Removing Gel/Shellac Polish

Mar 27

Because it matters. A LOT! The biggest cause of nail damage when using Shellac or Gel polish is improper removal. Picking or ripping it off, drilling it off right down to the nail bed with sandpaper, etc. Your nails are JEWELS, not TOOLS!

I have written out a step-by-step way to remove gel polish at home if you can’t make it to a reputable spa to have it professionally removed. HOWEVER! The steps I have laid out are also the steps a professional SHOULD TAKE!

What You'll Need
Before you begin, ensure you have the following items: Acetone (100% pure is best), cotton balls or pads, Aluminum foil, nail file, cuticle pusher or orange stick, cuticle oil or moisturizer.

Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Buff Your Nails. Start by gently buffing the surface of your gel polish with a nail file. This breaks the seal of the topcoat, allowing the acetone to penetrate more effectively. Be careful not to file too harshly, as this can damage the nail bed.

Step 2: Prepare the Acetone Soaks. Soak a cotton ball or pad in acetone, ensuring it’s fully saturated. Place the soaked cotton on top of your gel polish, covering it entirely.

Step 3: Wrap Your Fingertips. Cut a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap around your fingertip snugly. Wrap the foil around your fingertip, securing the acetone-soaked cotton in place against the gel polish. Repeat for each nail.

Step 4: Wait Patiently! Leave the acetone wraps on your nails for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the acetone enough time to break down the gel polish.

Step 5: Gently Remove the Gel Polish. After the waiting period, gently press down on the foil and cotton pad and twist it off the nail. If done correctly, the gel polish should come off with the cotton. For any remaining polish, gently scrape it off with a cuticle pusher or orange stick, taking care not to scrape the nail bed itself.

Step 6: Care for Your Nails. Immediately after removing the gel polish, your nails and cuticles might feel dry due to the acetone. Apply cuticle oil generously and massage it into the nail bed and cuticles. This will help to rehydrate and nourish your nails and cuticles.

Additional Tips

Instead of using aluminum foil, you can buy specialty fingertip clips from Amazon or beauty supply stores.

You can skip the cotton ball and foil entirely and soak your fingertips in a bowl of acetone. Just make sure the bowl is SAFE for acetone. Metal and glass are your best bets.

Reach out to me, and I can remove it for you.