Can I remove gel manicure by myself?

Can I Remove Gel Manicure at Home?

A gel manicure is a durable and aesthetically pleasing nail styling method that requires proper technique and tools both for application and removal. Removing a gel manicure at home may seem simple, but in reality, it is a process that demands precision and experience. Incorrectly performing this task can result in serious damage to the nail plate and a general deterioration of nail health.

Why Is Removing Gel Manicure at Home Risky?

A gel manicure differs from a hybrid (gel polish) manicure because the gel is a harder and more durable material. It cannot simply be dissolved in acetone, as is the case with hybrid polishes. To remove gel, it is necessary to file down its layers mechanically. Without the proper tools and knowledge of the technique, you may end up with:

Nail Plate Damage
Incorrect filing of the gel, especially using a coarse or improper nail file or electric file (drill), can damage the natural nail plate. Over-filing can make the nails thin, brittle, and prone to breaking.
Irritation of Cuticles and Surrounding Skin
Without precision and experience, you risk irritating or injuring the cuticles and the skin around the nails. This can lead to painful micro-injuries and increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.
Uneven Gel Removal
Removing gel requires gradual and controlled filing of each layer. Lack of experience can result in uneven nail surfaces and leftover gel residue, making it difficult to achieve a clean finish for the next manicure.
Weakened Nails
Incorrect gel removal can significantly weaken nails, making them more susceptible to splitting, breaking, and mechanical damage.

How Is Gel Manicure Professionally Removed?

In a beauty salon, the process of removing a gel manicure is performed by a qualified nail technician using specialized tools, such as:

Electric Nail Drill (File) – This tool allows for precise and controlled removal of gel layers. The technician adjusts the speed and type of drill bit according to the thickness of the gel and the condition of the nail plate.
Nail Files with Different Grit Levels – The top layer of gel is removed with a coarse file, followed by finer files to gently remove the remaining gel and smooth the nail surface.
Nail Care Tools – After the gel is removed, the nails are treated by buffing the plate, applying strengthening products, and moisturizing the cuticles with nourishing oils.

What Are the Alternatives to Removing Gel at Home?

If you are unable to visit a beauty salon, there are some precautions you can take to safely remove your gel manicure at home. Here are a few steps to consider:

Gently File the Gel Layer
Use a nail file with a grit of 180 or higher to carefully file down the top layer of the gel. Avoid aggressive filing and stop when you get close to the natural nail plate.
Soften the Gel Residue with Acetone (Partially Effective)
In some cases (when the manicure includes a hybrid polish topcoat), you can soften the gel residue using acetone. Apply acetone-soaked cotton pads to your nails, wrap them in aluminum foil, and leave them for 10-15 minutes. Then, gently try to remove the remaining gel with a wooden stick.
Nail Care After Gel Removal
After removing the gel, apply a strengthening nail treatment and regularly use cuticle oil to help restore the nail plate.

While it is possible to remove a gel manicure at home, it comes with the risk of damaging your nails and skin. Without the right tools and skills, you may cause serious issues such as thinning and brittle nails. Therefore, it is best to have the gel removed by a professional nail technician in a beauty salon, where the procedure is carried out with high standards of hygiene and safety. If you decide to remove the gel yourself, proceed with caution and use proper nail care products.

Compendium of knowledge about Gel Manicure

Back to Gel Manicure treatment