Gel nails look great, but can be costly to maintain if you go from one colour to the next. To help you save a little bit of cash, we recommend removing them yourself at home before going for the next colour. You might be surprised to know that most salons charge around R50 to R100 to remove them, so if you remove them yourself three or four times, it makes up the price of a new set of gel overlays! Follow these simple steps to remove your gel nails.
You will need:
* Nail polish remover (one that contains acetone)
* Tin foil cut up into blocks (about 5cm x 5cm)
* A cuticle stick
* A nail file/buffer block
* Cuticle oil
Steps:
1. Use your buffer block or nail file to gently file the surface of your gel – you will see small shavings come off, and your gel will have a matte appearance. By doing this you break the seal of the gel, allowing it to be removed.
2. Apply nail polish remover to a cotton pad and place it on top of your nail. Be sure to use pure acetone.
3. Carefully wrap one of the sheets of tin foil over your nail, with the shiny side facing up.
4. Once all your nails are wrapped in foil, relax for about 15 minutes while the acetone does its work.
5. Test to see if the gel is ready by gently removing the tin foil and cotton wool on one of your nails and by scraping the gel from your cuticle downwards.
6. If the gel lifts freely, you can proceed with the rest of your nails, if not, leave it on for another five minutes.
7. Once all your nails are clean, give them a bit of a file and a buff and finish off by applying cuticle oil on and around each nail.
Easier than you thought, right?
* It’s important to note this process is quite delicate and you should be as gentle with your nails as possible. Use the proper tools and test it out on one nail first to decide if it works for you.
9 Responses
Wow thank you so much for the simple tip. I used to bite mine off, so i will definitely try this :)
Wow this would save me and it’s so easy.
I didn’t know we could do this at home. I usually go to the salon to remove it
Wow, this is helpful. I usually get a soak off at the nail salon and this is a great money saving alternative. Will definitely need to give this a try the next time. Thank you!
I think its important to note that you should use the pure acetone not the one you would buy at the grocery store because those one are not pure acetone.
Very good point, Tarka. It’s very important to use pure acetone when attempting this DIY method.
This is very helpful. Thank you
Wow! I have been removing my gel nails the usual way. Will definitely try this out.
That’s interesting! Will definitely be trying this at home.