Preparation
Before you begin removing gel nail polish, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. Gather a cuticle pusher, foil or nail wraps, gel nail polish remover with acetone, cotton pads, and a small bowl for the remover.
Using a Cuticle Pusher
Start by gently pushing back the skin around the gel-polished nails using a cuticle pusher. This helps prepare the nail plate for gel polish removal and prevents any potential damage.
Preparing Cotton Pads
Cut several cotton pads into small squares that you will use for soaking and removing the gel polish. The cotton pads should be thick enough to hold the acetone remover without easily saturating but small enough to fit on the nails.
Applying Foil or Nail Wraps
Soak the cotton pads in the gel nail polish remover with acetone and place one on each nail. Then, wrap each nail with a piece of foil or use nail wraps. The foil or wraps help to keep the acetone in contact with the nail and promote the softening of the polish.
Allow It to Soak
Leave the nails wrapped in foil or nail wraps for about 10-15 minutes to allow the acetone to dissolve the gel nail polish. During this period, the polish will become softer and easier to remove.
Removing the Polish
Once you have allowed the acetone remover to work its magic, it's time to remove the gel nail polish. Start by removing the foil or nail wraps from your fingers, then gently pull off the cotton pads from the nails. The softened gel polish should easily peel off the nails with the help of the cotton pads.
If there are still remnants of gel polish visible on the nails, avoid forcefully scraping or peeling it off. Instead, re-soak a cotton pad in the acetone remover and apply it to the remaining polish for a few more minutes. Afterward, gently rub the nail in a circular motion to remove any leftover residue.
Nail Care
Once you have successfully removed the gel nail polish, it's important to take care of your nails. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any remaining acetone and residue from the surrounding area. Then, moisturize your hands and nails with a nourishing hand cream or cuticle oil. This helps prevent drying and hydrates the nails.
Remember that regular use and removal of gel nail polish can potentially weaken and damage your nails over time. It's important to give your nails a break from gel polish occasionally to allow for regeneration and strengthening.
In conclusion, removing gel nail polish at home can be a time-consuming process, but by following the steps mentioned above, you can safely and properly remove gel polish from your nails without causing harm or damage. If you're unsure about the process, always consult a professional nail technician who can assist you in correctly removing gel nail polish.