Staying at home has its pros and cons. A pro: you can get your cost-per-wear down on *that* cashmere tracksuit you bought ages ago. A con: you can’t make your gel removal appointment. That’s not an excuse to pick them off, though. Here’s how to remove them at home, just like a nail technician.
By Beth Ludolf
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1 Gather your tools
Who was it that said, “a man is only as good as his tools”? Whoever it was, they were very wise. You’ll need the following items: nail varnish remover containing acetone, round cotton pads, a cuticle pusher, tin foil, a nail file and some cuticle oil (coconut oil also works).
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2 Break the top layer
Gel polish is notoriously tough (that’s why we love it so). You need to break the “seal” so that the remover can properly penetrate the gel and do its thing. Use a file – on the flat of the nail, not around the tip – to buff off the shiny top layer.
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3 Soak them off
Cut the cotton pads into 4 and the tin foil into squares – you’ll need 10 of each. Soak the cotton pad segment with the nail varnish remover, place it against the nail and wrap the tin foil around the tip of your finger to secure it. Leave them for 10-15 minutes (blasting a hairdryer on them helps too).
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4 Scrape away the gel
Once they’ve soaked, remove each foil. The leftover gel should now be gooey in texture and can be carefully scraped away using your cuticle pusher. If there’s still some gel on the nail, soak them for an extra five minutes.
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5 DIY mani
Might as well finish off the job, right? Soak your hands in warm water to soften the skin. Gently push back your cuticles with the pusher (leave the cutting to the pros), apply some oil and then finish with hand cream. Not as relaxing as the salon, but it'll do for now.
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FAQs
What do you need to remove gel nails at home?
You need nail varnish remover containing acetone, round cotton pads, a cuticle pusher, tin foil, a nail file and cuticle oil. Coconut oil can also be used as an alternative to cuticle oil for finishing. These tools help safely remove gel polish without damaging your nails.
How do you break the top layer of gel polish?
Use a nail file flat on the surface of your nail to buff off the shiny top layer. This step breaks the “seal” so the remover can penetrate and dissolve the gel. Avoid filing around the tip of the nail to prevent damage.
How long should you soak your nails in acetone to remove gel polish?
Leave the acetone-soaked cotton pads and tin foil on your nails for 10-15 minutes. If some gel remains after this time, soak them for an extra five minutes. Using a hairdryer to gently heat can help speed up the process.
What should you do if gel polish is still on your nails after soaking?
If leftover gel remains after the first soak, continue soaking for an additional five minutes. The gel should be gooey and easy to carefully scrape away with your cuticle pusher once properly softened.
How can you finish your nails after gel removal at home?
Soak your hands in warm water to soften the skin, gently push back your cuticles and apply cuticle oil or coconut oil. Finish with hand cream for added moisture. This simple routine keeps your nails and skin hydrated after gel removal.