Gel nails have a variety of benefits. They are more robust than natural nails, and they don’t chip as easily. Gel nails also last longer than regular manicures. But cleaning off your fingernails after having gel nails can be painful. So, the question is how are you supposed to get all of that residue off?
There are a few ways that you can go about it. You can either use acetone, you can soak your nails in warm water, or other methods! As such, we’re here with the top 4 ways to clean off your gel nails and keep your actual nails strong and healthy!
4 ways how to wipe gel nails at the end
1. Acetone
Let’s start with the most common way: acetone.
As we mentioned earlier, acetone is a solvent that will break down the gel polish.
So, how can you use acetone to remove your gel nails?
- Well, first, you’ll need to soak your nails in acetone for about 10-15 minutes.
- After that, use a nail file or buffer to remove the gel polish.
- Finally, rinse your hands and nails with warm water and soap.
How can you be sure you didn’t overdo it?
If your nails feel dry or brittle after removing the gel polish, then you probably left them in acetone for too long. So next time, be sure to remove your nails from the solution about 2 minutes earlier than the previous time.
2. Gel nail polish remover
If you don’t want to use acetone, then you can try a gel nail polish remover. These products are specifically designed to remove gel polish without damaging your nails. You can follow the same steps as above in order to use this gentler remover. Some people ask why is gel nail polish remover gentler than acetone?
Gel nail polish removers contain conditioners and other ingredients that help to protect your nails from damage. Acetone, on the other hand, is a harsh solvent that can dry out your nails and skin.
3. Soaking your nails in warm water
If you want to remove your gel nails without using any chemicals, then you can try soaking your nails in warm water. The heat from the water will help to break down the gel polish so that it can be easily removed. Again, you can follow the same steps as above. Just be aware that this method is the most gentle on your nails, but it will take a bit longer to work than the other methods.
4. Scraping off the gel polish
If you’re in a hurry and you want to remove your gel nails right away, then you can try scraping off the polish with a sharp object. This method is not recommended as it can damage your nails. But, if you’re careful, you can use a sharp object like a credit card or a nail file to remove the gel polish.
Start by gently scraping off the top coat of the gel polish. Then, work your way down to the base coat and finally the color layer. Be careful not to scrape too hard, or you could damage your nails.
How to keep your real nails strong and healthy?
The truth is, if you’re constantly removing and reapplying gel polish, then your nails will eventually become weak and damaged.
That’s why it’s important to take care of your nails in between gel manicures.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your real nails healthy:
- Use cuticle oil or cream to moisturize your nails and cuticles.
- Wear gloves when doing household chores or gardening.
- Avoid using nail polish removers that contain acetone.
- Limit your gel manicures to once every two weeks.
- Give your nails a break from polish every now and then.
By following these tips, you can help keep your nails healthy and strong.
How to repair damaged nails?
If you’ve already damaged your nails, then don’t worry; there are still ways you can repair them.
Here are a few tips on how to repair damaged nails:
- Use a nail strengthening treatment to help your nails grow back stronger. This will give your nails essential nutrients and protection to aid in the process of growing back.
- Wear gloves when doing household chores or gardening. This will also give your nails proper protection while your nails repair.
- Avoid using nail polish removers that contain acetone until your nails are healed.
- Again, you can use cuticle oil or cream to moisturize your nails and cuticles. This will help to keep your nails and cuticles healthy as your nails repair.
Try these tips, and with a little time, your nails will be back to normal in no time at all.
Gel nail alternatives
If you find that regularly using gel manicures is damaging your nails, there are other options available that you can rotate in order to give your nails the time they need to heal between manicure sessions.
Here are a few gel nail alternatives that you can try:
- Regular Nail Polish: Regular nail polish is the most common type of polish and can be easily found in any store. This type of polish doesn’t require any special removal process and can simply be removed with regular nail polish remover.
- Shellac Nails: Shellac nails are a popular gel nail alternative. This type of manicure uses a special type of polish that is applied like regular nail polish. The difference is that shellac nails are cured under UV light, similar to gel nails. The benefit of shellac nails is that they can last up to two weeks without chipping or peeling.
- SNS Nails: SNS nails are another popular gel nail alternative. This type of manicure uses a powder to create the nails. The powder is applied and then sealed with a top coat. SNS nails are lightweight and durable. They also come in many different colors and designs.
Can you paint over gel nails polish?
If you want to change the color of your gel nails without having to remove the polish, then you can simply paint over it.
However, there are a couple things you need to keep in mind when painting over gel nails:
The new color may not adhere well to the gel nails.
- You will need to use a base coat before painting over the gel nails.
- It is best to use a dark color if you are painting over light gel nails.
With these tips in mind, painting over gel nails is a great way to change up your look without having to remove the polish.
Final thoughts
Removing gel nails at home is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right tools and products, you can easily remove your gel nails without damaging your real nails. Just be sure to take your time and be gentle with your nails, and you’ll have no problem removing gel nails at home. Remember to try out different methods and see what works best for you!