Listed below are the key tools you'll need to have prepared:
- Nail file and buffer
- Acetone - I have found the OPI Expert Touch Lacquer remover to be the best
- Orange stick or clean metal pusher - Sensationail Polish Removal Tool pictured above
- Nail foils - such as Gellux Profile Gel UV Polish Remover Wraps (plus pre-attached lint) If you don't have these some strong kitchen foil cut into squares and some cut and folded pieces of kitchen towel should do the job
Step 1
If your gel manicure was applied correctly each of the nails should have been capped with lacquer. Therefore is quick tip to help aid the removal process is to file the free edge removing the cap, just one stroke of the file in one direction will do
Note: This may be the stage you want to prepare yourself a cup of tea or put on your favourite youtube/tv channel
Step 2
Acetone can be very damaging to furniture, carpets etc.. so make sure you are in an appropriate and well-ventilated environment. Then using your choice of acetone, soak the foil lint pad with the solution and wrap tightly around each nail (lint side to your nail). It is important to do this reasonably quickly and focus on one nail at a time. Acetone evaporates very quickly and the tighter the nail foil the less likely it is for the acetone to evaporate and do its job of breaking down the gel. Wait at least 15 mins, no peeking!
Step 3
After 15 mins remove one of the nail foils and review the progress of the removal process. Ideally, at this stage, the gel will be bubbling up and will start to peel off as soon as you remove the foil (similar to the 'fortune telling miracle fish' anyone remember those??!!) However if this is not the case replace the foil and wait a further 5 mins. Some reasons it might take longer could be; a) Are you in a cold room? Warmth can help in the removal. Wrap a towel around your hands to help. b) Your choice of acetone is not strong enough for the Gel you've had applied, perhaps ask your salon which brand they use c) Have you had the gel polish on for more than 2 weeks? The sun is UV and continues to cure your lacquer for the duration it's on, this might mean it takes longer to soak-off
Step 4
Using an orange stick or metal polish remover tool, gently push the remaining loose gel off each nail. If the gel is not coming off easily DO NOT force, this is highly likely to take layers of nail with it and cause irreparable damage to the nail plate. Simply wrap in foil again (Step 3) and wait a further 5 minutes before trying again
Step 5
Once all polish has been removed I like to gently run a buffer over my nails to smooth and imperfections, leaving clean undamaged nails ready for my next lacquer!
I hope you found my tips for removing UV/LED gel at home useful, be sure to share any of your own tips or questions below. Thanks!
