How to Remove Gel Polish, Fake Nails, Builder Gel, Acrylic, Polygel, Diamond Gems off Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide

This comprehensive guide covers removal methods for all types of nail enhancements, including gel polish, fake nails, builder gel, acrylic, poly gel, and diamond gems. Follow these steps to remove your nail enhancements and maintain healthy natural nails safely. Save this guide for all your nail removal needs!

Table of Contents

• How to Remove Gel Polish
• How to Remove Builder Gel and Acrylic Nails
• How to Remove Fake Press-On Nails
• How to Remove Diamond Gems and Nail Charms
  • How to Remove Large Gems
  • How to Remove Small Gems
  • How to Remove Gems from Nails
• Why Gel Nail Polish Remover Works
• Salon vs. At-Home Removal
• Aftercare for Natural Nails
• Conclusion

How to Remove Gel Polish

Main tools: Nail file, dust brush, tweezers, small steel pusher, sponge file, polishing strip, aluminum foil, cotton, nail polish remover, nourishing oil

1. File: Use the fine side of a nail file to gently buff the nail surface in a side-center-side pattern.
2. Clean: Use a dust brush to clean the nail surface.
3. Filing result: The nail surface should be covered with file marks but not completely stripped of color.
4. Apply remover: Cut appropriate sizes of aluminum foil. Saturate cotton with enough nail polish remover.
5. Use tweezers to completely cover the nail surface with the cotton.
6. Wrap the cotton with aluminum foil, ensuring it's well-sealed. And wait 5-10 minutes, then remove the entire wrap.
7. Remove softened gel: Use a small steel pusher to gently push off the softened gel. Be gentle to avoid damaging the nail surface.
8. Use the fine side of a sponge file to gently remove any remaining gel and buff the nail surface.
9. Clean again: Use the dust brush to clean the nail surface.
10. Polish: Use a polishing strip to polish the nail surface, starting with the coarse side and finishing with the fine side.
11. Apply nourishing oil: Apply nourishing oil to the cuticle area and massage until absorbed.
12. Finish: The nail surface should be clean without residue and not noticeably thinned.

For builder gel or acrylic nails, start by trimming excess length with nail clippers. Then, use an electric nail drill to thin the enhancement slightly for faster soaking, or gently file with a nail file. Follow the gel polish removal steps above (wrapping with acetone-soaked cotton and foil). The process is similar for both UV gel and acrylic nails.

How to Remove Fake Press-On Nails

1. Trim: Use nail clippers to trim the fake nails to the same length as your natural nails.
2. Loosen: Gently press the fake nail's front edge and use a small steel pusher or wooden stick to carefully pry open the base, creating a gap.
3. Apply remover: Use a brush or cotton swab to apply nail glue remover to the gap. Wait a few seconds for the glue to dissolve.
4. Remove: Apply more remover to dissolve deeper glue and gently lift off the fake nail.
5. Clean up: Immediately wipe or file off any residue on the nail surface.
6. Polish and nourish: Buff the nails and apply nourishing oil.

How to Remove Diamond Gems and Nail Charms

How to Remove Large Gems:

1. Find the gem's easy-to-lift point and use gem removal pliers to clip off the four corners of the alloy gem. Be gentle to avoid damaging the nail.
2. After clipping the corners, pry open from the gem's base. Don't clip forcefully all at once; gradually clip along the base edge.

How to Remove Small Gems:

Small gems are easier to remove. Simply clip the glue at the base of the small gem to quickly remove it.

How to Remove Gems from Nails:

1. For acrylic powder-adhered gems that are very secure, file grooves on both sides of the gem, then use gem removal pliers to clip from these grooves.
2. For nails fully covered in gems, start removing from the nail tip, working gradually towards the base. Never remove a large area at once to avoid causing pain.
3. The removal method for large and small gems is similar. Consider using old cuticle nippers for gem removal - they work well.

Why Gel Nail Polish Remover Works on Various Enhancements

Gel Nail polish remover, especially those containing acetone, effectively removes UV gel, acrylic gel, and some nail tips because it's a powerful solvent. It works by breaking down the polymer chains in these nail products, causing them to soften and dissolve. This allows for easier removal without excessive force that could damage the natural nail. Nail polish removers typically contain solvents that can dissolve nitrocellulose and resins, the main components of nail enhancements.

Salon vs. At-Home Removal

While these methods can be done at home, professional salons often have specialized tools and products for quicker and safer removal. If you're unsure or dealing with stubborn enhancements, consider visiting a professional nail technician.

Aftercare for Natural Nails

• Keep nails and cuticles hydrated with regular application of nourishing cuticle oil.
• Use a nourishing hand cream.
• Consider taking a break from enhancements to allow natural nails to strengthen.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in biotin for healthy nail growth.

Conclusion

With these step-by-step methods, you can safely remove various nail enhancements at home. Remember to be patient and gentle throughout the process to protect your natural nails. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to seek professional help at a reputable nail salon.