How To Take Off Salon Gel Polish
Salon gel polish is a popular choice among women who want to keep their nails looking great for a long time. It is a type of nail polish that is cured under UV light and can last for up to three weeks without chipping or peeling. However, removing salon gel polish can be a bit tricky, especially if you don't know what you're doing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to take off salon gel polish.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You will need:
- Acetone
- Nail file or buffer
- Cotton balls or pads
- Tin foil
- Orange stick or cuticle pusher
- Hand cream or cuticle oil
You can find acetone at most drugstores or beauty supply stores. Make sure you get the pure acetone, not the one with added scents or oils.
2. File or Buff Your Nails
Using a nail file or buffer, gently file the top layer of your gel polish. Be careful not to file too hard, as you don't want to damage your natural nails. You only need to remove the top shiny layer, so that the acetone can penetrate the polish.
3. Soak Your Nails
Now it's time to soak your nails in acetone. Take a cotton ball or pad and saturate it with acetone. Place the cotton ball/pad onto your nail and wrap it with a piece of tin foil. Do the same for all your nails and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a bowl of acetone and soak all your fingers at once, but be careful not to spill the acetone.
4. Remove The Foil and Cotton Ball/Pads
After the 10-15 minutes are up, remove the tin foil and cotton ball/pad from each nail. The gel polish should be soft and easy to remove. You can use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently push off the polish. If the polish doesn't come off easily, you can soak your nails for a few more minutes.
5. Moisturize Your Nails
Now that your gel polish is off, it's important to moisturize your nails. Acetone can be drying to your nails and cuticles, so apply a hand cream or cuticle oil to keep them hydrated. You can also buff your nails to remove any remaining residue.
By following these steps, you should be able to take off your salon gel polish without damaging your natural nails. Remember to always moisturize your nails after using acetone, and give your nails a break from gel polish every once in a while to prevent damage.