You can remove gel polish at home carefully and without a drill if you follow the proper technique. The main thing is not to mechanically peel off the coating but to let it soften. This method helps keep the nail plate healthy and avoids splitting, chipping, and pain.
Why You Shouldn't Peel Off Gel Polish
Gel polish adheres to the upper layers of the nail. When it is pried off with a stick or torn off in chunks, part of the nail plate is removed along with the coating. As a result, nails become thin, brittle, and take a long time to recover. Proper removal is not about speed, but about safety.
The Only Safe Way to Remove Gel Polish Without a Drill
The home technique with foil is considered the gentlest alternative to machine removal. It is suitable for both gel polish and gel.
What You Will Need
- Cotton pads (cut into 4 pieces)
- Foil (10 rectangular pieces)
- Nail polish remover
- Orange stick
- Cuticle oil or thick nourishing cream
The compress should completely cover the nail but not extend onto the skin to avoid irritation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Soak a cotton pad generously with nail polish remover, place it on the nail, and secure it tightly with foil.
Step 2
Leave the compress on for 15–20 minutes. For shellac, usually 10 minutes is sufficient. During this time, you can gently massage the nails to help the solution penetrate the coating better.
Step 3
Remove the foil one finger at a time. Carefully peel off the softened gel polish while gently pressing the cotton pad against the nail.
Step 4
Immediately remove any remaining coating with the orange stick. If part of the material does not come off, it is permissible to very gently file it with a medium-grit file.
Step 5
After removal, apply cuticle oil or a thick cream and massage the nails well.
Step 6
Cover the nails with a therapeutic clear polish and let them rest for a few days before your next manicure.
Important Things to Remember
- Do not forcibly tear off the coating
- Do not use metal tools
- Do not leave the remover on for too long to avoid drying out the skin
- Aftercare is just as important as the removal process
Careful removal of gel polish is the key to strong and healthy nails even with regular manicures.
