How can I remove gel polish at home?

You'll need to use an acetone-based remover to remove gel polish, likeGel Remover100% Pure AcetoneMagic Gel RemoverFollow our steps and video tutorials above for instructions on how to properly and effectively remove your gel polish using these products.

How To Remove Gel Polish

Removing gel polish at home correctly is important for the overall health of your nails. It's not a tricky process, but you need to have the right removal tools on hand and the right knowledge.

Read our step-by-step below and watch our video tutorials to learn the safest and best way to remove gel polish, Builder Gel, and other gel extensions.

How to Remove Gel Polish, Builder Gel, & Gel Nail Extensions Using Gel Remover or 100% Acetone

Our Gel Remover and 100% Pure Acetone are the best universal methods for removing gel polish, Builder Gel, Magic Extender Gel, and Fix 'N' Flash Tips. Both work in similar ways and require the same methods.

Here's how to use it:

Buff the surface of the nails with a nail file to remove the shine of the top coat. This must be done firmly as the surface must be opened up to allow you to penetrate the lacquer, but be careful not to damage the nail.

If removing Builder Gel, Magix Extender Gel, or Fix ‘N’ Flash Tips, you’ll need to file down the bulk of the gel (around 90%).
Soak a cotton pad or nail wipe with Gel Remover or 100% Pure Acetone and place onto the nail plate, securing with a foil wrap. You can also use the Gel Polish Soak Off Clips to secure instead of foil. Alternatively, use a Remover Foil Wrap and dampen the pad inside before securing with the wrap.
After 10-15 minutes, firmly pull the pads off your nails. Then, gently push away any loose product with a Gel Scraper or orange stick.
If there is product remaining on the nail, re-buff and re-wrap.
Once all the product is removed, wash your hands, then apply cuticle oil and hand cream to hydrate those nails.

How to Remove Gel Polish Using Magic Gel Remover

Our Magic Gel Remover is a nifty bottle of acetone-based remover that removes gel polish in just 6 minutes. It's perfect if you're short on time and need a quick removal method.

Here's how to use it:

Buff your nails to remove the shine of the top coat.
Apply a generous layer of Magic Gel Remover over the gel, avoiding the skin.
Leave it on for 6 minutes. During this time, it should start to bubble.
Use a scraper or a wooden cuticle pusher to scrape off the polish.
Wash your hands immediately after use.

Top Tips for Removing Gel Polish & Gel Extensions

When using any acetone-based product on your nails, use cuticle oil and hand cream to nourish and hydrate your nails and skin.
Always thoroughly wash your hands after using any acetone-based gel removers.
We recommend using our Gel Remover or Pure Acetone for removing Builder Gel, Magic Extender Gel, or Fix 'N' Flash Tips rather than the Magic Gel Remover.

Shop Our Gel Removal Essentials

FAQs

You'll need to use an acetone-based remover to remove gel polish, like

Gel Remover
100% Pure Acetone
Magic Gel Remover

Follow our steps and video tutorials above for instructions on how to properly and effectively remove your gel polish using these products.

No – a regular nail polish remover won’t be able to strip down or cut through the gel.

You need to use a gel nail polish remover that contains acetone to effectively remove your gel nails, such as our Magic Gel Remover, 100% Pure Acetoneor Gel Remover solution.

You need to make sure you've buffed the shiny top coat of your polish enough to help with the removal process.

If you've applied thick layers of polish, Builder Gel, or Magic Extender Gel, you should buff and remove the bulk of your mani using our Half Moon Nail Files.

You can remove gel polish from the skin around your nails by simply running an angled brush over your skin, sweeping away any excess polish.

It’s important that you always remove the polish on your skin before curing it underneath your nail lamp to avoid irritation.

We recommend using our Gel Remover or 100% Pure Acetone to remove your Builder Gel. Depending on how thick the layer of Builder Gel is, you may need to re-buff and re-wrap your mani more than once.