet wipe and remove the transparent polish in the direction from the root to the tip of the nail. This procedure is carried out with each nail in turn and repeat the application of colorless nail polish as many times as necessary to completely remove the old coating from the nails.

If the old gel polish is not completely removed, take a polishing buff, or a 240 grit file, and remove the remaining coating by gentle buffing.

After removing the coating is finished, you can wash your hands and apply a nourishing cream.

The pros of this method:

• This method does not require any special skills and knowledge.
• There is no strong chemical effect on the skin and nails.

The cons of this method:

• It takes a very long time.
• Not all types of gel polish can be removed, it all depends on the density and composition of the gel polish.

How to simplify the removal of old gel polish

There are several ways to simplify the process of removing the old coating from the nails:

1. Use a special exfoliating base for gel nail polish instead of the usual one. But there is one unpleasant thing. The coating does not last long, and after a few days can begin to break off in pieces, especially after taking a bath or shower.
2. Use nail oil before the manicure procedure. If you apply nail oil to your nails half an hour before your manicure, the gel polish will be removed from your nails much easier and faster. But, and the durability of your manicure is not guaranteed.
3. Use the lacquer square technique. I think this is the most effective way, which will not affect the durability of your manicure. Before you apply the base, you must apply a layer of clear nail polish on clean nails one by one in the form of a square, stepping back from all edges of the nail plate by 0.07-0.1 inch, and let it dry.

How to restore nails after unsuccessful removal of gel nail polish

So, if you unsuccessfully removed the old gel polish and spoiled your nails a little bit, you need to take care of their early recovery.

The following simple but very effective nail recovery complex will help us:

1. Within a week, every day, you need to apply nail oil to your nails or cover them with medical nail polish.
2. Once a week, for example at the weekend, you can make a strengthening container with sea salt for 15-20 minutes.
3. After the mask it will be very good to apply cold paraffin to the hands for 20 minutes, wipe off the remains with a dry napkin.

If one week of application of this restorative complex is not enough, you can repeat it again.

What is the least harmful way to remove gel nail polish?

So, you’ve learned 9 methods how to remove gel nail polish. What is the least harmful way: removal with a file, a machine or with dissolving liquids?

All of the considered methods have their pros and cons.

When removing gel polish with a liquid, there is a risk of drying out the skin and nail plate, as well as the risk of allergic reactions.

The milling machine eliminates these issues. But if you are inexperienced in handling the machine, you can traumatize the nail plate and even allow it to burn.

As simple home methods, I like removing gel nail polish the best with a file, and removing with a gel remover and clamps. I like the file removal because of the lack of chemical action, the gel remover is convenient because it doesn’t leak out from under the clamp, and the clamps more accurately fix the cotton disk to the nail plate.

I hope that this information will help you with the choice of how to remove gel polish from the nails, and detailed instructions on how to perform it will help to carry out this procedure at home by yourself.