A shiny surface, perfect shape, rich color, flawless appearance — that's why we love gel polish. But even the most durable coating needs to be removed sooner or later. And here, many decide to do it themselves, because it seems like a simple process. However, in reality, there are some nuances to consider, and they determine whether your nails will remain healthy or become brittle and thin.
In this article, we will tell you how to remove gel polish at home and how to do it as safely as possible. We will also talk about common mistakes that damage the nail plate.
What you need to know before removing gel polish at home
Before removing gel polish yourself at home, it is important to understand that the condition of your nails depends on the correct execution of each step. This simple procedure can result in brittleness, dryness, and even damage to the nail plate if done incorrectly.
Common mistakes when removing gel polish at home:
- Removing the coating. Along with the gel layer, you also remove the top layer of the nail, making it thin, weak, and sensitive.
- Excessive sanding. Excessive pressure with a saw and intense movements wear down the surface of the plate, damaging its structure.
- Fluid retention. Prolonged contact with acetone-based products dries out the nail and cuticle, leading to delamination and cracks.
- Incorrect use of the milling machine. Without experience, it is easy to overheat the nail or make cuts, especially in the area near the cuticle.
To avoid these problems, proceed carefully, take your time, and use only high-quality professional products.
Tools and equipment for home removal
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to visit your manicurist. So, how can you remove gel polish without a drill? If you decide to do this yourself, you have several options. Let's look at each of them separately.
Using liquid for removal
Gel polish can be removed with regular acetone-based nail polish remover. In addition to the remover, you will need foil and cotton pads.
How to remove gel polish with foil and acetone:
- Cut cotton pads into pieces slightly larger than your fingernail.
- Moisten them with liquid and apply to the nail plate.
- Wrap your finger tightly with foil and secure it well.
- Keep the compress on for 15–20 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and remove any remaining polish with an orange stick.
If you don't have nail polish remover on hand, you can use alcohol diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio. However, the process will take longer. Keep the compress on for up to 30 minutes, then partially file off the coating with a nail file and repeat the procedure.
Using a saw
This method is best combined with the previous one. Carefully file off the top glossy layer of gel polish without touching the natural nail. This will allow the liquid to penetrate the coating faster. Use a medium-grit nail file (180–240 grit) and do not press too hard.
Using a remover
How to remove gel polish without foil? You can use a remover for this. It is a modern alternative to acetone-based products. It works faster, is gentler, and does not dry out your nails and skin. Apply a thin layer to the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin, and leave for the time specified in the instructions. When the coating softens, remove it with an orange stick or pusher. After that, if specified in the instructions, neutralize the remover with a special product.
Hardware and alternative methods
In addition to the methods described above, you can remove gel polish at home using a drill or electric nail file. These methods help save time and minimize contact between your nails and chemicals.
How to remove gel polish with a drill
A milling machine is a device used by manicurists to quickly and accurately remove nail polish. It works by rotating a high-speed burr (milling cutter), which carefully removes the polish layer by layer without damaging the natural nail.
How to remove gel polish with a drill:
- Select a comfortable rotation speed for the device (the nail should not heat up or burn during the procedure).
- Using smooth, controlled movements, remove the coating from the center to the edges, paying attention to the area near the cuticle and side ridges.
- Use a brush to remove any dust residue from your hands.
- Polish the surface of the nail plate with a buff.
- Apply oil or moisturizing cream to your hands.
The advantage of this method is speed and accuracy. The milling machine allows you to easily remove even thick coatings. That is why it is used in salons even for removing artificial nails in Kyiv. You can also use this device and special attachments to perform manicures.
How to remove gel polish with an electric nail file
Electric bath is a breakthrough in the nail industry. The device is powered by electricity and heats a special liquid for removing gel polish. Under the influence of heat, it evaporates vapors that gently soften the coating.
How to properly remove gel polish using an electric nail file:
- Lightly file off the top layer of gel polish with a nail file.
- Pour 5–10 ml of a special gel polish remover into the container.
- Turn on the device and wait until the heating indicator lights up.
- Place your fingers in the compartments of the bath.
- After 10 minutes, remove them and peel off the softened coating with an orange stick.
The advantage of this method is minimal contact with chemicals.
How to remove gel polish without damaging your nails
To ensure that removing gel polish does not cause problems with your nails, follow a few simple but important rules:
- Do not use overly aggressive products. Avoid liquids with excessive acetone content. It is better to choose special removers with delicate formulas.
- Choose the right tools. Use medium-grit files (180–240 grit), orange sticks instead of metal pushers, and safe cutters that won't damage the plate.
- Take your time. Rushing when removing gel polish often causes nail damage. Proceed calmly and carefully.
- Do not use a milling machine without experience. If you have never worked with the device before, it is better to choose another method of removing gel polish or contact a nail salon.
Caring for the nail plate after removal
Most home methods for removing gel polish involve the use of non-professional products. Even if you do everything carefully, the nail plate will be partially damaged. Therefore, after the procedure, it is important to take care of it so that it recovers as quickly as possible.
After removing the gel polish, polish your nails with a soft buff. This will help remove any remaining polish, smooth the surface, and give it a neat appearance. Next, apply a moisturizing cream or oil to your hands and massage gently, paying special attention to the cuticle area. If your nails have become thin or brittle, it is better to trim them a little and let them grow back, while strengthening the nail plate with special polishes and products.
Of course, you can remove the old coating at home. However, we still recommend having this procedure done by a professional technician. They know how to remove gel polish without damaging the nail and will do the job as quickly as possible.