How to Take Gel Nail Polish Off

Tools and materials:

• Nail file (or eFile)
• Vaseline
• Cotton balls
• Nail polish remover
• Tin foil
• Nail oil

1. File your nails

Start by filing your nails to remove the top layer of nail product (think of it like sanding off paint from furniture.) I use an eFile for this step. 

You can also use a regular nail file, if you prefer.

Make sure to get right to your nail bed and right around the tip of your nails, so none of the gel is left on your nails.

2. Clean your nails

Make sure to clean off all the gel and nail dust from your fingers.

3. Protect your skin

Apply Vaseline (or other petroleum jelly) around your nail bed to protect the skin around your nails from drying.

4. Wrap your nails

Dip cotton balls in acetone (nail polish remover) and place a piece of cotton on top of each nail.

Wrap the nail, with the acetone-soaked cotton, in tin foil, and wait 15 minutes. The gel will start to become soft.

Tip: You can separate cotton balls into two or three pieces depending on the size of your cotton balls.

Remove the foil and cotton, and scrape any remaining gel from your nails using a scraping tool.

Wrap your nails a second time, wait 5 minutes, and remove any remaining product.

5. File and clean your nails again

File and buff your clean nails for a perfect finish.

Wash your hands with water.

6.  Nourish your nails

Apply nail hydrating oil around your nail beds to nourish them.

How to take gel nail polish off

Now your nails are clean, healthy and ready for their next look!

Please leave a comment if you give this gel removal hack a try, and let me know how it worked for you.

Check out my post on how to DIY Trendy Blue Swirl Nails.