There are three main ways to remove your polygel nails – this includes the acetone soak, using a nail file, and using a nail drill. I have also included a home remedy as well in case you want to give it a try. My personal pick is the acetone as it does the least damage to your nails.
Whenever new clients come to get polygel nails done for the first time, one of their first questions are about the removal process. Most salons charge a fee for the removal and many people want to know if they can skip it by handling it themselves.
To make this easier for you to do, I show you how to remove polygel nails in this post. From the safest to the most efficient way, you can find it all here.
An Important Note About Removing Polygel Nails
Before I get started, I do want to issue a warning.
Yes, it is possible for you to remove polygel nails at home. However, if you have thin or brittle nails or get polygel nails frequently, then I would advise you to get your polygel nails removed by a proper nail tech.
This is the best way to get a thorough removal while preventing any further damage to your nails.
Now, that I have cautioned you, let’s move onto how you can remove polygel nails properly, at home:
How to Remove Polygel Nails: Top Techniques
Here are the main ways that you can use to remove your polygel nails at home:
1. Acetone Removal Method
Have you ever wondered:
Can polygel be soaked off?
Well, the answer is yes! See, polygel nails are similar to acrylic nails (and share traits with gel nails too). Due to this, you can remove polygel nails in a similar manner.
The first removal process that I am going to describe to you involves soaking your nails in acetone or nail polish remover.
The acetone found in regular nail polish remover is an organic solvent. What it does is break down the polymers found in polygel nails. In doing so, it breaks down the hard gel particles, turning them back into liquid form. It is then easier for you to scrub the polygel nail polish off.
Here are the steps to follow to remove polygel nails with acetone:
Step 1: Trim Your Nails
As you can imagine, the less of the polygel nails there are, the easier the removal process is. So, your first order of business is to trim your nails. This also helps to prevent breakage or damage to the tips of your nails.
Step 2: Protect Your Skin
As acetone can be rather harsh, you may want to apply petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to the skin surrounding your nails. This should help to keep them soft and cut down on any irritation as well.
Step 3: Apply Acetone
Soak cotton balls or cotton pads into acetone or a nail polish remover. Then, place on each nail. Hold in place with nail clips or a foil wrap.
Step 4: Let Acetone Soak in
It is important to let the acetone sit on the polygel nails for a while as it needs time to soften the polygel polish. Make sure to leave the cotton balls on for about 10 minutes and let the nails soak for this period.
Remove the nail clips and the cotton.
Step 5: Use a Cuticle Pusher
Take a cuticle pusher and gently start to remove polygel nails layer by layer. Make sure to do this very carefully so that you don’t scratch your natural nail bed.
If you need to, use a nail file as well to remove the top most layer of the polygel nails and then return with the cuticle pusher to take off the rest of the polygel nail polish.
Step 6: Take Care of Your Nails
As acetone can be quite corrosive, it is important to take care of your nails and hands after this process. Apply cuticle oil to your nails – take the time to rub it in properly. Then, apply hand lotion to the area around your fingernails and your hands to keep them moisturized.
2. Nail File Removal Process
A lot of people don’t like using acetone on their nails. It is harsh and damaging. And, if you have sensitive skin, the acetone can affect the surrounding skin as well.
In this instance, you can use a nail file to get the job done.
Step 1: Trim the Nails
Use a nail cutter to trim long nails and to get rid of any brittle or damaged areas.
Step 2: Use the Right File
For this step, you will need a file that is 100 to 200 grit. This is a bit of a hardier file and allows you to get through the upper layers more effectively.
Gently file away the bulk of the top layers. Use deliberate movements and make sure to keep an eye on the filing at all times. Remember, you have to avoid scratching or scraping your natural nails underneath.
Step 3: Switch to a Low Grit Nail File
Once you have gotten through the initial layers, it is time to switch to a low grit nail file. Now you have to be even more careful as you file the nails. You are closer to the surface of your nails and need to avoid damaging them. Remove the remaining polygel nail polish.
Step 4: Treat Your Nails
Apply cuticle oil to your nails and massage it in. Next, apply moisturizer to your hands until they are nice and soft.
3. E File Nail Drill Removal Method
An electric nail drill is the latest manicure tool on the scene. While I do find the nail drill to be quite effective, you have to be very careful when using a nail drill.
This is because unlike with a cuticle pusher or a file, there is a great deal of power with a nail drill. In turn, there is a higher risk of damage to your natural nails.
This is why you should practice on another surface until you get the hang of the nail drill. Only then should you use it to remove polygel nails at home.
Step 1: Trim Your Nails
Make sure to trim off any excess length from your nails. Also look for signs of breakage and damage and remove these areas as well.
Step 2: Use the Finest Bit
You should only ever use a nail drill with the finest bit in the kit. The smoother sanding band is sometimes indicated by a red band. Or, the manufacturer may simply mention a grit level.
The gentler you are, the less chance of damage. Similarly, only use the lowest vibration on the nail drill.
Move the nail drill bit over the polygel nails slowly removing layer by layer. Stop when you get close to the natural surface.
Step 3: Use a Cuticle Pusher or File
For the final portions of the polygel nails, use a cuticle pusher or file to gently remove the last remnants.
Step 4: Treat Your Hands
Rub in cuticle oil to the nail’s cuticle area and apply lotion to your hands so that they look soft and nice.
3. The Soap, Oil, and Water Mixture
This is a kind of home remedy method to use if you want to remove your polygel nails at home. Personally, I have not found it to be very efficient but I decided to include it just to be thorough. Who knows, it could end up being a way for you to remove polygel nails safely without a nail drill.
Step 1: Trim Your Nails
Make sure to trim down your nails and get rid of any breakage.
Step 2: Push Down the Sides of the Polygel Nails
Use a cuticle pusher to push down and loosen the sides of the adhesive nails. This should help the solution penetrate the poly gel polish a bit better.
Step 3: Create a Solution
In a bowl, pour in some warm water, cooking oil, and dish soap. While cooking oil will do the trick, coconut oil can be used instead.
Place just the tips of your nail in this bowl. Leave them there for about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Push Down Polygel Nails
The polish should have softened a bit by now. So, all you have to do is to use the pusher to gentle remove your polygel nails.
If you find that there is still too much resistance, then soak your nails in the solution once more. Then, try again.
Step 5: Apply Oil and Lotion
Even though this method is gentler, still make it a point to use oil and lotion on your cuticles and hands. This way they can be nice and soft.
Does Polygel Damage Your Natural Nails?
This is a question that I get asked by new clients a lot. The reality, though, is that polygel doesn’t damage your nails. It is improper removal that causes scraping, scratching, or breakage.
So, as long as you make an effort to remove the polygel nails carefully, you should be able to keep your nails in great condition.
Now, that being said, I would caution you to spread out how often you get polygel nails. You may want to wait for special occasions to get them done. It is also a good idea to get them filled in as with acrylic nails when possible instead of removing them completely.
As I have already mentioned, if you are unsure about the removing the nails yourself, have a professional to do it to greatly reduce the risk of damage.
Well, there you go! You now know how to remove polygel nails and do it the right way too! All that is left for you to do is to give these various techniques a try and figure out which ways works best for you!