How do I remove UV gel nail polish?

David C · 11-26-2011, 08:57 AM

Hey, I recently had a manicure at a salon and I had the staff apply colored UV gel on my nails because they recommended it, said it would last longer etc. It's been about 3 weeks now and I'd like to get the gel off of my nails. But I'm on vacation, with not many shops (let alone nail salons) and I'd like to do it on my own. I do have acetone, cotton buds and other stuff that might come in handy.

My question is, how can I remove gel from my nails without visiting a salon? I've heard about soak-off gel but I'm not sure if the one they used back at the salon was this kind. Are all gels used at salons a soak-off kind? Is there any other kind? Because I've been listening to rather confusing stuff like a) that the gel can only be filed off or b) that the gel can be removed if soaked in acetone etc. So, what are the different kinds of gels that are used in manicures and is it possible to remove any of them at home?

P.S. I wouldn't bother to call my salon as I'm pretty sure they'd insist on scheduling an appointment as soon as I return to have my gels removed. There has to be a DIY at-home method

All answers appreciated from people who do know, especially from nail techs

Sherelle · 11-27-2011, 09:05 AM

If they applied the shellac nail gel then you can saturate the the cotton pads in acetone and wrap then around the nails and let it soak for about 15 minutes or until the gel is pretty soggy, then you use an orangewood stick to scrape away the remainin uv gel, then you can buff away what ever is left over with a white buffing block.

Claudia Iacovetto · 11-28-2011, 06:56 AM

If a soakable type of gel polish was used, then yes, you can use a file to remove the shiny topcoat from your nails then soak them off using the acetone/cotton/foil method.
However, if they used traditional hard gel--IT WILL NOT SOAK OFF IN ANY SOLVENT!! It must be filed/buffed off by a professional to prevent damage to the natural nail