Acetone offers the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home, says board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, FAAD.
Repeat on all 10 nails. Then, let your nails soak for for about 10 to 15 minutes, letting them go longer if the polish doesn't easily slide off. You'll know the acetone has fully removed the gel when the polish looks lifted from the nail.
Remover: You have a few replacement options to use instead of acetone. Hand sanitizers, hydrogen peroxide, and cuticle oil are some of the most popular and effective methods. You can also try a kitchen oil like olive oil. If you have nothing else on hand, warm, soapy water or vinegar can be used to remove gel nails.
Hand sanitizer
The good news is that most sanitizers contain a little bit of alcohol, which is a good solvent to soften nail polish. Soak your nails in lukewarm water to soften them, then wet a cotton ball with sanitizer and use it to wipe off the nail paint. Repeat till all is gone!
If you are finding it difficult to peel the nail off under running water, try using olive oil or cuticle oil instead. Cover the gel nail and the fingernail you are using to push the gel nail off with oil. Then, slide your nail under the gel nail and gently push it off. Apply more oil as needed.
The danger with keeping your nail polish on too long is that the pigment in the nail polish can soak into the top few layers of the nail and dry it out, Dr. Rowland says. When that happens, fungus, yeast, bacteria, mold and mildew can develop underneath the nail plate, which can lead to long-term problems.
Since gel nail polish can be worn for weeks on end without even the tiniest chip, stretching the life of your manicure is tempting. However, Hadley suggests removing a gel manicure after two to three weeks maximum to avoid damaging nail beds and cuticles.
Soak your nails in warm water with a few drops of dish soap and a teaspoon of salt. Leave your hand submerged in the water for at least 30 minutes. Then, gradually peel off the old gel coating as it loosens, yes it is a 'piece by piece' process.
The gel topcoat is a tough, nearly impermeable layer that seals the color in place—that's why gel manis are able to last for weeks instead of days. Scratching the surface with a coarse nail file will help the acetone to penetrate without a hitch.
Having gel polish removed at the salon can cost up to $10, at least where I live in San Francisco. Save yourself some cash and a trip to the spa by removing it at home using regular acetone polish remover and petroleum jelly.
One way is to soak a cotton ball in vinegar and hold it on the nail for about 10 minutes. The vinegar will break down the gel polish, allowing you to remove it with a nail file or an orange stick. You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove the gel polish.
Baking soda
Because it's slightly abrasive, baking soda can help break down and buff away nail polish. Simply sprinkle some on your nails, and use a damp dish towel or old toothbrush to massage it in. Baking soda is gentle, and it takes time to wear away at the polish, so be patient!
Acetone offers the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home, says board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, FAAD.
Gel pedicures can cause your nails to become brittle, peel and crack. Furthermore, the constant usage of gel nails could lead to skin cancer. If insisting on using gel nails for fingers and toes, Dr. Mark Forman DPM, M.B.A., FAPWCA strongly suggests taking breaks in between salon visits.
For gel nails, take a break for a week at least once every eight weeks to allow the nails to rehydrate and to allow repair of the underlying structures. “An emollient applied directly to the nail and cuticle oil will also aid recovery,” said Batra.
"There's just less wear and tear on your toes, even if you're on your feet all day," she says. Gel manicures usually look decent for two to three weeks, depending on your technician's skill level and the product that was used, so you can expect even more wear from a gel pedicure.
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips: Be proactive with your manicurist.
How Long Do Gel Pedicures Last? Gel pedicures can last anywhere from two weeks to a month—similar to gel manicures—as long as you take care of your toes. "They can last up to four weeks depending on your choice of shoe, what kind of activities you're doing, and how fast your nails grow," notes Green.
Soak it Off
If the running water or oil did not help loosen your manicure, try to use a warm water soak. Fill a bowl with warm water, dish soap, and salt. Submerge your nails in this mixture for 15-20 minutes. Once the time is up, dry your hands and you should notice the polish starting to come off.
"Combine an equal amount of white vinegar and natural orange juice and mix together," she says. "Dip the cotton ball/pad in the mixture and press on your fingernails for about 10 seconds until the nail polish softens. Then, pull down the cotton pad to remove the polish."