Gel Nails: Tearing Them Off Safely And Efficiently (2025)

Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those wanting a long-lasting, shiny manicure. But when it comes to removal, it can be tempting to pick, bite, or peel off the polish. However, this can cause significant damage to your nails, including brittle nails and white spots. The best way to remove gel nail polish is to soak your nails in acetone, which will gently dissolve the gel. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively remove gel nail polish at home, so you can achieve stronger and healthier nails.

How to tear off gel nails

How to avoid damaging nails when tearing off gel nails

Tearing off gel nails can be tempting, but it can cause lasting damage to your nails. To avoid damaging your nails when removing gel polish, follow these steps:

First, it is important to protect your cuticles. Acetone, which is often used to remove gel polish, can dry out your nails and the skin around them. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to your cuticles and the surrounding skin to create a barrier and minimize the damage.

Next, you can start removing the top layer of gel polish. Using a fresh nail file, gently file away the top coat seal. Be careful not to file off all the lingering polish, as this can cause nail damage. If you want to remove the entire manicure, file the top coat until the color fades and the finish becomes dull.

After filing, you can use acetone to remove the remaining polish. Cut cotton balls or pads into pieces that fit just the nail bed of each nail. Soak the cotton in acetone, then place it on your nail. Wrap your finger in foil to hold the cotton in place. Leave the wrap on for about 10 minutes.

Finally, check your nails. If any gel polish remains, re-soak in five-minute increments until all the gel is removed. You can use the remainder of the acetone from the cotton to wipe your nails clean. For any stubborn leftover polish, use an orange stick to softly scrape away the gel towards the top of your finger, never back and against the grain of the nail.

After removing the gel polish, you can give your nails a fresh manicure to help them stay strong. Gently file your nails to the desired length, pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle stick. Avoid cutting your cuticles, as this can cause bleeding and lead to infection. Apply a nail strengthener to the nail's surface, and finish by massaging an oil into each nail to hydrate and harden the cuticles.

Using acetone to tear off gel nails

Using acetone is an effective and safe way to remove gel nail polish. It is a powerful solvent that breaks down the gel formula. Other solutions, like regular nail polish remover, won't be able to cut through the tough gel, leaving you with partially removed polish.

Step 1: Prepare your nails

If you have long extensions, trimming them before removal will help speed up the process. Make sure to only trim the extension and not your natural nail. Then, file the top layer of the gel polish with a nail file. This will help speed up the removal process as it allows the acetone to penetrate better.

Step 2: Protect your skin

Acetone can irritate and damage your skin. To prevent this, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the surrounding skin.

Step 3: Soak your nails in acetone

There are two ways to do this. The first is to soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and wrap your fingers with the cotton and aluminium foil. The second is to fill a small glass bowl with enough acetone to cover your nails and then soak your nails in the bowl. For both methods, leave the acetone on for 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Remove the gel nail polish

After the waiting period, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone. If you used the cotton and foil method, remove the foils one by one. Take off the polish, then move on to the next nail. If you soaked your nails in a bowl, use a wooden cuticle pusher stick or gel scraper to gently push away any gel polish from your nail bed. Be gentle to avoid damaging your natural nails.

Step 5: Wash your hands

Wash your hands with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.

Step 6: Moisturize your nails

Acetone can make your nails dry and sensitive. To combat this, add moisture back to your nail beds with a nourishing oil. As an added hydration boost, complete your routine with a rich hand cream.

Pros and cons of tearing off gel nails at a salon

Tearing off gel nails can be damaging to the nail plate and can even rip the nail apart from the skin. Picking and peeling off gel nails can cause significant nail damage, including white spots and textural irregularities.

Pros of tearing off gel nails at a salon

• Quick removal: Salons can quickly remove gel nails by applying acetone-soaked cotton balls directly to the nails and wrapping them in aluminum foil.
• Professional tools: Salons may have professional tools, such as a nail drill, to remove any residual polish that is difficult to remove.
• Expertise: Nail technicians in salons are experienced in removing gel nails and can minimize potential damage.

Cons of tearing off gel nails at a salon

• Possible nail damage: Even at salons, improper removal can lead to damaged nail beds, lifted and jagged edges, and brittle nails.
• Health risks: The UV lights used to cure gel nail polish are associated with potential health risks.
• Cost: Getting gel nails removed at a salon may be more expensive than doing it at home.

How to tear off gel nails without using acetone

Removing gel nails without acetone can be challenging, and it will likely cause some damage to your natural nails. However, if you want to avoid using acetone, there are a few methods you can try.

One option is to peel or file your gel nails off. You can start by soaking your nails in warm water to make the process easier. Find a loose spot and lift a small part of the gel nail with your fingernail or a pair of tweezers. Then, pour water over the lifted edge and push the gel polish off. Waiting a week or two before attempting to peel off the gel nails will reduce the damage, as the gel will have had time to loosen and chip off.

You can also try using alternative removal products instead of acetone. Hand sanitizers, hydrogen peroxide, and cuticle oil are popular and effective methods. You can also try kitchen oils like olive oil, or use warm, soapy water or vinegar. Whatever method you choose, it's important to soak cotton balls or swabs in the remover and apply them to the surface of the nail, allowing the remover to work for about 10 minutes.

After removing your gel nails, it's important to moisturize your hands and nails to reduce irritation and rehydrate your skin and nails.

How to care for nails after tearing off gel nails

Tearing off gel nails can cause damage to the nail bed and surrounding areas, including the cuticle. Nails can be left brittle, paper-thin, and aching. To care for your nails after removing gel nails, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to gently buff your nails to even out the nail plates and prevent further peeling. This can be done with a high-quality buffer, being careful not to over-buff and thin the nails. Next, you can apply a nail strengthener product to help seal and protect the natural nail. It is recommended to use a nail hardener, such as the one by Fiote, and apply two layers, allowing each layer to dry before proceeding.

After the nail strengthener has been applied, you can use a buffer to bring your nails to a high-shine finish. If you wish to apply a clear coat, you can do so at this stage. Otherwise, you can leave your nails bare, enjoying their new natural shine. To finish, apply cuticle oil, which will help to soften and hydrate your cuticles, and then wash your hands.

To promote healthy nail growth, it is important to keep your hands and nails moisturized. You can use a hand cream or lotion, and it is recommended to wear cotton gloves overnight to enhance the absorption of the product. Additionally, you can apply cuticle oil to deliver vitamins and nourishment to your nails, locking in moisture with the cream.

It is advised to give your nails a break from gel manicures to allow them time to recover. Nails are slow to grow, and it can take around three to six months for them to grow back completely healthy. During this time, you can take supplements, such as biotin and multivitamins, to support nail health from within.

Frequently asked questions