Gone are the days when the entire nail industry was obsessed with acrylics. Though acrylics are a forever love and the first ones to rule the nail industry, the modern generation has moved past the acrylic obsession. Yes, Gen Z loves Gel-X!
Gel-X nails are nothing but a durable and seamless version of acrylic nails, gel extensions, and press-ons combined. If you are aiming for Hailey Bieber style nails but don’t want to rush to the salon every now and then, then gel-X can come to your rescue. It is as easy as wearing your press-ons, or even easier. Plus, they are stronger and last longer. So basically, it’s a better DIY nail extension option. But is it as easier to remove them too?
If you directly go on to remove them, it might seem a daunting and painful task. But what if we told you, you can learn to DIY it in a few simple steps? Yes, this is a simple guide on the safe and effective methods to remove gel-X nails at home without damage. Let’s get started.
How to Remove Gel-X Nails: A Complete Guide
Gel-X nails last longer than you’d expect but can cause severe damage to your natural nails if not removed correctly. You might get them removed at a professional salon or learn the steps to do it at home. This is a complete guide on how to remove gel-X nails at home using DIY techniques. Once you learn these steps and execute them correctly with patience and precision, you’ll see a noticeable difference in how your natural nails grow back out strong and healthy.
What are Gel-X Nails?
Gel-X nails can be understood as an upgraded version of your good old press-on nails. The only difference – they don’t use the same glue. They are adhered to your natural nails using glue gel – a special sticky gel – and are cured under a UV/LED nail lamp instead of air-drying to make them solid. Gel-X nail extensions are soft and flexible, known for adding strength and durability to your natural nails while using fewer chemicals.
Gel-X nails are preferred against acrylic manicures for a few reasons – easy application process, less shaping and filing, fewer chemicals used, fewer fumes, etc. However, when it comes to removals, gel-X could be equally damaging if not done correctly. If you pull off an acrylic tip or try to tug it with something pushed underneath your nail, you may cause harm and pain to your natural nail or may even rip it apart. The same happens in the case of gel-X.
Fortunately, gel-X nails can be soaked off with acetone for efficient removals. Unlike builder gels which need to be filed off only, gel-X nails can be easily removed by soaking in acetone because the soft gel easily dissolves in the chemical. The flexible soft gel tips can be removed smoothly with this approach despite being UV/LED-cured and hardened.
Having said that, the safest and most convenient way to remove gel-X nails is to get it done professionally at a nail salon. They have all the tools and techniques and are trained to do it while causing the least possible harm to your natural nails. They will use an e-file nail drill for all the steps in the procedure – from filing off the top coat and trimming down the excess length to soaking the residue in 100% pure acetone and then scraping it and smoothing out the natural nails. You just need to pay for the removals but trust us, you’re not going to regret it.
However, if you are confident and have patience, it is possible to become a pro at removing your gel-X at home. Here’s how you can do it.
DIY Ways to Remove Gel-X Nails at Home
It is not normal to have an electric nail file at home for everyone but that doesn’t mean you cannot remove your gel-X efficiently. All you need is a few standard nail tools and techniques to use them and you’re good to go.
Tools Needed
You’ll need some basic nail tools like:
- Nail clippers
- Liquid acetone
- Cotton balls
- Aluminum foil
- 100/180 grit nail file
- Orangewood stick
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle oil and nail strengthener
Steps for Gel-X Removals
- Always begin with a few-week-old gel-X manicure; avoid removals just after a few days as the gel would be strongly bound to the base and the soft gel tips would be too close to the cuticle.
- Since the nail would have grown out in 2-3 weeks, start by trimming down the excess length using nail clippers. Be careful as your regular clippers might not work in one click on thicker layers.
- Next, file off the top surface with a nail file. Make sure the entire top coat is buffed off as much as possible to reduce soaking time.
- Now, soak a cotton ball in acetone. You might instead use lint-free wipes for soaking if you have. Place the soaked cotton ball on your nail and wrap it with a foil sheet. Repeat for each nail and let it sit for a good 15-20 minutes. Patience is the key as it might need more soaking time.
- Remove the wrap from a fingernail and check whether the gel has started cracking. If yes, it means the gel-X has dissolved. Now, remove all the foil wraps to end the soaking process.
- Next, use an orangewood stick to gently scrape off the popped-up gel. Avoid rushing the process or scraping harshly. If the entire product doesn’t come off or if you feel any pain while scraping, repeat the soaking process for another 10-15 minutes.
- After repeating the process for all the nails, once the entire product is off, use a buffer to buff the nail surface lightly to get rid of any glue residue.
- End the removals by coating your nails with a layer of nail strengthening polish and finish off with cuticle oil. Let your nails bare for at least a day or two before the next gel-X application.
Wrapping Up Gel-X Removals
If you’ve been wondering how to remove gel-X nails, we hope this guide has made the process clear and hassle-free. Removing gel-X nails doesn’t have to be intimidating. By using some simple tools and following the right steps, you can safely say goodbye to your gel-X mani without damaging your natural nails. Remember to be gentle and take your time—your nails deserve the best care.
