How to Remove Gel Nail Polish?

Gel polish is cured hard, so it won't wipe off like regular polish — you dissolve it with acetone. Being patient (and not peeling it off) protects your natural nails.

What you need:

• Pure acetone
• Cotton balls or pads
• Aluminum foil (cut into squares) — or a gel-removal clip kit
• A nail file and a buffer
• A cuticle stick / orange stick
• Cuticle oil or hand moisturizer

Step-by-step:

1. File the shiny top coat. Gently buff the surface of each nail to break the glossy seal. This lets the acetone soak in. Don't file down to the natural nail.
2. Soak cotton in acetone. Saturate a small piece of cotton with pure acetone and place it on the nail.
3. Wrap each finger in foil. Wrap a foil square around the fingertip to hold the cotton against the nail and stop the acetone evaporating.
4. Wait 10–15 minutes. Let it soak. Warmth helps, so you can wrap your hands in a towel.
5. Gently remove the gel. Unwrap one nail. The gel should look lifted and flaky — gently push it off with a cuticle stick. Don't force or scrape hard. If it's stubborn, re-wrap and soak another 5 minutes.
6. Buff lightly and clean up any residue.
7. Moisturize. Acetone is very drying, so finish with cuticle oil and hand lotion.

Important: Never peel or bite off gel polish — it rips off layers of your natural nail and weakens them. Give nails an occasional break between gel manicures to recover.