How To Remove Gel or Shellac Nail Polish

I love gel nail polish.  It has such a glossy finish that stays on my hard-working hands for 7 days.  And it is immediately dry, no bumps, dents, or chips.  I changed my nail-lacquering life for. ev. er.

But after about 7 days the polish starts to lift around the edges I start to go peel-crazy.  With my nail type, peeling the polish off also peels off several layers of my finger nail, leaving peeled, damaged and unsightly nails that won't hold polish, even gel, well.  Gel polish gets a bad rap for being bad for your nails, when really it's all about the way you remove it.  Peeling = damaged nail beds.  Listen up.

Don't peel.  The RIGHT way to remove gel polish is by soaking them in 100% acetone.

First, scratch the surface of the polish thoroughly with a nail file.  This allows the acetone to seep down under the top coat.  Can you see the peeling?  It takes all the self-control I have not to just quickly rip it off.  No-no!

Next, soak a cotton ball in acetone, place it on your nail, then wrap in aluminum foil.  OR they make these handy nail envelopes with a foam pad inside.  Just pour a enough acetone to soak the pad, then slip over your nail.

Let them soak until the gel polish comes off EASILY.  It takes 7-10 minutes, so do both hands at the same time.  No scraping or scratching, please.  Just brush the flaking polish off.  If it doesn't brush off easily, put 'em back in to soak.

Wash your hands with a nail brush and apply lotion.  Viola!  You have successfully removed your gel or shellac nail polish, and you're ready to put on a fresh coat!  After you wash off the lotion, of course.

Now you're a gel/shellac pro!  My favorite gel product is Gelishhttp://gelish.com/products/gelish Nail Harmony, which you can find at Sally Beauty Supply or Amazon.co.  My favorites are, from left to right: Gossip Girl, Red Roses, Tiki Tiki Laranga, & Garden Teal Party.
 

Happy painting!

Best Nail Polishes for Kids, and Moms

Nail painting.  A word that for years was fraught with frustration & tears at our house.

With three daughters it was inevitable.  I avoided it as long as I could.  It was so rare it became like a holiday.  "EEEEKKKKKKK! Mom said YES!"

My youngest finally became a closet nail-painter at the age of 4, quietly shutting herself in the bathroom and painting her nails on the back of the toilet.  With mixed results.  I finally decided to embrace her obvious infatuation and direct her energy into painting well.

Over the years we've made some discoveries. Tiny fingers are easier to paint with mini bottles because they have mini brushes.  Being over that stage, here are a few of our finds that have changed our nail painting lives forever.

1.  Sally Hansen Insta Dri: the best thing to happen to nail painting on kids.  Dries fast.  No more fixing dings and bumps for 2 hours post-polish. Put on 2 thin coats, letting each dry completely.

2.  Sally Hansen Velvet Texture:  get the new hot matte finish.  This one dries fast too!  Variety is the spice of life, and little girls like to be fashionable too.  Best part: Sally Hansen is carried at your local grocery store or pharmacy.

3.  Gel Polish: also known as shellac, several different brands can be found at your local beauty supply.  We like Gelish & Finger Paints.  Apply a base coat, 2 color coats, & a top coat. Must dry with a lamp, either UV or LED.  Dry each coat, then wipe the final coat after drying with rubbing alcohol.  Hard shiny finish that lasts 7 days on me, the mom who washes dishes by hand.  10 days on my youngest daughter.  Win!

4.  Sensationail LED gel polish drying lamp.  LED light dries polish in 60 seconds.  UV takes 120 seconds.  Worth every penny of its $25 price-tag.  Immediate.  Dry.

5.  Nail Tools: every job is easier with the right tools.  Push cuticles, trim, & file for the best surface area and experience possible.

6.  Earn mom-of-the-year by doing nail designs.  Use dotting tools or striping brushes in contrasting polish colors to make your girl's nails pop.  Seriously, you will be adored.

These polishes and tools will ensure that nail-painting is frustration-free and creatively satisfying for you both!  I have found that I enjoy even painting my own nails, and Sunday Nail Salon has become one of the most enjoyable times of the week we spend together.

Enjoy your girl time!