Remove Gel Polish at Home: Instructions From an Expert for Quarantine

Understanding Gel Polish

Before we delve into the removal process, it’s crucial to understand what gel polish is and why it requires a different removal approach than regular nail polish.

What Is Gel Polish?

Gel polish is a type of nail lacquer that contains a polymer resin. This resin allows the polish to adhere tightly to the nail, providing a durable and long-lasting finish. Gel polish is cured or hardened under a UV or LED lamp, creating a hardened layer that resists chipping and fading.

Introduction

Removing gel polish at home is not an easy task for many. But during quarantine, this skill is worth mastering. We asked OPI expert Inna Rykova how to independently remove gel coating from nails as quickly and safely as possible without damaging the nail plate. How to remove gel polish at home: instructions from an expert for those in quarantine

Removing gel polish at home is not an easy task for many. But during quarantine, this skill is worth mastering. We asked OPI expert Inna Rykova how to independently remove gel coating from nails as quickly and safely as possible without damaging the nail plate.

Today, professional artisans prefer to remove gel polish with a special liquid, dissolving the durable coating. The nail industry developed a gel polish formula that dissolves when exposed to liquid, changing the ability to remove permanent coating. 

By the way, gel polishes are much more expensive to produce than regular coatings since the brand must monitor the safety of its product and produce it according to the requirements of the WHO and FDA (the strictest associations). Little-known brands never pass such tests, so paying attention to the gel polish manufacturer is important. 

“I recommend OPI Expert Touch nail polish remover,” says Inna Rykova. — It completely removes gel polish, and due to the nutritional components in the composition (citrus oil, kelp extract, soybean oil), it does not spoil the nails or dry out the skin. Removing the OPI gel coating will take you no more than 15 minutes. Here is the ready answer to how to remove gel polish without harm!”

What Not to Do to Remove Gel Polish at Home

If you’re considering removing gel polish yourself, don’t start until you’ve thoroughly studied our tips! Unsuccessful experiments with files or inappropriate liquids can damage your nails.

You’ve probably seen more than once in a salon how gel polish is removed with a cutter, and you may be tempted to repeat this experience at home using a manicure machine. It is better not to do this since there is a high risk of damaging the nail plates.

Be very careful if you still want to remove gel polish at home with a machine. Best of all, combine the mechanical method of removing the coating with a chemical one, i.e. First, cut off the thin top layer, and then dissolve the remaining gel using a remover.

Previously, before removing gel polish with a machine, salon technicians used coarse grain files to remove the coating. We do not recommend that you use this method at home. The buff is only suitable for filing away the topmost shiny layer.

But you shouldn’t pick your nails with all kinds of metal tools and chew them off, trying to tear off the coating. In this case, damage to the nail plates is almost inevitable since you remove the gel and the base.

The master in the salon, no matter what device he uses to remove gel polish, does not allow the cutter to come into direct contact with natural nails. A thin base layer remains on the plates, which then dissolves and is removed from the nails. If you file your nails until you remove the base layer, the nail plate will become thinner.

The consequences of such thinning are very unpleasant: nails become a gateway for infections. In addition, the next time you decide to get a long-lasting manicure, problems may arise due to the need to straighten the nail plates or possible burns. So it’s better to abandon the idea of ​​mechanical removal and, instead of looking for how to remove gel polish with a machine, study ways to dissolve the coating.

When using chemical methods, errors are also possible. For example, removing gel polish without a special liquid will do no good. Don’t try to replace a professional, safe solvent with technical acetone.

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How to Remove Gel Polish With Liquid: detailed instructions

The Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin the gel polish removal process, gather the following items:

• Acetone-Based Nail Polish Remover: Acetone is a potent solvent that effectively breaks down gel polish. Ensure you have enough to soak your nails.
• Cotton Balls or Pads: These will be used to apply the acetone to your nails.
• Aluminium Foil: Aluminum foil will wrap your nails, creating a barrier that allows the acetone to work efficiently.
• Nail Buffer and File: These tools will help gently remove the softened gel polish.

Removing Gel Polish

Now that you have your tools ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of removing gel polish with liquid.

• Prepare Your Work Area: Before you begin, ensure you work in a well-ventilated area. Lay out all your tools and have them within easy reach.
• File the Top Layer: Use a nail buffer or file to remove the shiny top layer of the gel polish gently. This step helps the acetone penetrate the polish more effectively.
• Soak Cotton Balls: Take small pieces of cotton balls or pads and soak them in acetone-based nail polish remover. Ensure they are wet but not dripping.
• Wrap Your Nails: Place the soaked cotton pieces over your nails, one by one. Then, wrap each nail with a small piece of aluminium foil, securing it in place. This creates a sealed environment that allows the acetone to work on the gel polish without evaporating.
• Wait Patiently: Allow the acetone-soaked cotton and aluminium foil wraps to sit on your nails for 15-20 minutes. You can relax and enjoy a book or watch a short video during this time.
• Gently Remove Gel Polish: Carefully remove the foil wraps and cotton after waiting. You’ll notice that the gel polish has softened and lifted. Use a wooden cuticle stick or a gentle pusher to scrape off the softened polish. Be gentle to avoid damaging your nails.
• Buff and Moisturize: Once you’ve removed all the gel polish, use a nail buffer to smooth the surface of your nails. Finish by applying a nourishing cuticle oil or cream to hydrate your nails and cuticles.

Conclusion

Removing gel polish with liquid may seem like a meticulous process, but it’s essential to protect the health and appearance of your nails. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve clean, gel-polish-free nails without causing damage.