Gel nails look cool and many people think they are better than acrylic nails. Yes, they are better as they provide a firm grip, have a glossy finish and last for up to 21 days. The actual dilemma comes when it’s time to remove gel nails. How long to soak gel nails in Acetone? Will they damage your natural nails? All these questions require a satisfactory answer and we are here to provide that.
Well, whether it’s applying or removing Gel nails, you must do it very carefully or it can hurt your actual nails. Soaking your nails in acetone is one of the very common ways to remove them.
How Long To Soak Gel Nails In Acetone?
You need a detailed guide on how to remove your gel nails using acetone. Gather all your things in one place to avoid any problems. You will need
- 100% Pure acetone
- Cotton balls or pads for effective removal
- Aluminium foil
- A nail file or buffer
- Cuticle pusher or orange stick
- Cuticle oil or hand moisturizer
- Small bowl (optional)
Your skin can react to Acetone so you need to protect it. Of course, dipping your nails in acetone will result in direct contact with the skin and to avoid that, use Vaseline on your skin part.
Soaking Gel Nails in Acetone
Gel nails have a shiny glossy finish. You need to tear that apart. Use a nail filer to fill the upper layer of your nail and make it rough. This will allow acetone to seep deeper. Acetone can be harsh on the skin, so it’s wise to apply a small amount of petroleum jelly around the cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails. This will help protect these areas from the drying effects of acetone.
Steps for Soaking Gel Nails in Acetone
Now take the cotton ball, dip it gently in acetone and apply softly on your nails.
Apply the aluminium foil on the nails to keep the cotton ball in place. You need to give it time to work. Also, Acetone evaporates very quickly so aluminum foil will help seal the acetone too.
How Long To Soak Gel Nails In Acetone?
- Acetone takes a few minutes to seep in and break down the gel polish. So you need 10-15 minutes for acetone to do its work and remove gel polish. If you think your gel polish is thick and has a heavy coating, soak it for 30 minutes. You may need 5 minutes more or less to completely remove your gel polish.
- If you have a high quantity of Acetone, you can soak your nails in a bowl for quick removal. However, this is direct contact of Acetone with your skin for 15 minutes.
- Your Gel polish must start loosening after dipping it in acetone. Check if it’s lifting or peeling off. If not, repeat the soaking method for a few additional minutes.
- Never pull the softened Gel polish immediately from your nails. Instead, use a cuticle pusher to gently scrap it off. Start from the base and move forward towards the tip. If you feel the Gel is still stuck off, apply more acetone and never pull off the gel nail.
- After removing all the nails, use a buffer to smooth out rough spots.
The Aftercare Routine
Acetone makes your skin very dry. So hydrate it well to avoid any irritation or bad skin condition. Use nail oil or moisturizing hand cream to restore the moisture. For better nail health, we suggest taking time before applying new Gel nails. A few days will be better. Removing Gel nails with acetone is more about before and after care and maintenance.
Tips for a Successful Gel Nail Removal With Acetone
- Always use high-quality products. Your acetone quality can significantly reduce your time to remove Gel nails. Use good quality aluminium foil so it doesn’t tear off.
- When you are using acetone to remove gel nails, sit in a room with proper ventilation as acetone has a strong smell that can cause nausea.
- Don’t be hard on nails and if they are stuck, use acetone to soften them. Never try to peel them off.
- Hydration is very important for skin and nails. It keeps them healthy and glowing. Use good oils and moisturizer to reduce brittleness and acetone.
Can You Use a Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover to Remove Gel Nails?
No. they are not as effective as acetone. They are designed to remove common nail polish whereas gel nails require a bit stronger solution to peel off. 100% pure acetone is best for removing gel nails.
Some people use a solution of warm water and soap to melt off their Gel nails. This is also not very effective as it takes a lot of time to peel off gel nails and may not work as efficiently as it should. Moreover, some people also use the file-off gel nails method for removal. We recommend not trying it at home as you may damage your nails in the process. This process requires focus and precision and a long time too. So if you are going for it, we recommend having patience and doing it very carefully.
Remember that frequent Gel Nail removal can weaken your natural nails so apply gel nails after every few weeks.
Can You Remove Gel Nails Using Acteone At Home?
Yes, you can! However, professional handling is always better and precise. Salons also provide before and after care treatments. However, they can be heavy on a budget so doing it at home is easy on your pocket. On the other hand, removing Gel nails at home is risky as compared to Doing it professionally. Be careful with handling Acetone.
