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!