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

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Gel Polish

1. File the Top Coat
Use a coarse nail file or buffer to gently file the shiny top coat of the gel polish until it becomes dull and matte. This helps acetone penetrate better

. 2. Soak Acetone on Cotton Balls
Soak cotton balls in pure acetone. Place one on each nail, then wrap the fingertip tightly with aluminum foil to hold the cotton in place. This localized soaking prevents excessive drying of the skin around the nails

. 3. Wait 10-15 Minutes
Leave the foil wraps on for about 10 to 15 minutes. The gel polish should start to bubble, lift, or crack, indicating it is ready to be removed

. 4. Gently Remove Gel Polish
Carefully remove the foil and cotton ball from one nail at a time. Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently scrape off the softened gel polish. Avoid forceful scraping to prevent nail damage

. 5. Buff and Moisturize
Once all gel polish is removed, lightly buff your nails to smooth the surface. Finish by applying cuticle oil or a nourishing moisturizer to rehydrate your nails and cuticles

Additional Tips

• Avoid soaking nails directly in acetone baths as this can dry out nails and skin excessively; localized cotton ball application is gentler

• If gel polish does not come off easily, rewrap and soak for an additional 5-10 minutes

• Using a warm towel or heating pad around your hands during soaking can speed up the acetone’s effectiveness

• Do not pick or peel gel polish off as this can cause nail damage

This method balances effectiveness with care to maintain healthy nails after gel polish removal