How to remove UV gel? doesn't come off with nail polish remover?

Optimistic · 11-23-2011, 08:05 AM

So, my natural nails have grown and I want to remove the gel and polish and file them thinner to look more natural and just continue to let my own grow... but I took an hour trying to get 3 nails down, the uv gel wasn't coming off with my nail polish remover and I have a good one. so I had to file on top of the uv gel, took me too long... what helps? besides going to the nail shop and having them do it.
Thanks for your advice.

Claudia Iacovetto · 11-23-2011, 10:02 AM

If you had had a REPUTABLE, QUALIFIED, SKILLED, KNOWLEDGABLE tech, they would have told you at the time of application that true, traditional gel CAN NOT BE SOAKED OFF IN ANY SOLVENT!! It must in all cases be filed, buffed off by a professional to prevent damage to your natural nails.
If I were you, I would go to a salon to just have the "bulk" removed and have them buffed flush to your natural nail so that you can continue to allow your nails to grow out. A professional should be able to use an efile to safely and quickly remove the bulk and get you where you want to be.
If you want to do it yourself, I suggest you get a 100/180 grit board file and a four way buffer block and take your time to file them down yourself. If you carefully use the 100 grit side to remove the bulk across the top of your nail (staying away from your natural nails), then the 180 side to refine the shape, you can finish up with the buffer block to get them pretty flush to your natural nail. Just make sure you are very careful to NOT file on your natural nails. Then I would purchase a good strengthening top coat to apply to them every third day and continue to keep the length filed until all the gel grows out.