Gel nail polish has created a buzz in the fashion and beauty industry. Gel nail paints last super long (read weeks), look shiny and can be conversation starters! The only flip side is the elaborate and often difficult process of removing those nail polishes. Today I will share with you the proper guidelines about removing your gel nail paint, without harming your nails.
In the words of celebrity nail expert Tracy Lee, one should never buff, file, push, pick, or peel off gel polish as it will remove the delicate keratin layers of your nails and weaken them. Unlike our skin, nails don’t regenerate the same way, so once a nail is damaged, it needs to grow out with all of the layers intact, which can take up to three or four months.
Step 1:
• Lightly buff the gel top coat with a buffing block or soft grit nail file. Don’t put excess pressure.
• There will be polish intact on your nails after buffing, but the shine will be significantly dulled. Don’t try buffing until the polish is gone as it will severely damage your nails.
Step 2:
• Remove the gel polish by soaking it off in the following two ways:
• Liberally coat your cuticles and the surrounding skin with a good cuticle oil or thick moisturizer to protect the skin from the drying effects of acetone. Soak cotton balls in acetone and gently place them over the entire nail surface to cover the gel. Wrap each finger with small strips of foil to hold the cotton in place. Wait for around 10 minutes and check one nail. If the gel remains, rewrap the nail with cotton and foil and soak in five minute increments until all of the gel is off.
• Coat your fingers in a thick layer of a hand cream to protect the skin from the acetone. Pour acetone in a glass bowl. Soak fingers in the bowl for 10 minutes. If any gel remains, re-soak in five-minute increments until all of the gel is off.
Step 3:
• Don’t forget a hydrating and relaxing manicure.
• Treat your nails to a manicure session. Gently file nails, push back cuticles, and apply a nail strengthener like OPI Natural Nail Strengthener or Jessica Nail Cure Liquid Strength. Then, hydrate and harden the cuticles by massaging oil into each nail for 10 seconds.
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I’ve always felt its a pain removing gel polish or extensions! Just can’t make that sort of commitment. lol