The Best Gel Nail Polish Remover

Buying Guide

There are many benefits to using gel nail polish: for one thing, it’s incredibly durable and long-lasting, so you won’t end up with chips or fading color. Plus, gel nail polish also protects nails by providing a harder coating, which is great for those who have brittle nails or a tendency to bite their nails. However, the benefits of gel polish are also its drawbacks – it’s incredibly difficult to remove properly and safely.

Many people like the feeling of peeling off their gel polish, but this can actually harm your nails. When you peel off the gel polish, you actually end up also peeling off layers from your nail plate. Over time, this can cause your nails to become weak, thin and brittle. While your nails can recover from this damage, it can take months – and sometimes years. As a result, it’s best to avoid peeling your gel polish and remove it properly using a gel nail polish remover instead.

Ideally, it’s best to get your gel nail polish removed at a salon as they use the right tools and products to protect your nails while getting off the polish. However, not everyone has the time or the funds to regularly visit a salon, which is why at-home gel nail polish remover is so helpful. When you’re looking for the right product, make sure that it specifies it’s for removing gel nail polish – the regular kind of nail polish remover will not work effectively in this case.

• When you’re removing gel polish with gel nail polish remover, be sure to do it correctly. Otherwise, you could cause damage to your nails. Before you get started, do the right prep: Set up your supplies in a well-ventilated area, as the nail polish remover has a very strong smell. Put an old towel or pillowcase on your work surface so that you don’t stain anything with the product. You’ll also need to cut 10 small squares of aluminum foil that are the right size to wrap around each finger. Also cut up 10 small cotton balls to use on your nail beds.
• It can feel tempting to use the gel nail polish remover right away, but the best results including filing down the top coat of the polish beforehand. You want the polish to begin looking dull and rough. Do this for every nail. Next, soak the cotton ball in the polish remover. Make sure the cotton ball isn’t too large – it should just fit on your nail bed without touching your skin or cuticles. Place the cotton ball on the nail bed and then wrap your finger in the foil. You can do this for all of your fingers.
• Wait 10 minutes, and then remove the foil and cotton balls. The gel polish should be loose at this point thanks to the gel nail polish remover. Use a cuticle stick to chip away the polish from your nails. Gently buff your nails if you have any remaining polish. Some gel nail polish removers use a different formula, so they can be applied directly to the nails and don’t require being wrapped in foil. Be sure to read the instructions before you begin.
• It’s important to moisturize your nails, so use a cuticle oil and gently massage it into your cuticles. This will help to keep your nails healthy and nourished.