Whatever you do, don’t peel!
Spoiler alert: Don’t peel!
Tracy Lee Percivalis a celebrity nail artist and energy healer.
Barbara Donninelli
Why Removing Gel Nail Polish Safely Is Important
Gel polish is super shiny and lasts for weeks.
However, the dreaded removal process takes time and can seriously wreck your nails.
“Never buff, file, push, pick, or peel off gel polish,” warns Percival.
“Doing so will remove the delicate keratin layers of your nails and weaken them.
Buffing until the gel nail polish is gone will damage your nails.
Then, cut cotton pads or balls into pieces big enough to cover the entire nail.
Soak Nails in Acetone
Pour acetone into a glass bowl.
Soak fingers in the bowl for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, check your nails.
Wrap each finger with small foil strips to hold the cotton in place.
Check Progress
Wait 10 to 15 minutes and check one nail.
Scrape Remaining Polish
Take off any excess polish by gently scraping it with the cuticle stick.
It should be easy to remove at this point.
File Nails
Gently file nails to the desired length.
Avoid cutting cuticles as this can cause bleeding and lead to infection.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
(2022).ACETONE ToxFAQs.
InAgency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry(ATSDR).
