How To ACTUALLY Remove Gel Nail Without Completely Destroying Your Natural Nails, by JauntyJuli on YouTube. 10 min 4 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 4 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Set out a 180-grit nail file, acetone-based gel remover, foil wraps or cotton pads and foil, an orangewood stick and cuticle oil. Work in a well-ventilated room away from flames.
Use light strokes with the file to remove the shiny top coat from each gel nail. Stop before you thin or scratch the natural nail underneath.
Apply cuticle oil to the skin around each nail, not the nail plate, to help protect it from the acetone.
Soak a cotton pad with gel remover and press it onto one nail. Wrap the nail in foil so the pad stays tight against the gel.
Repeat for all nails and leave the wraps on for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not pull or pry at the gel while you wait.
Unwrap one nail and check whether the gel looks soft and lifted. If it still feels firm, rewrap it for another 5 minutes.
Push the softened gel off gently with an orangewood stick. Work from the cuticle edge and stop if the nail feels sensitive.
Lightly buff away any remaining gel flakes with a fine buffer. Do not file deep grooves into the nail plate.
Wash your hands with mild soap and water, then apply cuticle oil and hand cream. Let your nails rest before the next gel manicure.
Tips and common mistakes
Never pick, peel or bite off gel polish, as it can take layers of your natural nail with it.
Keep acetone off your skin and eyes, and use it in a ventilated room because it is flammable.
If a nail still will not release after two rounds, stop and see a nail technician rather than forcing it.
Wait a week or two before another gel manicure if your nails feel thin or sensitive.
Questions
Can I use regular nail polish remover?
No. Regular acetone-free polish remover usually will not break down gel polish. Use an acetone-based gel remover or soak-off formula.
How long should gel polish soak?
Most gel polish needs 10 to 15 minutes under foil. Thick or old gel may need another 5 minutes, but do not keep soaking if the nail feels sore.
What if the gel will not come off?
Do not scrape hard. Rewrap it for 5 minutes, then try again. If it still sticks, have a nail technician remove it.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
