9 ways: How to quickly remove gel polish at home without harming your nails (2025)

When it comes time to remove your gorgeous gel manicure, what happens if you’re not prepared to go to the salon? Be at ease! With a few easy techniques, removing old gel polish at home is completely doable. We provide solutions for both time-saving and do-it-yourself preferences.

We’ll show you nine efficient methods for removing gel polish from your own space in this post. These easy methods, which include using common household items and some quick tricks, will help you restore your nails to their natural state. You’ll also avoid the headache of making an appointment and save some money.

We’ll go over everything, from using common supplies like aluminum foil and acetone to some unconventional (and possibly surprising) ideas. So gather your nail tools and get ready to quickly and easily bid that old gel polish farewell!

Do I need to remove gel polish and when to do it

Because our nails grow and regenerate on their own, it’s important to keep an eye on their appearance and change your manicure on a regular basis. You can perform this task at home without necessarily visiting a specialist in a manicure salon.

If you would rather use gel polish on your nails, you should follow the recommendation to not leave the coating on for more than two to three weeks. Technologists recommend wearing this coating for the average amount of time.

Why precisely two to three weeks?

Because the load on the nail’s tip increases as the nail grows while gel polish is applied. This may have unfortunate results, such as the nail breaking, deforming, or, in the worst case scenario, coming completely away from the nail bed. The latter requires costly, drawn-out, painful, and very unpleasant treatment.

So, ladies, make an effort to keep an eye on how long your coating is wearing and change your manicure on schedule.

How not to remove gel polish and what the consequences may be

The gel polish occasionally begins to come off the nail. This may occur a few days or two to three weeks following the manicure.

Several issues could exist:

• The first is in the gel polish itself.
• The second is that your specialist did not degrease or did not degrease the surface of the nail well, and the gel polish began to peel off.
• And the third – if peeling occurred after 2-3 weeks, it means that it is simply time to update your manicure.

It can hurt you and cling to everything when you peel off.

The main rule, however, is that you cannot pull it off the nail!

If not, you can obtain:

• Thinning of the nail plate, since along with a piece of gel polish you can also tear off the top layer of the nail, or even several layers. And so, time after time, the nails will become thinner and weaker. And painful sensations when touching nail plate, more and more unpleasant.
• Nail injury, since there is a risk of tearing the nail plate off the bed completely or partially with a piece of gel polish. For example, if the nail plate was already very thin. Treatment of this injury is expensive, painful and lasts for years.

IF THE GEL POLISH HAS PEELED AWAY FROM THE NAIL, WHAT DO YOU DO?

• Seal the area with a band-aid and make an appointment with a specialist for a manicure
• Or remove the gel polish at home yourself

Continue reading to learn how to restore your nails after removing gel polish at home.

Methods for removing gel polish

Find out what materials your specialist used to remove the coating so you can do it yourself at home. Gel nail polishes are unique. Certain polishes, like CND, IBD, Gelish, and single-phase gel polishes, are relatively simple to remove. Some are harder to get rid of, like Kodi, Bluesky, TNL, and Diamant.

The following variables may affect how difficult the removal is:

• The number of layers of gel polish applied to the nail
• Density gel polish (there are more liquid and thicker ones in density)
• Chemical composition of gel polish (the composition is dominated by a larger amount of gel or polish)

It will therefore be more difficult to remove gel polish from the nail the more layers there are on the nail, the denser the gel polish is, and the more gel there is in its chemical composition.

Gel polish can be removed primarily using two methods: filing and soaking. And based on those principles, the subsequent nine techniques for eliminating this layer have already been developed:

1. filing gel polish with a nail file
2. filing with a manicure machine
3. soaking gel polish in a bath
4. removing with vodka
5. removing with alcohol
6. removing gel polish with acetone and foil
7. removing with clamps (clothespins)
8. removing with colorless nail polish
9. removing with special wipes

Let’s discuss each technique in more detail and determine for ourselves which way of removing the old coating is more practical and acceptable.

Filing with a file

Using a nail file, remove the previous layer of gel polish as the initial step in the removal process.

For this technique, we will require:

The following file is chosen to remove gel polish: A file with a 180 grit hardness is appropriate for strong, healthy nails; a 240 grit hardness file is preferable for soft nails.

• Polishing buff
• Cotton pads

Using a file, begin removing the previous color coating. To avoid rubbing the skin around the nail, carefully file without touching it. Just the color should be filed off. Make an effort to evenly remove the gel polish’s color layer from the nail.

Use a dry cotton pad to wipe away any dust created while filing the gel polish off the nail.

After that, use a polishing buff to even out the nail’s surface. As the nail grows, we will have to smooth out all of the surface irregularities and polish the step from the gel polish at the cuticle.

Once the nail plate alignment is complete, wash your hands to remove any leftover dust and use a nourishing cream.

Advantages of this approach:

• It takes about 3 minutes per nail
• This method does not require any special skills or knowledge
• There is no chemical effect on the skin and nails

Drawbacks to this approach:

• You can accidentally file your own nail

You can see in greater detail how to use a file to remove old gel polish in this video.

It is best to forego this approach if you have never used a device of that kind and have not taken any specialized training on its operation. Since you run the risk of severely hurting the nail plate or even letting it burn from inexperience.

To use this technique, we’ll need:

• Professional manicure device

The device needs to have a minimum power of 30-60 W.

• Cutter for removing gel polish

It is best to use a ceramic cone-shaped cutter to remove gel polish.

After inserting the cutter, adjust the speed to its highest setting.

With the cutter barely touching the coating, remove the color coating by working from the nail’s base to its edge. When eliminating the nail’s color coating, the motions ought to be consistent and smooth.

Proceed to the side sections of the nail after removing the gel polish from the center.

The cutter’s movement should align with the direction in which your hand is moving.

Once the gel polish has been completely removed, wash your hands to get rid of any remaining dust and use a nourishing cream.

Advantages of this approach:

• Quick and painless removal of old gel polish
• No chemical effect on the skin and nails

Drawbacks to this approach:

• This method requires special skills and knowledge
• Due to inexperience, you can seriously injure the nail plate and even allow it to burn

Do you want to get rid of old gel polish without having to leave your house? You’re fortunate! This article provides nine simple and efficient ways to remove gel polish from your hair at home using everyday objects and methods. These pointers will assist you in getting clean, polish-free nails with the least amount of effort, whether your goal is to enjoy DIY beauty treatments or escape the headaches of going to a salon.

Soaking in a bath with a special liquid

Soaking the old gel polish in a bath of a unique liquid that contains solvent and acetone is the third method of removal.

In my opinion, this is the most INSIDIOUS method of removing old gel polish—for the hands, nails, respiratory system, and overall health. Because acetone vapors and other chemicals in this unique liquid evaporate during the process, there is a risk of allergic reactions and even respiratory illnesses. Technologists therefore strongly advise against using it.

A liquid that can be used to remove a long-lasting polymerized gel polish coating is considered special. Such a liquid typically has acetone and a solvent in it.

There are liquids without acetone, but they do contain other substances that are just as toxic, if not more so.

As a result, it is preferable to choose a liquid whose composition includes acetone. Professionally speaking, this kind of liquid is referred to as a remover for gel polish.

To use this technique, we’ll need:

• Empty bath or shallow plastic bowl
• Orange stick
• Special liquid containing acetone
• Nail file with a hardness of 180 – 240 grit
• Polishing buff
• Vaseline

Using a file, gently file the glossy top layer of gel polish to make it more matte.

The liquid gel polish will penetrate all of its layers more quickly and the coating will come off the nail more readily if the top layer is filed down a little.

Fill a basin or bath with acetone-containing liquid until the nail plates are fully submerged.

Use Vaseline to lubricate the skin surrounding your nails to shield it from harsh chemical exposure.

After dipping every nail into the bath, give it ten to twenty minutes.

The liquid bottle you select will specify the precise holding time. However, the procedure needs to be stopped right away if you experience any unpleasant burning sensations. Your hands should also be thoroughly cleaned with cold water and smeared with thick cream.

Take your hands out of the bath, wipe them with a napkin, and then use an orange stick to carefully scrape the soaked gel polish off your nails as soon as you notice that it is starting to come off.

Subsequently, use a polishing buff to carefully remove any remaining tiny bits of gel polish from your nails.

Once the entire gel polish removal process is finished, wash your hands with soap and use a moisturizing cream.

Advantages of this approach:

• This method does not require special skills and knowledge

Drawbacks to this approach:

• Strong chemical effect on the skin and nails, as a result of which they become very dry and are difficult to restore
• Evaporation of acetone vapors and other chemicals contained in a special liquid for removing gel polish can lead to an allergic reaction or even respiratory diseases

A compress of acetone and foil

The fourth removal technique involves using a compress to soak the old gel polish in a unique liquid that contains acetone and wrapping the nails in foil to produce a thermal effect.

For this technique, we will require:

• A special liquid or gel (remover) containing acetone

I thought the gel remover was great because it is very easy to use and doesn’t leak through the foil.

• Foil
• A file with a hardness of 180 – 240 grit
• A polishing buff
• Cotton pads
• Orange stick
• Vaseline

Using a file, gently file the glossy top layer of gel polish to make it more matte.

Next, divide the cotton pads into four equal parts, then cut each quarter in half.

Acetone will seep into the skin around the nails less the smaller the cotton pad piece. The fact that this piece fully encloses the nail plate is crucial.

Use Vaseline to lubricate the skin surrounding your nails to shield it from harsh chemical exposure.

Soak a piece of the liquid or gel remover in its cotton pad. Wrap the finger with foil after applying this portion of the disk to the nail. We apply this to every nail.

There are two sides to the foil: glossy and matte. This isn’t quite like that; heat is retained on the glossy side while it passes through the matte side. As a result, you must insert the foil with the glossy side facing inside.

Hold off for ten to twenty minutes.

The bottle of liquid or gel remover you select will specify the precise holding time. However, the procedure needs to be stopped right away if you experience any unpleasant burning sensations. Your hands should also be thoroughly cleaned with cold water and smeared with thick cream.

After taking off the foil from one finger to see if the gel polish has started to come off the nail, carefully scrape off the soaked gel polish using an orange stick.

If the gel polish is hard to remove, re-wrap the nail in foil and give it another three to five minutes.

Next, use a polishing buff to carefully remove any remaining tiny bits of gel polish from your nails if there are any.

Once the entire gel polish removal process is finished, wash your hands with soap and use a moisturizing cream.

Advantages of this approach:

• This method does not require special skills and knowledge

Drawbacks to this approach:

• There is a chemical effect on the skin and nails, as a result of which they dry out a lot
• Chemicals contained in a special liquid or gel for removing gel polish can cause allergies

Using clamps (clothespins)

Using a remover to soak the coating and secure it to the nails with specialized clamps is the fifth technique for getting rid of old gel polish.

For this technique, we will require:

• Remover containing acetone
• Clamps-fixers

These clamp-fixers are available for purchase on AliExpress or in manicure shops. They go by the names clamps or caps as well.

• A file with a hardness of 180 – 240 grit
• Polishing buff
• Cotton wheels
• Orange wand
• Petrolatum

The technology used in the previous method to remove the old coating with gel polish is the same; we simply use clamps to secure pieces of cotton pad on the nails.

Advantages of this approach:

• This method does not require special skills and knowledge

Drawbacks to this approach:

• There is a chemical effect on the skin and nails, as a result of which they dry hard
• The chemicals contained in the composition of the remover can lead to allergies

Vodka or alcohol

Vodka or alcohol is associated with the sixth and seventh methods of nail polish removal.

For this technique, we will require:

• Vodka or alcohol solution

Before using, alcohol must be diluted 1:1 with water. We use unadulterated, pure vodka.

• Foil or clamps-fixers
• Feed 180 – 240 grit
• Political buff
• Cotton wheels
• Orange stick
• Vaseline

The technique for removing old gel polish is the same as for the fourth and fifth methods; the only difference is that we use foil or clamps to secure pieces of cotton pad to the nails after soaking them in vodka or alcohol solution.

Take a twenty to thirty-minute break.

Should there be any remaining large or small fragments of gel polish on the nails, use a polishing buff or a file with a grit of 240 to carefully file them off.

Once the entire gel polish removal process is finished, wash your hands with soap and use a nourishing cream.

Advantages of this approach:

• This method does not require special skills and knowledge

Drawbacks to this approach:

• Vodka and alcohol dissolve gel polish very poorly, so the holding time is greatly increased, in addition, you need to additionally help yourself with a file both before and after soaking
• Skin and nails dry out due to the effect of alcohols on them

Special napkins

Soaking the old coating with specialized napkins is the eighth technique for removing old nail polish.

For this technique, we will require:

• Special wipes
• A file with a hardness of 180 – 240 grit
• A polishing buff
• Orange stick
• Vaseline or greasy cream

Gel polish removal wipes are available for purchase at nail salons or through AliExpress.com. These wipes have been dipped in a unique solution containing solvent and acetone. You can travel or go on a trip with them, which is very convenient.

Using a file, gently file the glossy top layer of gel polish to make it more matte.

Use greasy cream or Vaseline to lubricate the skin surrounding your nails to shield it from harsh chemical exposure.

Using a napkin, carefully trim the top edge of the bag containing it. Place this bag over your finger and wrap it tightly, making sure the napkin is firmly pressed against the nail plate. Apply this to every nail.

The foil-lined interior of the bag containing the napkin is the key to this technique. As a result, when you wrap your finger in this bag, a warm, moist environment is created that encourages the gel polish to peel off the nail plate more quickly.

Give it a good fifteen to twenty minutes. If, however, you experience any unpleasant burning sensations or other unpleasant sensations, you should stop the process right away, wash your hands thoroughly in cold water, and then apply a thick cream to them.

The napkin you select will specify the precise holding time.

After removing the napkin from one finger, check to see if the gel polish has started to come off the nail. If so, carefully scrape off the soaked gel polish using an orange stick.

Use a fresh napkin to wrap the nail once more if the gel polish is hard to remove, then give it another ten to fifteen minutes.

Next, use a polishing buff to carefully remove any remaining tiny bits of gel polish from the nails if there are any.

Once the entire gel polish removal process is complete, wash your hands with soap and use a nourishing cream.

Advantages of this approach:

• Convenient to use when traveling or travelling
• This method does not require special skills and knowledge

Drawbacks to this approach:

• Since the liquid on the wipes is in small quantities, the holding time and the number of wipes can increase significantly
• There is a chemical effect on the skin and nails, as a result of which they dry out a lot
• The chemicals contained in the composition of wipes for removing gel polish can lead to allergies

With transparent nail polish

Soaking the gel polish with transparent nail polish is the ninth technique for getting rid of old coatings from nails.

For this technique, we will require:

• Transparent nail polish
• Wet wipes

Apply a generous amount of transparent polish to the nail, let it sit for ten to fifteen seconds, then use a wet cloth to gently remove the polish, working your way from the nail’s tip to its root. To fully remove the previous coating from the nails, we repeat this process with each nail in turn, applying colorless varnish as many times as needed.

If the previous gel polish hasn’t been entirely removed, use a file or polishing buff with a 240 grit hardness to gently grind off any remaining coating.

Once the coating has been removed, wash your hands and use a moisturizing cream.

Advantages of this approach:

• This method does not require any special skills or knowledge
• There is no strong chemical effect on the skin and nails

Drawbacks to this approach:

• It takes a lot of time
• Not all types of gel polish can be removed, it all depends on the density and composition of the gel polish

How to simplify the removal of old gel polish

There are a few ways you can make the process of getting rid of the old coating on your nails easier:

1. Use a special peeling base for gel polish, instead of the usual one. This base is called Peel off Base Coat. Its name speaks for itself. But, there is one unpleasant moment. The coating does not last long, and after a few days it can begin to chip off in pieces, especially after taking a bath or shower.
2. Use nail oil before the manicure procedure. If you apply nail oil to your nails half an hour before the manicure, the gel polish will be removed from your nails much easier and faster. But, the durability of your manicure is not guaranteed.
3. Use the varnish square technology. I think this is the most effective method that will not affect the durability of your manicure. Before applying the base coat to your nails, you need to apply a layer of regular transparent varnish in the form of a square on clean nails one by one, stepping back from all edges of the nail plate by 2-3 mm, and let it dry.

How to restore nails after unsuccessful removal of gel polish

Therefore, you must attend to the prompt restoration of your nails if you attempted to remove the old gel polish and damaged them.

With the aid of this straightforward yet incredibly powerful nail restoration complex, we can:

1. During the week, every day, you need to apply nail oil to your nails or cover them with a medicinal varnish.
2. Once a week, for example on weekends, you can take a strengthening bath with sea salt for 15-20 minutes.
3. After the mask, it will be very good to apply cold paraffin to your hands for 20 minutes, wipe off the remains with a dry napkin.

You can use this restorative complex again if one week isn’t long enough.

Although removing old gel polish at home can seem difficult, it’s actually fairly manageable if you use the right techniques. There are a number of efficient techniques you can try without having to visit the nail salon, from applying specific nail products to using common household items. You can select the approach that best suits your requirements and tastes because each one has a unique set of instructions and resources.

The secret is to be patient and kind with your nails, regardless of whether you choose to use the traditional foil method, soak cotton balls in acetone, or experiment with more recent techniques like peel-off gel removers. Take your time and carefully follow the instructions to avoid damaging your nails and cuticles by not hurrying the process or using harsh techniques.

Recall that keeping your nails healthy is just as crucial as taking off the polish. Consider giving your nails some TLC with moisturizing treatments or nail-strengthening products after you’ve successfully removed the old gel. Maintaining healthy nails will make manicures even more delightful and lovely in the future.

You can confidently tackle gel polish removal from the comforts of your home if you keep these tips in mind. Try out various approaches to see which one suits you the best, then relish the sense of accomplishment that comes from a job well done. Cheers to polishing!

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