The other night, I was sitting on my couch, staring at my chipped neon gel nails, remembering how obsessed I was with them two weeks ago. Now? Not so much. I wanted a fresh start, but I also didn’t want to destroy my nails in the process. If you’ve ever been there too, don’t worry—I’ve got you.
Gel nail polish is best removed by gently filing the top layer, soaking nails in acetone-soaked cotton wrapped in foil, waiting 15 minutes, and carefully buffing and moisturizing afterward to protect nail health.
If you’ve ever tried peeling gel polish off (no judgment—I’ve done it), you already know how tempting it is. But trust me, there is a right way to do this without leaving your nails thin, bendy, and sad. Let me walk you through it like I would if we were doing this together at home.
How to Remove Gel Nail Polish at Home (My Go-To Method)
I used to think gel manicures were basically forever. I’d treat myself at the salon—sometimes even splurge on nail art—then weeks later wonder, how long does a gel manicure last anyway? Spoiler: longer than your patience. When it’s time for a change, removing gel polish is a bit of a process, but doing it right makes all the difference. Before we get into the steps, let’s talk about what not to do.
How Not To Remove Gel Nail Polish
Gel manicures get such a bad reputation, and honestly? A lot of it comes down to removal mistakes. If you pry, peel, or rip your gel nail polish off when it starts lifting, you’re basically taking layers of your natural nail with it. I know—it’s weirdly satisfying, but also incredibly damaging.
Gel polish is not meant to be peeled off, even when it looks like it’s ready. Doing it the slow, proper way might feel annoying, but your nails will thank you later.
How To Remove Gel Nail Polish
Okay, let’s do this the right way. Here’s exactly how I remove gel nail polish when I want it gone ASAP—but safely.
1. File the tops of your nails
The first thing I do is grab a nail file and gently file the top layer of the gel polish. This breaks the seal and helps the acetone work faster. If you’ve ever had gel polish professionally removed, this is always step one.
2. Soak and wrap
Next, I soak cotton balls or cotton pads in pure acetone (this is not the time for regular nail polish remover). I place one on each nail and wrap my fingertips in aluminum foil to hold everything in place. If your non-dominant hand is struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Hot Tip: No cotton pads? I’ve totally used paper towels or napkins in a pinch. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
3. Wait it out
This is where patience comes in. I usually turn on a comfort show or a podcast because your hands will be pretty useless. After about 15 minutes, I check one nail. If the gel polish looks like it’s lifting or sliding off, you’re good to go. If not, rewrap and wait a little longer.
4. Buff your nails
Once the gel polish wipes away easily, I remove the foil and cotton and gently buff my nails. This smooths out rough spots and helps remove any lingering discoloration from darker polish shades.
5. Pamper your cuticles
Acetone does not play nice with skin, so this step is non-negotiable for me. I massage cuticle oil into my nails, then slather my hands with a rich moisturizer. One of my favorites is L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm – Face, Neck, Chest and Hands (available on Amazon). It’s insanely nourishing and makes my hands feel human again.
And just like that, you’re free from your gel nail polish and ready for whatever manicure comes next.
Final Thoughts
Removing gel nail polish doesn’t have to be scary or damaging if you slow down and do it the right way. A little filing, pure acetone, patience, gentle buffing, and serious moisture—especially for your cuticles—go a long way in keeping your nails healthy. I’ve learned the hard way that peeling is never worth it, no matter how tempting it is.
Think of gel polish removal as part of your self-care routine, not a chore. Put on your favorite show, take your time, and finish with a nourishing balm like L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm – Face, Neck, Chest and Hands (available on Amazon) to give your hands some love. Your future nails will thank you—and you’ll be more than ready to plan your next manicure moment.
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When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.