Pls Read This Before You Try to Remove Your Gel Polish Yourself (2024)

One of my worst habits—and trust me, I have quite a few—is picking off my gel nail polish. I know I could risk having my beauty editor card revoked for revealing this truth, but I am not one to lie. I'm an anxious person who grew up biting their nails, so for me there's nothing more satisfying than getting every little piece of flaking gel off as soon as the corners of my gel manicure start to lift.

After years of improper gel removal though, my natural nails became so weak and brittle that I was determined to change my habits. So I asked top-tier manicurists Laura Malarkey and Mazz Hanna for the final word on how to properly remove gel polish at home and at the salon—and I even reached out to dermatologist Kseniya Kobets to breakdown really happens when you peel your gel polish off (spoiler: it's bad!). Keep scrolling for all the important info and tips I learned.

Pls Read This Before You Try to Remove Your Gel Polish Yourself (7)

What is the best way to remove gel nail polish at home?

The best way to remove gel nail polish at home is the soak-off method, which is as simple as it sounds. Hanna says to start the process by filing the top layer of your gel with a nail file until your nails are no longer shiny. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone, place it on top of each nail, secure it with foil or nail clips, and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

To expedite the process, you can use a heating pad or heated mitts (I like the ones from Le Manoir, but any from Amazon will do). Another useful tip, suggested by Malarkey, is to set up one large and one small bowl. Pour hot water into the large bowl, then nest the small bowl inside it and pour 100 percent acetone to the small bowl. This step warms the acetone, making it work a little bit quicker.

Once 15 minutes are up, wipe your nails with a cotton ball to remove any remaining gel (and if necessary, you can file off any excess). You may need to repeat this soaking process twice for each hand to get all of the gel off, FYI. Once you're satisfied with the removal, use a fine-grit nail buffer to smooth the surface of your nails. Malarkey suggests following this with a keratin nail treatment at least once a day for a week to keep your nails smooth and healthy.

And just so you know, "gel polish can be filed off completely, which is how some salons remove gels, but I don't recommend doing this yourself at home," says Malarkey. It can be difficult for the untrained eye to know when you've filed down to the nail bed, which can cause damage to the nail, so it's best to leave that method to the pros.

How do they remove gel nails at the salon?

For the most part, gel removal at the salon is done the same way it's done at home, but it ultimately depends on the salon. Some salons soak off gel polish, while others choose to completely file it off, usually with a nail drill to break the seal of the gel and remove the shine. "It's important to be aware that a drill should be used very carefully, and your nail artist should be properly educated on how to remove the gel with a drill since improper drill use can cause damage," says Hanna.

Is there a way to remove gel nail polish without acetone?

Yes, you can use resin-based gel nail polish remover to take off gel nails. But (!) "when it comes to removing gel polish in general, it is not possible to do so without causing damage using non-acetone products," explains Hanna. She goes on to say, "If you attempt to remove your gel in any other way, you will likely need to apply much more force, ultimately damaging the nail plate. The reason acetone is the preferred choice for removing gel is because it allows us to gently and effectively remove all of the gel from the nail plate."

One thing to note about acetone is that it is highly drying to the nails and cuticles, and it can certainly increase the risk of skin rashes and cracking around the nails, worsening eczema and skin sensitivities," says Kseniya Kobets, MD. This is why some people might opt to try builder gel (aka soft gel) in between gel appointments, as it can be filled in similar to acrylics and doesn't require full gel removal. To counteract the drying effects of acetone, be sure to spread a moisturizing cuticle oil all over your nails and skin after gel polish removal.

Is it OK to peel off gel nail polish?

"It is never okay to peel off gel polish," warns Hanna. "When you peel off gel polish, layers of your natural nail will be lifted off with it, causing damage and trauma to the nail plate," Hanna explains. Picking will only damage your nails, making them weak and fragile, and more prone to breaking and tearing. "If you plan to get another set of gel nails done in the future, picking off your current gels will severely shorten the lifespan of the next set of gels you get, as gel can't adhere properly to damaged nails," says Malarkey.

This is where the common misconception that gel polish "ruins" nails comes from, but this is simply not true. "Gel itself does not damage nails; the damage is usually done either during improper prep or removal of gel polish," explains Malarkey.

How long can you leave gel nails on?

"You can leave gel polish on anywhere between two to four weeks, depending on the product and how fast your natural nails grow," says Hanna. But if you care about the health of your nails, it's important to go without gel occasionally to avoid potential nail damage.

If you leave gel, dip powder, or acrylic nails on for more than four to six weeks, you can potentially be susceptible to fungal infections, explains Dr. Kobets. And if you keep putting gel on top of an infection, you can possibly make it even worse. This is why it's essential to remove all gel nail polish every two to four weeks. If you notice any serious nail discoloration, make an appointment with your dermatologist for an evaluation.

Final thoughts:

TL;DR: "Gel polish does not ruin your nails when applied and removed properly," says Hanna. Malarkey echoes this sentiment: "The damage is usually done either during improper prep or removal of gel polish, which is why removing your gel nails properly—using the methods above to soak off the gel and gently scrape it off—is so critical."

However, according to Dr. Koberts, “no matter how you spin it, all nail polish is made of chemicals, whether gel or powder, and can potentially damage the nails over time.” So, exercise caution and ensure you don't keep your cute manicure on for too long, no matter how tempting it may be! And most importantly: Do. not. pick. your. nails. 🚨

Meet the experts:

Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Iman Balagam is a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan with nearly three years of experience writing beauty stories that range from curling irons to mini flat irons. She’s an authority in all nail categories, but is an expert when it comes to gel polish removal, thanks to years of personally researching and testing different studios and services.

Pls Read This Before You Try to Remove Your Gel Polish Yourself (8)

Iman Balagam

Iman Balagam is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly five years. She has written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Harper's BAZAAR, Allure, Byrdie, Elle and more. She will try *nearly* anything and spends a lot of time looking for new ways to store her beauty products in a small New York apartment.

Pls Read This Before You Try to Remove Your Gel Polish Yourself (2024)

FAQs

How can I remove gel polish myself? ›

Acetone offers the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home, says board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD. Instead of wrapping your nails in foil, she recommends using plastic food wrap.

What is the least harmful way to remove gel nail polish? ›

If you're not keen on using acetone and don't mind playing the long game, the AAD says that growing out your nails completely offers the safest alternative to removing gel polish. Simply clip your nails once a week until the gel is completely off.

How are salons supposed to remove gel polish? ›

To quickly remove gel polish, most nail salons applying acetone-soaked cotton balls directly to your nails and wrap them in aluminum foil. If residual polish isn't easily removable after a 10 minute waiting period, your local nail salon may also opt to use professional tools, like a nail drill, for a clean finish.

When to remove gel polish? ›

"You can leave gel polish on anywhere between two to four weeks, depending on the product and how fast your natural nails grow," says Hanna. But if you care about the health of your nails, it's important to go without gel occasionally to avoid potential nail damage.

What is a home remedy for removing gel polish? ›

Below is the traditional complete step-by-step guide on how to remove gel nail polish at home:
  1. File your nail bed with a nail file.
  2. Apply acetone to a cotton ball.
  3. Wrap the tip of the finger in aluminum foil.
  4. Use a cuticle stick to remove gel polish.
  5. Buff your nails.
  6. Apply cuticle oil on your nail.
Jan 30, 2024

How to get gel polish off without acetone? ›

Fill a bowl with warm water, dish soap, and salt. Submerge your nails in this mixture for 15-20 minutes. Once the time is up, dry your hands and you should notice the polish starting to come off. This is also the best way to remove nail polish from your skin when you do not have acetone at home.

What is the best thing to remove gel nails with? ›

The simplest and fastest way to take off gel polish at home is to put acetone-soaked cotton balls on your nails, wrap them in tin foil, wait for 10 minutes or so, wipe off whatever polish you can, and then scrape off what's left with a nail file or buffer, Molly Romah, lead nail artist at Chillhouse spa in NYC, tells ...

Why is gel nail polish so hard to remove? ›

Gel polish is cured under a UV light which is the secret to that super staying power. But naturally, this makes it more stubborn. Cutting, filing or peeling off the gel coating might seem like a quick fix, but these methods can not only damage the nail underneath, they're also not that effective.

What damage does gel polish do to your nails? ›

Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

Why are my nails white after removing gel? ›

Your nail has become dehydrated and the white spots you see are actually called Keratin Granulations. Nail polish can contain harsh chemicals such as acetone, which can dry out your nails leading to this appearance when your nail polish comes off.

What to do with nails after removing gel polish? ›

After removing your gel coating, the first thing you want is to hydrate your nails deeply. The gel dehydrates your nails, making them dry and fragile, so you want to apply moisturiser or oil on your cuticles and nails.

How to remove hard gel nails at home? ›

6 steps to remove gel nails at home
  1. Protect your surfaces. ...
  2. File off the top coat. ...
  3. Protect your skin and cuticle. ...
  4. Wrap your nails with acetone-soaked cotton balls & foil. ...
  5. Unwrap the foil and remove the gel flakes. ...
  6. Buff and rehydrate.
Nov 11, 2022

What not to do after gel polish? ›

Avoid long periods of time in water (for example long baths, swimming, washing up etc). Avoid picking or peeling the product off as this could damage your natural nails. Avoid filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the gel and can lead to chipping.

What happens if you leave gel nail polish on too long? ›

Prolonged exposure to gel polish, especially in the presence of sunlight or UV exposure, can lead to yellowing or discoloration of the nails. This is often a consequence of the pigments in the gel reacting with the natural keratin of the nails.

Is it OK to peel off gel nail polish? ›

Every time you decide to peel off your gel nail polish, you're also peeling off layers of the nail plate. While this may seem harmless, over time your nails will become thinner, weaker, and more brittle. Once this damage is done it can take months for your nails to recover.

Can you remove gel polish with normal remover? ›

Soak Cotton Balls in Acetone

"Regular nail polish remover contains acetone but is diluted," explained Poole. "You probably could remove gel nails with regular polish remover, but you would have to allow the nails to soak for a very long time. You need pure acetone to effectively and quickly break down the gel polish."

Is gel polish bad for your nails? ›

Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

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