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Woman Waiting for Her Nail Polish to Dry© Canva

How to remove gel nail polish at home according to the experts

Follow these key steps


MARCH 27, 2020 3:42 PM EDT

It’s no secret many women prefer gel manicures due to it’s incredibly durable benefits. Since it usually is long-lasting and requires no-dry time, gel manis are a popular option to traditional nail polish at salons. Some women even asset their gel polish lasting up to three to four weeks without chipping. Though many people travel to the professionals to remove the gel, it’s possible to do it yourself at home with a few experts’ tips, tricks and tools. Follow the steps below to remove gel nail polish at home.

Gel nail remover© OPI

What You’ll Need:

Disclaimer, set out an hour for the process as you would do for any nail appointment. The process can be lengthy, just throw on a nice playlist and think of this as your self-love project for the day. Here’s what you’ll need: cotton rounds or cotton balls, OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover, $16, foil, OPI file 240, $3, OPI Nail & Cuticle Oil, $10, scissors if possible manicuring and cuticle sticks. OPI’s North America Education Manager, Sigourney Nunez, who does animated design, chic manis and more on her expert tips. The Latina manicurist recommends, “First cut the foil into small squares that will fit around the tip of your finger. Secondly, cut a cotton pad or cotton ball into pieces that are big enough to cover the entire nail. Then, remove the top layer of the gel polish with the nail file using light pressure.” The professional nail tech advises to start with the tip of the nail, then file the top of the nail. Try using the manicuring brush to wipe off excess dust.

Woman doing nail gel removal© @crohler

15-20 Minutes

After following those first three steps, it’s time to soak the cotton pad in the remove. First place the cotton on the entire nail, covering it completely with fluff. Then wrap the tip of your finger with the cotton pad in foil, and fold over the tip to secure in place. Repeat this process on all fingers and leave them on for 15-20 minutes.

OPI Nail & Cuticle Oil© OPI

Grand Finale

To finish off the expert technique rub the foil and cotton pad with alcohol back and forth. It’s now time to remove the foil and cotton pads off your fingers. At this point, wipe away any residue with alcohol and a cotton ball or cotton pad. Lastly, finish by applying cuticle oil to bring moisture back to cuticles. Volia, all set!