Taking off your gel nails at home might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and effectively. Whether you’re looking to save money, time, or just prefer the comfort of your own space, learning how to properly remove gel nails is essential to keeping your natural nails healthy and strong. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, highlighting the dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth and damage-free removal. So, grab your tools, and let’s get started on giving your nails the care they deserve, right from the comfort of your home!
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Here’s a list of things you’ll need to safely remove gel nails at home:
•Acetone
•Foil nail wraps
•Nail file
•Cuticle pusher
•Nail file / buffer
•Cuticle oil
•Hand cream
Once you have everything ready, you can start by gently filing the top layer of your gel nails to break the seal and allow the acetone to penetrate better. Be careful not to file too aggressively, as you don’t want to damage your natural nails underneath. With this prep work done, you’re now ready to move on to the soaking phase.
Soak a cotton ball or pad in acetone and place it directly on your nail. Wrap each fingertip in aluminium foil to keep the cotton in place and to help the acetone work more effectively. Leave the foils on for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the acetone to break down the gel polish.
Gently remove the foil and cotton from one nail at a time. The gel should look as if it’s lifting off the nail. Use a cuticle pusher to carefully push the gel off from the base to the tip. If the gel doesn’t come off easily, re-wrap the nail and let it soak for a few more minutes. Be patient and avoid forcefully scraping the gel, as this can damage your natural nails.
Once all the gel has been removed, use a buffer to smooth out the surface of your nails. This will help to remove any remaining gel residue and leave your nails looking neat. You can also file and shape your nails if needed. I like to take this as an opportunity to also push back my cuticles and nip away any dead or excess skin around the nails. You can choose to skip this part if it’s not something you’re particularly comfortable doing.
Finish up by applying cuticle oil to nourish your nails and cuticles. Massage the oil in gently to promote healthy growth. Finally, apply hand cream to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
By following these steps, you can safely remove gel nails at home without damaging your natural nails. Enjoy your freshly bare nails, and don’t forget to give them some TLC with regular moisturising and care!
For tips on how to achieve the perfect at home manicure read here.
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