How to Remove Nail Polish from Gel Nails
CEO/Founder Of Bela Beauty College
To remove nail polish from gel nails, gently buff the topcoat, soak your nails in acetone using the foil wrap method for 10–15 minutes, then slide off the softened polish with a cuticle pusher. Always moisturise afterward to keep your nails healthy.
Why Removing Nail Polish from Gel Nails Requires a Different Method
Removing nail polish from gel nails isn’t as simple as wiping it off with regular remover. Here’s why:
Layered products: Gel manicures use a cured base, and when you apply regular polish on top, you’re stacking formulas. This layering makes removal tricky.
Topcoat chemistry: Gel topcoats are resistant to acetone, so even regular polish clings tighter to the surface.
Risk of damage: Using the wrong method can lift or damage the gel base underneath, leading to peeling, cracking, or nail plate trauma.
This is why knowing proper removal techniques is essential—especially when you’re also trying to understand what is the difference between acrylic and gel nail systems. Each type has different chemical properties and reacts differently to removers.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
To safely remove nail polish from gel nails at home, gather these essentials:
- 100% pure acetone
- Cotton pads or balls
- Aluminum foil (pre-cut squares work best)
- Nail file (180-240 grit)
- Cuticle pusher or orangewood stick
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil or vitamin E oil
- Gel remover clips (optional but helpful)
- Petroleum jelly (optional skin protector)
Step 1 – Gently Buff the Nail Surface to Break the Seal
Buffing lightly is a must—but don’t overdo it.
- Use a fine-grit nail file to gently remove the shine from the top coat.
- Focus only on breaking the seal of the polish—not filing into the gel layer.
- Be patient. Rushing this step or filing too deep can damage the gel base and even your nail bed.
Tip from Bela Beauty College: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your cuticles before the next step to protect your skin from acetone.
Step 2 – Use the Soak-and-Wrap Method
This is the safest and most effective way to lift the polish without harming your gel base.
- Soak cotton pads in acetone until saturated but not dripping.
- Place each pad over a nail, then wrap with foil snugly.
- Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Acetone will soften the top polish layer and loosen its grip.
Optional: Use gel polish remover clips to hold the cotton in place instead of foil for less mess and more control.
Step 3 – Remove Gently and Nourish Your Nails
Once soaked, carefully slide off the softened polish.
- Use a cuticle stick or pusher to gently push away polish starting from the cuticle to the tip.
- If it resists, don’t force it. Re-wrap and soak for a few more minutes.
- Once clean, buff lightly to smooth any surface texture.
Aftercare is crucial:
Hydrate your nails with:
- Cuticle oil or vitamin E oil
- Nail strengthener if nails feel soft or thin
Hand cream or moisturising lotion
Alternative Methods for Sensitive Nails
1. Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover Pads
- Less harsh on the skin but may take longer.
Best for removing just regular polish sitting on gel—not for removing the gel itself.
2. Peelable Base Coat Under Polish
Great preventive tip: Apply a peelable base coat before painting over gel so you can lift off the top layer cleanly.
3. Steam Removal Systems
- These use heat and vapor to loosen polish—available in some nail salons or online.
- More expensive but non-damaging and skin-friendly.
Nail Aftercare: Restore Strength and Moisture
Post-removal care matters as much as the removal itself. The nail plate may be dry or stressed, even if you did everything right.
Hydration Tips:
- Apply cuticle oil twice a day for a week.
- Use a nail hardener to rebuild nail strength.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.
- Avoid another gel or polish treatment for at least 5–7 days to give your nails breathing time.
Suggested Aftercare Routine from Bela Beauty College:
- Day 1: Cuticle oil + nail strengthener
- Day 2–5: Moisturising routine + biotin supplements
- Day 6: Light buffing and oil treatment
- Day 7: Ready for a new manicure
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Removal
Skipping important steps or using shortcuts can ruin your gel base—or worse, your natural nails.
Don’t do this:
- Peeling or picking at polish – it lifts the gel base or top nail layers
- Over-filing – thins out natural nail and causes breakage
- Skipping cuticle care – leads to hangnails, dryness, and irritation
- Using old acetone – loses potency and slows down removal process
- Scrubbing aggressively – damages the nail surface
If you’re unsure, visit a professional. Bela Beauty College trains nail techs to remove polish safely while preserving your nail health.
FAQs: Removing Nail Polish from Gel Nails
Can I use regular polish remover on gel nails?
No. Regular removers are too weak to break through gel or even polish layered over it. You need 100% acetone for effective removal.
Will acetone damage my gel base?
Not if you’re careful. Acetone removes polish but prolonged exposure can weaken the gel. Always keep soak time within 15 minutes and moisturise afterward.
Can I repaint over my gel base?
Yes, as long as the gel isn’t lifting. Lightly buff and clean before reapplying polish. Use a peel-off base next time if you want easy removal.
What if the polish won’t come off?
Soak longer. Try wrapping again for 5–10 minutes. Avoid scraping too hard—that’s where damage happens.
How often can I layer polish over gel?
We recommend once between gel fills. Repeated layering and removal can build too much product, stressing your natural nail underneath.
Safe Polish Removal Over Gel Nails
Removing nail polish from gel nails isn’t difficult—but doing it safely is what truly matters.
By following the three-step method above and practicing good aftercare, you can keep your gel manicure intact while enjoying the flexibility of switching up your polish color.
Whether you’re doing a DIY job at home or teaching others like we do at Bela Beauty College, always priorities the health of your natural nails.
