You need appropriate tools, processes, and also patience to remove gel nails. In this write-up, we will address the question: How to remove gel nails at home?
When you are trying to address this question: How to remove gel nails at home, the very first thing you should know is that getting rid of gel nails at home can be a risky proposition. However, you can achieve the desired results with the right tools and processes.
It is possible that you do not care about removing gel nails and letting them grow. However, this process is like a slow death as it can take a maximum of six months!
You can go to the hair salon to address the question: How to take off gel nails? But that is an expensive procedure. And, if you are short of funds, it is best to address this question: How to remove gel nails at home?
Gel nails look amazing, and they also last for a pretty long time. They are also quite challenging when you wish to chip them. These are the same properties that urge you to answer the question: How to remove gel nails quickly?
You can go to a professional salon to get rid of them skillfully. However, it is difficult to take that route due to a shortage of funds or urgency of need. This is where, as a lady, you need to address the question: How to remove gel nails at home? If you wish to follow this route, the best thing you can ever do is do it in the most appropriate manner.
You do not want to scrap and pull at the gel while removing it, as it can injure your nails. This is where you need to follow this evergreen guide as a lady.
Before we address this question – how to remove gel nails at home, it is crucial to understand the term – gel nails. We have done that in our forthcoming section.
A Brief Introduction to What Gel Nails Are
Gel nails can be defined as fabricated nails that look similar to natural nails. You can consider gel nails the same as acrylic nails. The reason is both these kinds of nails are made up of a combination of a polymer powder and monomer liquid. When polymer powder reacts with the monomer liquid, there is a strong formation of long polymer threads.
When these threads dry out, they create a dry hard resin that looks like a fingernail. In comparison to standard acrylic nails, gel nails consist of an extra short chain of monomers known as oligomers. This property makes the nails more adaptable to change.
There are two types of gel nails available in the market: light-cured and no-light gels. For roughly two minutes, you can harden the light-cured gel nails by keeping your claws below an ultraviolet light.
On the other hand, no-light gel nails need to undergo a procedure of an exclusive gel activator. You can achieve the desired result by brushing your nails or spraying them. It is even possible to have a different version of no-light gel where you need to undergo the process of immersing the nails in ordinary water.
There are various advantages of selecting gel nails in comparison to acrylic. Here are some of them:
These nails look similar to natural nails. They are threadlike and malleable, with a lustrous look.
The compound used to create the gel nails is totally unscented. This makes it safe to apply to ladies that are expecting a child.
Due to the slender coating of the acrylic present in the compound when coating the nails, it is not required to fill it up frequently.
Now that we have got the basic introduction to what gel nails are, the next section in this write-up will help you address the duration that these gel nails last after applying.
How Long Do Gel Nails Last?
If you ask a group of ladies how long do gel nails last, everyone would have a different answer to give. Some would say two weeks is the standard; others would say three weeks is a signal of a next-level gel. While there would be ladies who would prefer gel nails that last for four weeks (wishful thinking!)
How long do gel nails last? The straight answer to this question is two weeks. And this comes from a chief educator of New-York based nail salon Paintbox, Evelyn Lim. She says gel nails look perfect for two weeks, after which there is a pertinent risk of damaging your nails.
The reason is that the gel on your nails endures curing while exposed to direct sun or ultraviolet rays. The longer you keep it, the longer it takes to remove it. The best bet is to get gel nails removed so that it does not result in damage or stripping of your nails.
To make your gel nails last longer, you can follow the tips given below.
Apply cuticle oil on a regular basis
Have regular filing done and wear a top coat
Ensure that your nails are dry
Yes, gel nails can indeed last for more than two weeks. But, it is advised to get gel nails removed after 14 days.
Now that you have got the answer to the question how long do gel nails last, it is time to dive deep into the next section, wherein we will look at the various things you need to remove gel nails at home.
Things You Need to Remove Gel Nails at Home
You will need the following things before starting the process of removing gel nails at home.
100% pure acetone
A cuticle pusher (cuticle stick)
A nail buffer
A nail file (180 grit)
Aluminum foil
Cotton balls or cotton pads (lint-free)
Cuticle oil
Some of the essential things you will require to get rid of gel nails at home include cotton balls (pads), a cuticle pusher, a nail filer, aluminum foil, and acetone. Cuticle oil and nail buffers are optional things that will help keep your nails in good condition.
Points to Ponder Prior to Taking Off Gel Nails at Home
Before you start the process of removing gel nails, here are some points that you need to take into consideration.
When taking off gel nails, commence with the work on a single hand at a time.
Since Acetone smells quite strong, you must take off gel nails in an open space.
As Acetone can result in stains, it is advisable to use a towel while removing the gel nails using a towel.
Have ten squares of aluminum foil wrapped around the head of different fingers.
While utilizing cotton balls, cut ten pieces that can cover the nail bed of each nail.
How To Remove Gel Nails at Home
Different methods will help you get the right answer to the question: How to remove gel nails at home. Here are the methods mentioned below.
How to Remove Soft Gel Nails?
This method will help you get the answer to the question: How to remove gel nails at home with acetone?
The very first thing that you need to do is commence by wiping the exterior portion of your gels through a coarse nail filer. This will get you to open up the crystal clear topcoat smeared on the crown portion of the gels and enable acetone to get absorbed.
Get a cotton ball, soak it in acetone and keep it on the crown portion of your nail.
Cover your nail and cotton ball with silver foil.
This process needs to be continued on all the nails on your fingers.
Give approximately 15 minutes for the nails to absorb the acetone. This process can take longer or shorter depending on the type of product you are using.
Wipe off the foil and cotton balls from your nails. This will enable the gel to lose its grip. If it does not, you need to keep it in acetone for a longer period of time.
Smoothly rub off the surplus gel from your nails with the help of a cuticle pusher.
Once the colored gel gets completely wiped off, you will absorb some remnants left of the primer and first layer. Get rid of this by completely cleaning your hands and applying a 4-sided cushion to level them.
Once the process is over, apply cuticle oil and moisturizer to ensure that your nail bed receives enough hydration.
This process needs to be repeated for the next hand.
How to Remove Hard Gel Nails?
The very first step is to apply nail clippers to cut your nails.
Use a nail filer to file the bottom of your nails with 80/80 resolve. File in an even way in an embedded manner and constantly shift the file to new areas.
Once you commence the filing process, get rid of the dust so that you can see your natural nails.
After you observe the spikes of your nails, file the leftover gel using a finger-grit nail file. Do the task very smoothly and patiently so that your natural nails have no apparent wear and tear.
Once you have wiped off all the gel, apply a buffer to level the side of the nails.
Use cuticle oil and nail moisturizer to get the best results.
How to Remove Gel Nails Without Acetone?
To get rid of gel nails without acetone, you will require certain essential things like:
A cuticle stick
A cushion
Moisturizer
Cuticle oil
Water
The very first thing you need to do is to put your fingers in lukewarm water.
Find a vulnerable spot between the polish and your nail. Utilize your fingernail or cuticle stick, and smoothly try to lift up the part of the gel polish that can be rubbed off.
Water the lifted part, and utilize your fingernail to lever up even more smoothly without wasting any time.
If that does not help, again, water the nails in lukewarm water so that the polish gets loosened. Repeat the process.
Now, very meticulously, apply a cushion to get rid of the excess gel nail polish.
Use cuticle oil on the dead skin at the base of the fingernail and moisturizer on the nails.
How to Remove Gel Nail Extensions?
The three methods that we have discussed above to remove gel nails at home will make your nails shiny. The good news is that the same essential things can help you eliminate your gel nail extensions.
The very first thing you need to do is cut your acrylic nails. This will give reduced space for the acetone to get inside while removing the gel nail extensions.
With the help of a nail file, file the crown portion of the gel polish on your nail surface. This will enable acetone to get inside the nail. Next, elevate the nail extension from your natural nail.
Give the time a maximum of 20 minutes for the nail polish remover to show its effectiveness. If you are using a non-acetone nail polish remover, it may take a bit longer than acetone.
With the help of a cuticle stick, get rid off the residual adhesive or polish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: How to Remove Gel Nails Quickly?
A 1: There are two ways to remove gel nails (hard and soft). Hard gel nails are the ones which are executed as artificial nails. Soft gel nails are similar to regular polished nails. However, the big difference is that the gel polish method thickens after being kept in the UV or LED lamp.
If you wish to remove gel nails at home, commence by rubbing the surface of the nail so that the topcoat gets removed. Next, immerse the coated ball using acetone and keep it on your fingernail.
Protect your fingernail using aluminum foil and keep it in the same place for approximately 15 to 20 seconds to start the removal process. Complete the process by applying a cuticle pusher so that the residues of the gel can be removed.
Q 2: How to Remove Gel Nails Without Acetone?
A 2: Although acetone is one of the best ways to remove gel nails effortlessly, various options are available. Some ladies are looking for more natural ways to remove gel nails without using acetone. This can be done with the help of olive oil or cuticle oil and then get rid of the gel polish.
You can even try to use olive oil or cuticle oil and immerse it in your nails and try to get rid of the gel polish. The next option is to water the lifted edges of your nails and eliminate the gel polish.
Q 3: How to Remove Gel Nails at Home?
A 3: It is very easy to remove gel nails at home. The very first thing you need to do is scrub the nail to ensure that the topcoat is removed. Then immerse acetone in a cotton ball and surround your nails with aluminum foil. This will commence the removal process. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes, and then get rid of the gel with the help of a cuticle pusher.
Q 4: Should I Use Gel Nails on My Sensitive Skin?
A 4: Yes, gel nails are, in fact, best for people having sensitive skin. The reason is it does not consist of any harmful chemicals or irritants.
Q 5: Do Gel Nails Have an Adverse Effect on Your Nails?
A 5: When applied appropriately, gel nails benefit your nails. With the help of gel polish, you can protect your natural nails from potential harm and nourish weak nails.
Concluding Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide on how to remove gel nails at home. The most important thing that you need to remember is that a lot of patience is required when trying to get rid of the gel nails at home. You also need to be gentle. In case the gel does not get rubbed off, soak it in acetone for a bit longer and repeat at your convenience.
