How to Safely Remove Gel Nail Polish at Home During Quarantine

COVID-19 is taking a huge toll on hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. 

In response, the U.S. has enforced shelter-in-place measures. The order has created a ripple effect, impacting individuals and businesses in every sector, including nail care experts. 

Since getting a beautiful salon manicure isn’t an option, what should you do if it’s time to remove your gel polish? Read on to learn how to safely and easily remove your polish at home.

How to Remove Your Gel Nail Polish at Home in 6 Easy Steps

Coronavirus spreads easily, particularly through skin-to-skin contact. As a result, nearly one-third of the U.S. population has been told to stay home. 

Fortunately, there is a way to care for your nails at home, allowing you to safely remove your gel polish and protect your nails from damage. 

1. Buff Your Nails

Using a nail file of 180 grit or above (never use a coarse file as it can damage your natural nails), gently sand down the top layer of the gel polish. The goal isn’t to use the file to remove the polish. You simply want to remove its protective, shiny layer. 

2. Protect Your Skin from Over Drying

You’ll want to use 100% acetone to remove the gel polish. 

Contrary to popular belief, 100% acetone isn’t damaging to your skin. However, it is drying, so you’ll want to protect your delicate cuticles with cuticle oil/cream or Vaseline.

3. Soften the Nail Polish with 100% Acetone 

Start with two bowls – a large one with hot water and a smaller one with 100% acetone. Place the smaller bowl in the larger bowl, making sure to avoid mixing the acetone with the water. Diluted acetone won’t work, so keep the liquids separate. The goal is to use the hot water to warm the acetone so it can soften the gel polish more effectively. 

Option 1: Soak Your Nails in Acetone

Dip your fingertips and soak your nails for 10-15 minutes. The acetone will soften the polish, making it easier to remove. 

Important note: Never try to remove polish that isn’t soft – even if you’ve already soaked it in acetone for the recommended amount of time – to avoid damage. Keep soaking the polish until it softens.

Option 2: Wrap Your Nails with Acetone-Soaked Cotton Balls and Aluminum Foil

Some people prefer this option because you get to control where the acetone goes, which can protect your skin a bit more from the drying effects of the acetone. 

With this method, you’ll soak cotton balls in acetone, place them on your nails, and then wrap them with aluminum foil. Let that sit for 10-15 minutes before removing.

4. Gently Remove the Nail Polish

Once the gel nail polish is soft enough, gently remove it with a cuticle stick. 

5. Hydrate Your Skin

Moisturize your skin with a deep conditioning lotion. 

6. Start Using Nail Strengthening Products

If you’re going to apply nail strengthening products right away, swipe your nails with acetone one more time to remove any residual lotion. 

Apply strengthening, long-lasting nail polish for natural nails to help retain hydration and fortify your nails.  

Get a Beautiful Manicure in the Safety of Your Home

You don’t have to shelter-in-place with unpolished nails. Maxus Nails Essentials base and topcoats will strengthen, nourish, and protect your nails. The fast dry nail polishes are available in gorgeous colors that will make your nails look stunning. Maxus nail polishes are easy to apply and go on incredibly smooth, providing you with a salon-quality manicure at home. 

If you love our products, you should consider becoming a Maxus Ambassador. Join us now and discover some amazing perks of becoming an Ambassador.