To remove gel nails at home safely and effectively, follow these expert- recommended steps:

What You’ll Need

• 100% pure acetone
• Cotton balls or cotton pads (cut to nail size)
• Plastic food wrap or aluminum foil squares
• Nail file (preferably coarse)
• Cuticle stick (orange wood stick)
• Petroleum jelly or cuticle oil
• Washcloth and gentle soap
• Towel

Step-by-Step Removal Process

1. Protect Your Skin: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails to protect from acetone irritation.
2. File the Nail Surface: Gently file the shiny top layer of the gel polish to help acetone penetrate better.
3. Prepare Acetone Cotton Wraps: Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone. Place each soaked cotton piece on your nail, then wrap the nail tightly with plastic food wrap or aluminum foil to secure it.
4. Wait: Leave the wraps on for about 10 to 20 minutes. This allows the acetone to dissolve the gel polish.
5. Remove Wraps and Polish: Remove the wraps and use a washcloth dampened with warm water to gently rub off the loosened gel polish. If some gel remains, gently push it off with a cuticle stick. Avoid forceful scraping to prevent nail damage.
6. Clean and Moisturize: Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove acetone residue. Then, apply petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to moisturize and soothe your nails and surrounding skin.

Additional Tips

• Avoid picking or peeling off gel polish as it can damage your natural nails.
• If gel polish is stubborn, re-soak with acetone rather than scraping harshly.
• To protect surfaces from acetone damage, work on a lined surface with plastic wrap and a towel.
• Let your nails grow out naturally if you prefer to avoid acetone removal, but this takes several months.

This method is endorsed by dermatologists and nail care experts as the safest way to remove gel nails at home without causing harm to your nails