In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove gel nail extensions gracefully to ensure your nails stay as lovely and healthy as ever.
Gel nail extensions are simple to apply, versatile for creative designs, and offer a more chemical-friendly experience than acrylics (check out our post of Gel Extensions Vs Acrylics). Yet, problems arise when it comes to removing the gel polish.
Wearing gel extensions for too long without proper removal does no good to your natural nails. Also, this removal requires a careful approach to keep your natural nails unharmed.
How Long Does It Take to Remove Gel Nail Extensions?
Taking off gel polish extension in the comfort of your home should take about 15-30 minutes. It is particularly longer if you use acetone as soaking your nails in acetone is what takes the longest time.
First, you gently file your nails. After that, you soak your nails in acetone or wrap them with cotton and foil soaked in acetone. This step might take around 10 to 25 minutes.
It’s important to be patient and not rush, as it’s better to spend a few more minutes soaking your nails properly. This way, you can avoid hurting your nails by yanking off the gels hastily.
How To Remove Gel Nail Extensions At Home?
There are different ways you can take off Gel-X nails, but we’ll focus on four techniques that are both painless and quick to practice at home.
With Acetone
- Get a bowl or cup and pour some acetone into it.
- Soak a cotton ball in the acetone until it’s damp, then place it gently on your gel nail.
- To hold the cotton ball in place, wrap your finger with a piece of tin foil.
- Repeat these steps for all your gel nails.
- Let your nails soak in the acetone for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll notice the gel polish starting to peel off.
- Take a nail file and softly rub away any remaining bits of gel polish.
- After you’re done, wash your hands using soap and water to remove the acetone.
- To give your nails a healthy boost, apply cuticle oil to keep them moisturized.
Another technique you can use to remove gel nails is by using a gel nail removal kit.
These kits are specially made for taking off gel polish, and they usually include everything you need for a quick and easy gel extension removal process.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
Another answer to “how to take off gel extensions?” is rubbing alcohol. It works well in removing gels and is gentler on your nails compared to acetone. The main difference is that you’ll be swapping acetone with rubbing alcohol.
Just follow these simple steps:
- Soak the cotton ball. Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. It shouldn’t be dripping wet, just damp enough.
- Apply to nails. Place the damp cotton ball on top of your gel nail.
- Secure with foil. Wrap your finger with a piece of tin foil to keep the cotton ball in place.
- Wait it out. Let your nails sit for around 10 to 15 minutes, giving the rubbing alcohol time to work on the gel polish.
- Gentle removal. After the wait, gently rub the cotton ball against your nail. The gel polish should start to come off.
- Moisturize. Because rubbing alcohol can dry, remember to apply cuticle oil to your nails once you’re done.
- Repeat if needed. Depending on the thickness of the gel polish layers, you might need to repeat the process a couple of times to ensure all the gel is removed.
With Hot Water
Hot water can help weaken the bond between your gel extensions and natural nails, but it usually doesn’t work as well as other methods.
We don’t usually recommend this method when it comes to how to remove gel extensions at home as it is more likely to cause damage to your nails compared to other options.
However, if you’re in a situation where you don’t have acetone or a removal kit available, hot water could be an alternative.
Supplies:
- A bowl or cup
- Hot water
- Nail file (optional)
- Soap and water
- Cuticle oil
Steps:
- Prepare the bowl: Pour hot water into a bowl or cup.
- Soak your nails: Allow your nails to soak in the hot water for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until you notice the gel polish starting to peel off.
- Gentle removal: If needed, use a nail file to gently help remove any remaining gel polish. Be careful not to damage your natural nails.
- Clean up: Wash your hands using soap and water to get rid of any leftover polish residue.
- Moisturize: Afterward, apply cuticle oil to rehydrate your nails, as hot water can dry them out.
With An E-File
Note that this tool requires specialized equipment not commonly found in most households. Especially, the e-file nail drill is often utilized by professional nail technicians for shaping and refining nails before applying gel coatings.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- E-file nail drill with a sanding band attachment
- Nail clippers
- Cuticle pusher
- Aluminum foil
- Cotton balls
- Acetone
Follow these steps:
- Use the e-file nail drill to carefully remove the top layer of the gel polish. Be cautious not to file too deeply, as you want to avoid affecting your natural nail.
- Use your nail clippers to trim down the gel nails, bringing them to the point where your natural nail ends.
- How to remove gel tips? Soak cotton balls in acetone and place them on your nails. Secure each cotton ball by wrapping aluminum foil around your fingertips.
- Leave the foil-wrapped nails for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Take off the foil and cotton balls, then gently use a cuticle pusher to scrape off any softened gel.
- Use a nail file to smooth out the nail surface and further remove any remaining gel.
- To support healthy nail regrowth, consider applying a repairing nail polish.
Or you can watch this tutorial video to get more tips on removing gel polish using an e-file drill:
Final Notes
It may look a bit tricky at first glance, yet not until you actually know how to remove gel nail extensions do you realize that some patience and the right method will help you take them off easily.
Remember, slow and gentle wins the race. And some cuticle oil after the removal will keep your nail hydrated and healthy.
If you find yourself struggling during the process, we advise reaching out to a professional or salon nearby. They’ll get the gels off safely and quickly without harming your real nails.
