To remove gel polish from your toes safely and effectively at home, follow these steps:

1. File the Top Coat
   Gently file the shiny top layer of the gel polish using a coarse nail file (around 180 grit). This helps acetone penetrate the gel more easily without damaging your natural nail

2. Soak Cotton Balls in Acetone
   Use 100% acetone-based nail polish remover. Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone until damp but not dripping

3. Wrap Each Toe
   Place the acetone-soaked cotton ball on each toenail and wrap the toe tip with aluminum foil. This traps heat and acetone, speeding up the gel removal process

4. Wait 10–20 Minutes
   Leave the foil wraps on for about 10 to 20 minutes. The gel polish will start to lift, crack, or bubble as the acetone breaks it down

5. Gently Remove the Gel
   After soaking, use a cuticle stick (metal or orangewood) to gently push off the softened gel polish. If it doesn’t come off easily, re-wrap and soak for a few more minutes

6. Buff and Moisturize
   Lightly buff your nails to smooth any leftover gel bits, but avoid over- buffing to prevent thinning your nails. Finish by applying cuticle oil to hydrate your nails and surrounding skin

Additional Tips:

• Avoid soaking your entire foot in acetone as it can dry out skin and nails; targeted cotton ball application is safer

• If you have sensitive nails, ask your nail technician to use acetone soak-off instead of grinding with an electric file, which can damage nails

• Some gel polishes may be harder to remove and require gentle filing or longer soaking

This method is the standard recommended by dermatologists and nail professionals for safe gel polish removal from toenails at home