Gel polish is a popular choice for those who want long-lasting, glossy nails that resist chipping. Unlike regular nail polish, gel polish is cured under a UV or LED lamp, which makes it more durable with a glossier shine. But this added step also makes it much harder to remove. While it might be tempting to peel or scrape off your maicure, doing so can damage your natural nails. Instead, it’s important to remove product carefully using the right materials and techniques. In this guide, you’ll discover the safest ways to take off gel polish at home and how to care for your nails afterward to keep them strong and healthy.

Why Is Gel Polish Harder To Remove?

Remove Gel Nail Polish at home pictured: pink nails — (Iwaria Inc/Unsplash)

Regular nail polish is easy to remove and usually comes off quickly with traditional remover because it simply sits on the surface of the nails and dries. It can be removed with any remover whether it contains acetone or is acetone-free. Gel polish, on the other hand, is made of a thicker formula that hardens under UV or LED light. This curing process makes the polish more durable but also creates a strong bond with the natural nail. Because of this, gel polish cannot be quickly wiped away with regular remover. Instead, it must be broken down with special removers and techniques to avoid causing damage to the nails.

Start by Gathering Essential Materials

There are two main methods to remove gel polish — acetone or a brush-on removal. Acetone is a more traditional method which most people will be familiar with if they have gel manicures removed in a salon. Meanwhile the brush-on method is slightly faster and may feel more productive for at-home removal.

Choose the one that works best based on the materials available, time constraints, and ease of use. Here are some of the most common items used:

Acetone: This is the most effective ingredient for dissolving gel polish. It’s found in many nail polish removers labeled “100% acetone.” However, acetone removal does take longer because the solution works slower to break down gel polish.
Brush-on gel polish remover: This type of remover is an alternative to soaking nails in acetone. It is painted on like polish and works by breaking down the gel within a few minutes.
Nail file or buffer: Regardless of the method used, the file or buffing step is essential to remove the topcoat of gel polish before applying acetone or a brush-on remover.
Cotton balls or pads: For soak-off removal, cotton balls or pads are soaked in acetone and placed on the nails to help dissolve the polish.
Aluminum foil: With an acetone soak off, aluminum foil is used to wrap around cotton-covered nails to hold the acetone in place.
Wooden cuticle stick or orange stick: This essential step helps gently push off the softened polish. Note that a more durable metal cuticle stick or pusher can also be used.
Nail clipper and file: This is an optional tool but is useful for people that want to trim nails before removal.
Cuticle oil and hand lotion: The materials used to remove gel polish can be very drying so moisturizing the nails and surrounding skin is critical.

Step 1: Buff the Topcoat

Before applying any remover, it’s essential to buff off the shiny top layer of your gel polish. This step is important because the topcoat is resistant to acetone, and removing it allows the product to penetrate the layers underneath. Use a nail file or buffer to gently sand down the shine until the polish looks matte.

Step 2: Choose a Removal Method

While gel polish is beautiful and long-lasting, it requires special care when removing it. By using the right materials and techniques, people can safely remove gels at home without damaging their natural nails. Be patient during the removal process, and give those nails some TLC afterward.

Method 1: Soaking in Acetone

Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone.
Place a soaked cotton ball on each nail.
Wrap each fingertip with aluminum foil. This traps the heat and helps the acetone work faster.
Wait for 10–15 minutes. The time may vary depending on the brand of gel polish.
Check if the polish is lifting. If it is, gently push off the loosened polish with a wooden cuticle stick or cuticle pusher. Do not force it—soak for a few more minutes if necessary.

Method 2: Brush-on Gel Remover

Apply a thick layer of gel remover to each nail, being sure to avoid getting any of the remover on the surrounding cuticles.
Wait for the time indicated on the product’s instructions. Most will require three to four minutes with potential reapplications to fully lift the gel polish.
Watch for the polish to bubble and lift.
Use a wooden cuticle stick or metal cuticle pusher to push away the loosened polish.

Step 3: Remove Leftover Residue Before Washing and Hydrating Hands

After most of the polish has been removed, some stubborn spots may remain. Use a nail buffer to gently smooth out any leftover bits without scraping the natural nail. After removing the polish, the nails and skin may feel dry from the acetone. Rinse hands with warm water and mild soap to remove any chemical residue. Then, apply cuticle oil to nourish the nail beds and a moisturizing lotion to rehydrate the hands.

How to Care for Nails After Removing Gel Polish

Removing gel polish, especially with acetone, can leave nails feeling weak or brittle. Even with a brush-on gel remover, it’s best not to attempt back-to-back gel polish manicures. Follow these aftercare steps to keep nails healthy:

Moisturize Regularly: Apply cuticle oil daily to keep nails hydrated.
Use a Nail Strengthener: If nails feel weak, a nail strengthener can help rebuild their structure.
Take a Break Between Manicures: Just like skin, nails need to breathe. Give them a chance to rest for at least a week before applying gel polish again.
Keep Nails Trimmed and Filed: Keeping nails at a healthy length prevents them from breaking.
Wear Gloves for Household Chores: Exposure to water and chemicals can weaken the nails, so wearing gloves while cleaning or washing dishes can help protect them.

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