How to Safely Remove Gel Nail Polish at Home

Gel nails should be removed by professionals. However, if this is not possible for an important reason, you can also do it yourself. We introduce you to effective methods.

Okay, artificial fingernails look neat and stylish (provided, of course, that they are done properly!). Some try to avoid biting their nails with it. However, gel nails require a lot of effort, because you need regular appointments at the nail salon – and they cost time. It is just as unpleasant if the nails break or tear and there is no nail studio nearby! So that you do not have to walk around with unkempt nails, we will show you methods to remove nails.

Removing gel nails or letting them grow out

As so often in life, these two options also have their advantages and disadvantages:

• Removing gel nails: Removing the nails (yourself) has the advantage that you will be rid of them in a relatively short time. However, care and above all caution is required when removing the device, as the risk of injury is much greater.
• Grow out your nails: The disadvantage is obvious, it takes time! And it can take up to three months for the gel nails to grow out completely. But the way is gentler on your nails. Tip: If you let it grow out, you can paint the regrown nail and the gel nail in the same color, so it is not so noticeable.

Removing gel nails with the nail cutter

The fastest way to remove gel nails yourself is with a nail cutter. This is often included in a manicure/pedicure set.

Use this to cut the gel in long strokes from top to bottom towards the open nail end. Take care to apply only little pressure and not to remove too much. Stop when you have removed about 90 percent and then continue with a fine hand file. However, leave a thin layer on the natural nail so as not to damage it! This layer will then grow out of it.

This method may be faster than the others, but the risk of injury is also higher here. For example, if you slip off with the nail cutter and get onto the natural nail, you can cause great damage.

Removing gel nails with the nail file

The ideal case is that you go to a professional to remove nails! If this is not possible, you can carefully remove them yourself. For that you need:

• Coarse-grained nail file
• Cream or nail oil
• Nail polish remover with acetone
• Cotton balls
• Foil
• Cuticle sticks

Removing gel nails: How it works

1. Shorten your nails if necessary.
2. Remove the upper gloss layer of the gel nails with a coarse file. The paint stays on the nails. Then remove the fine dust from the nails.
3. Now protect your cuticles with the nail oil or cream.
4. Dip cotton balls (not a pad!) into the acetone nail polish remover and place them so that they cover the paint on the nails. Wrap the film around for better durability.
5. Leave the whole thing to take effect for about ten to 15 minutes.
6. After the application time, remove the foil and pull the cotton ball with light pressure from the nail.
7. Carefully scrape off any paint residues with a cuticle stick.
8. Take care of your nails!

And so you can take care of your nails

After the strains of your gel nails, your nails now need one thing above all: an extra portion of care! The best way to do this is to reach for a nail oil and massage it in gently. Nail oils also help with brittle nails, as they soothe the skin and strengthen the horn.