How To Remove Gel Nail Polish Correctly At Home

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Gel nail polish has become a popular choice for many people who want long-lasting and durable nail color. However, just like any other beauty product, there comes a time when it needs to be removed. Learning how to remove gel nail polish correctly is important for the health of your nails.

Improper removal can damage the nail bed and lead to weak, brittle nails. It's essential to follow the proper steps to avoid damaging your natural nails.

Whether you're doing it at home or at the salon, knowing how to remove gel nail polish safely can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your nails. By following the right techniques, you can protect your nails and keep them looking strong and beautiful.

In this article, we will share our guide on how to remove gel nail polish correctly at home, based on information gathered from various sources, Wednesday (18/2/2026). By following this guide, you can safely and effectively remove gel nail polish without causing harm to your nails.

Materials Needed:

- Acetone-based nail polish remover

- Cotton balls or pads

- Aluminum foil

- Cuticle pusher or orange stick

- Nail buffer or file

- Moisturizer or cuticle oil

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Find a well-ventilated area with good lighting. Cover the surface with a towel or newspaper to catch any spills. This will help keep your workspace clean and prevent damage to surfaces.

Step 2: Trim and File Your Nails (Optional)

If your nails have grown significantly since the application of the gel polish, consider trimming and filing them to your desired length and shape. This step is optional but can make the removal process more comfortable.

Step 3: Buff the Surface of the Gel Polish

Using a nail buffer or file, gently buff the shiny surface of the gel polish. This helps break the topcoat, allowing the acetone to penetrate more effectively. Be cautious not to buff too hard, as this may damage your natural nails.

Step 4: Soak Cotton Balls in Acetone

Take cotton balls or pads and saturate them with acetone-based nail polish remover. Ensure they are wet but not dripping.

Step 5: Place Soaked Cotton Balls on Nails

Place a soaked cotton ball on top of each nail, making sure the entire nail is covered. Alternatively, you can cut aluminum foil into small squares, wrap each nail with a soaked cotton ball, and secure it with the foil.

Step 6: Wrap Fingers with Aluminum Foil

Wrap each finger with a piece of aluminum foil to keep the cotton ball in place. This creates a secure wrap, ensuring the acetone effectively breaks down the gel polish.

Step 7: Wait Patiently

Allow the wrapped nails to soak for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the acetone enough time to dissolve the gel polish. You can use this time to relax and read a book or watch a short video.

Step 8: Gently Remove Gel Polish

After soaking, unwrap each finger and use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push off the softened gel polish. Be cautious not to force it – if some parts are stubborn, you can rewrap and wait for a few more minutes.

Step 9: Moisturize Your Nails

Once the gel polish is removed, wash your hands and moisturize your nails and cuticles. This helps restore moisture and keeps your nails healthy.

1. Use Acetone-Based Remover: Make sure the nail polish remover you use is acetone-based. Acetone is more effective in breaking down gel polish compared to non-acetone alternatives.

2. Check for Acetone Percentage: Opt for a nail polish remover with a higher acetone percentage (around 100% acetone is ideal). Higher acetone content speeds up the removal process.

3. Warm the Acetone: Warm the acetone slightly before using it. You can do this by placing the acetone container in a bowl of warm water. Warmer acetone tends to work more efficiently in dissolving gel polish.

4. Secure Wraps Properly: When wrapping your nails with aluminum foil and soaked cotton balls, ensure they are wrapped securely. This helps in maintaining consistent contact between the acetone and the gel polish, ensuring thorough removal.

5. Consider Gel Polish Remover Clips: Instead of using aluminum foil, you can invest in gel polish remover clips. These clips are designed to securely hold soaked cotton pads on your nails, making the process more convenient.

6. Be Patient: Allow enough time for the acetone to work on the gel polish. Patience is key – waiting for at least 10-15 minutes ensures the gel polish is adequately softened for easy removal.

7. Avoid Peeling or Scraping: Refrain from peeling or scraping off the gel polish forcibly. This can damage your natural nails. If some parts are stubborn, rewrap and wait a bit longer for better results.

8. Moisturize Immediately: After removing the gel polish, moisturize your nails and cuticles immediately. The acetone can be drying, and moisturizing helps restore moisture to your nails.

9. Use an Orange Stick: If you encounter difficulty in removing gel polish with your fingers, use an orange stick or a cuticle pusher to gently lift off the softened polish.

10. Take Breaks Between Coats: If you have multiple layers of gel polish or glitter polish, consider removing them in stages. Taking short breaks between coats can prevent excessive exposure to acetone and reduce the risk of drying out your nails and cuticles.