There’s nothing we love more than a freshly done manicure- it adds a bit of oomph and makes us feel super glamorous. Gel manicure looks freakin’ gorg and our nails look amazing until the dreaded 2-week mark hits when the chips start to show, the cuticles start to grow and the shine starts fading. Then, the only solution we are left with is to remove it and start over.
Honestly, it’s best to get your gel nails taken off by an expert however, visiting a salon is simply not on the cards right now. This means, till the time the zillion-day-long lockdown is lifted, our nails will resemble shredded tissue paper. But don’t you fret, cause we’ve curated a foolproof guide to removing gel manicure safely from the comfort of your couch.
PS: It doesn’t involve scrapping and pulling.
The Ultimate Guide To Removing Gel Manicure At Home
Step 1: File Your Nails
First things first, depending on the type of gel paint you’ve on your nails, you need to buff off the top, shiny layer before you start soaking your fingers in the remover. Remember to gently file off the glossy layer to weaken the bond, without damaging the nails. If you’ve applied a Shellac formula, you can probably skip this step as the Shellac formula is relatively thin and can be removed effortlessly at home.
Step 2: Soak ‘Em In Gel-Appropriate Remover
Next, this step involves wrapping your nails in acetone-soaked cotton balls. Just take the cotton balls, and saturate them in your remover. Things to keep in mind? Unlike regular nail varnish, gel nail paint removers come with a bit of extra strength. We recommend going for this two-in-one formula that removes the nail polish while conditioning your nail bed.
Step 3: Wrap It With Foil
Once you’ve placed the saturated cotton pads around the nails, the next step is to wrap kitchen foil around the nail in order to hold the cotton pad in place. Squeeze the top center of the foil to make sure the wrap properly secures the nail itself. Repeat this process on all fingers. Yes, folks, patience is the key to getting this right. Usually, 15 minutes is the average time you need to keep it on, but the time varies depending on the formula. The trick is to check it after 15 minutes, if the colour is visibly lifted, you’re good to go.
Step 4: Take It Off
Now that the remover has done its job, make sure you don’t pull the foils off in a rush. Instead, gently grip the wrap, apply slight pressure, and slide it off the nail. Once the wraps are removed, you can easily tell what areas need more attention. If there are areas with chunks of colour left, it’s best to wrap the nail again and wait for a little longer.
Step 5: Finally, Nourish It
It’s time to give your nail the much-needed TLC it deserves. It is extremely important to nourish your cuticles and nails once you’re done with the process. Gel polish removers can be harsh and drying as compared to your average remover which makes it all the more important to wash your hands and treat your nails and cuticles with oil to keep them healthy and hydrated.
Now that you’ve successfully removed your gel manicure, coat your nails with this uber-glossy, chip-resistant nail enamel. The range of nail enamels delivers vibrant pigment, stays puts, and are beyond easy to apply.
It’s time to say goodbye to chipped and lifted nails!