To remove gel nail polish at home effectively and safely, follow these steps:
Supplies Needed
- 100% acetone
- Cotton balls or pads (cut to nail size)
- Aluminum foil squares or plastic food wrap
- Nail file (180 grit)
- Cuticle pusher (orangewood stick)
- Cuticle oil or petroleum jelly
- Nail buffer (optional)
- Towels or protective cloth for your workspace
Step-by-Step Removal Process
- Protect Your Skin
Apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly around your nails and cuticles to protect the skin from acetone irritation
- Buff the Top Coat
Use a nail file to gently buff the shiny top layer of the gel polish until it is matte. This helps acetone penetrate better
- Soak Cotton in Acetone
Saturate cotton balls or pads with acetone. If using cotton balls, tear them to fit each nail precisely to avoid acetone contact with skin
- Wrap Nails
Place the acetone-soaked cotton on each nail and wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Plastic wrap creates a tighter seal and reduces dripping
- Wait and Relax
Leave the wraps on for about 10 to 15 minutes. Warming your hands with a towel or heating pad can speed up the process as acetone works better with heat
- Remove the Wraps
Gently remove the foil or plastic wrap and cotton. The gel polish should appear lifted or bubbled
- Gently Remove Residue
Use a cuticle pusher to carefully scrape off the loosened gel polish, moving from cuticle to nail tip. Avoid forceful scraping to prevent nail damage
- Clean and Hydrate
Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove acetone residue. Apply cuticle oil and moisturizer to rehydrate nails and skin
Additional Tips
- Avoid peeling or forcibly scraping gel polish as it can damage your natural nails
- Work on one hand at a time for better control
- Keep your workspace protected since acetone can damage surfaces
- If gel polish does not come off easily, repeat the soaking process for a few more minutes
- Regularly moisturize and use strengthening treatments to maintain nail health after removal
This method is widely recommended by professionals and dermatologists to safely remove gel nail polish at home without damaging your nails
