What you’ll need:
- Acetone nail polish remover
- Cotton balls
- Aluminum foil
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
Find a comfortable and well-ventilated area to work in. Protect your workspace by placing a towel or some paper towels on the surface.
Step 2: File the topcoat
Using a nail buffer, gently file the topcoat of your gel nail extensions. This will break the seal and allow the acetone to penetrate the gel more effectively.
Step 3: Soak cotton balls in acetone
Pour some acetone nail polish remover into a small bowl or container. Take a few cotton balls and saturate them with the acetone.
Step 4: Apply cotton balls to your nails
Place a saturated cotton ball on each of your nails. Make sure the cotton covers the entire nail surface. You can secure the cotton by wrapping each finger with a small piece of aluminum foil.
Step 5: Wait for the acetone to work
Allow the acetone-soaked cotton balls to sit on your nails for about 15-20 minutes. This will give the acetone enough time to break down the gel polish.
Step 6: Remove the gel polish
After the waiting period, carefully remove the aluminum foil and cotton balls. Gently push the gel nail extensions off your natural nails using a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick. Be very gentle to avoid damaging your natural nails.
Step 7: Hydrate and nourish your nails
Now that the gel extensions are removed, it’s important to rehydrate your nails. Apply a few drops of cuticle oil to each nail and massage it in. This will help nourish your nails and prevent them from becoming dry.
Step 8: Buff and shape your nails
Use a nail buffer to smooth out any rough edges and shape your natural nails. Be gentle and take your time to achieve the desired shape.
Step 9: Apply cuticle oil regularly
To keep your natural nails healthy and strong, apply cuticle oil regularly. This will help nourish your nails and promote nail growth.
By following these steps, you can safely remove your gel nail extensions and maintain the health of your natural nails. Remember to be patient and gentle throughout the process to avoid any damage. Happy nail care!