Removing gel nail polish can be done safely at home without ruining your nails. Expert manicurists offer this guide so that you aren’t tempted to rip or bite the polish off and your nails remain healthy, strong and undamaged.
Gently and slowly with a coarse nail file sand down the top layer of gel. Remove just the very top layer of the gel polish to remove the shine.
Next, coat the skin surrounding your nails and fingertips with a cuticle oil or a thick cream for protection from the acetone, which is very drying to your skin.
Saturate cotton balls with more acetone than you think you need. Avoid formulas with moisturizing ingredients, which will slow the soaking process.
Tear Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil into little squares about 3 inches by 3 inches. Wrap your fingertips in the squares. Place an acetone-soaked cotton ball on your finger. Use the foil to secure the cotton ball in place. Repeat this wrapping on all ten nails, and then leave your foil-covered fingertips alone for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Pull the foil off each finger and apply slight pressure to the nail with the cotton ball. Gently remove any leftover gel with a nail stick, working under the gel to lift it off the nail plate.