By Loni Venti and Audrey Noble, Harper's Bazaar
Your mani may not be the most pressing thing on your mind these days. But with nail studios and spas closed until further notice, you will likely come to a point where your gel, acrylic, or dip nails require maintenance that only a pro can offer. Aside from visible regrowth not looking quite as fresh or polished as you’d like, letting the polish grow too far can strain the health of your nails, leaving them frail and damaged (due to weight imbalance and lifted, jagged edges).
Your best bet: take it all off. We asked nail industry experts for the safest, simplest way to strip away gel, acrylic, and dip powder. With a couple key tools (you might need to do some online shopping for this) and a little patience you’ll have healthy, naked nails in no time
Your mani may not be the most pressing thing on your mind these days. But with nail studios and spas closed until further notice, you will likely come to a point where your gel, acrylic, or dip nails require maintenance that only a pro can offer. Aside from visible regrowth not looking quite as fresh or polished as you’d like, letting the polish grow too far can strain the health of your nails, leaving them frail and damaged (due to weight imbalance and lifted, jagged edges).
Your best bet: take it all off. We asked nail industry experts for the safest, simplest way to strip away gel, acrylic, and dip powder. With a couple key tools (you might need to do some online shopping for this) and a little patience you’ll have healthy, naked nails in no time
HOW TO REMOVE GEL
We know too well the temptation that comes with wanting to pick and peel off your gel polish. That moment of satisfaction will be fleeting, but the damage you inflict on your nails could take weeks to repair. Sarah Gibson Tuttle, CEO and founder of the celeb-favorite nail salon Olive & June, shares the rundown on how to safely remove a gel manicure at home.
1.File It Down
Don't overthink it: removing gel nails at home is the same exact process as the salon. First, you're going to want to grab a fresh nail file (we love ones from Tweezerman at any drugstore). Tuttle says if one nail breaks or chips, file it down to a shape that you want and to leave it alone after if you can. If you want to take the entire manicure off completely, start by carefully filing away just the topcoat seal.2. Soak It Off
Now for the step that will test your patience. Place a cotton ball soaked in acetone on each of your nails, then wrap the tip of your finger in foil to hold the ball in place. Let your nails soak for for about ten to 15 minutes, letting them go longer if the polish doesn't easily slide off. Tuttle says if you want to expedite the soaking process (and make the experience more spa-like), wrap your hands in a warm towel.3. Remove Gently
If the polish isn't easily sliding off, grab a fresh acetone-soaked cotton ball and place it on the nail for a few more minutes. Once all the polish is off, add moisture back to your nail beds with an oil like CND's Solar Oil or Olive & June's cuticle serum.HOW TO REMOVE ACRYLIC AND DIP POWDER
The products used for acrylic and dip nails are pretty similar formulations, explains Julie Kandalec, Celebrity Manicurist and Author of Nail Art Design Book. The biggest difference is in how they are layered and applied. And while it might be tempting to try and learn how to fill in the regrowth DIY-style, little mistakes like not prepping properly or applying too far past your cuticle can really damage your nails. Carefully stripping it off is the safest way to go. Kandalec recommends following the same process for both acrylic and dip. It’s not that different from gel removal, just with a few extra steps and a little more time.
1. Carefully File It Down
Tip: Resist the urge to cut your nails before you start removing.Using a coarse nail file (Kandalec recommends a 100 grit file for this step), rough up the surface of just the acrylic or dip enhancement. Be very careful to avoid your natural nail and cuticle to prevent damage. Thin it out as much as you can. The thinner the enhancement is, the more easily acetone—coming in the next step—will penetrate.
Tip: Resist the urge to cut your nails before you start removing. This can actually crack the acrylic/dip and damage your healthy natural nails underneath, explains Kandalec. Wait until all of your enhancements have been removed and then you can cut or file to whatever length you like.
2. Prep Your Soaking Station
Pour 100% pure acetone into a glass bowl or shallow coffee mug. You’ll want to soak one hand at a time so that you have your other hand free to check on the progress of your removal (and send texts, eat snacks, adjust your face mask, or whatever you’re up to). Before dipping your hands in, rub cuticle oil all around your cuticle and finger tip to keep your skin protected and hydrated. You’ll also want to have a buffer and a towel handy too.3. Soak & Buff
Place your hand in the acetone and cover it with your towel. Your body heat will help the acetone work faster. Note: Never try to heat up acetone with anything more than body heat (it’s flammable). Put on a show or call a friend, and after about 15 mins check your progress. It won't be gone just yet, but it will soften and be almost gummy, notes Kandalec. Grab your buffer and gently buff the acrylic or dip away. Keep alternating between these—soaking and gently buffing—until it evaporates completely and you’re left with naked nails. Once you’ve finished, hydrate and nourish your skin and nails with a rich hand cream, cuticle oil, and a repairing nail treatment (like peptide-infused Dermelect Natural Nail Repair).
See more at: Harper's Bazaar
