Removing gel polish may seem like a chore, but doing it right is essential to keep your clients' nails healthy and strong. Whether you're working in a spa or salon, or if clients ask how they can do it at home, there's one golden rule: patience! Peeling or rushing through the process can seriously damage the delicate nail bed.
First things first—prep the nails. Gently buff the surface of the gel polish with a soft-grit file, like a 100/180 grit buffer. This helps break the seal on the topcoat, making it easier for the acetone to do its magic. Pro-tip: remind your clients to avoid buffing all the way down to the nail plate to prevent nail damage.
Soak, Don’t Scrape
Next, saturate a cotton pad in pure acetone and place it on the nail. Secure it with foil wraps, snug but not too tight. Allow the nails to soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will soften the gel polish, making removal easier and less traumatic to the natural nail. For best results, check the nails after 10 minutes by gently twisting the foil off. If the polish isn’t lifting, leave it for a few more minutes before trying again.
Post-Soak: Easy Does It
When the soak is complete, use a metal cuticle pusher to gently scrape away the gel polish from the cuticle to the tip. Cuticle pushers are your friend here—no aggressive scraping! If you feel resistance, it’s better to rewrap and soak the nail a little longer.
Nail TLC
Once the gel polish is gone, take a moment to buff and smooth the nail surface with a soft nail buffer. This will help remove any last bits of residue and even out the nail plate. Don’t forget to finish off with some nourishing cuticle oil to restore moisture and keep the nails hydrated. Cuticle oils are essential for nail recovery after acetone exposure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While many people want to rush through removal, avoid these common mistakes: scraping off the gel polish too aggressively, soaking for too long (which can dry out the skin), or skipping the cuticle oil. Patience and gentle care make all the difference in preserving healthy, strong nails!
Using the right tools and techniques will leave your clients feeling pampered and their nails looking perfect, every time. Looking for the best supplies for your nail services? Check out our collection of nail tables and manicure stations and more at Pure Spa Direct!