Gel X nails are proving to be very popular because of their strength, appearance and how natural-looking they are.They come in as a better option than the normal acrylics, and gels nails and this has made people to prefer them for their nails grooming,
However removing Gel X nails when you want to change them or even give your nails a rest,
it is very important to know how to do that safely and correctly. The incorrect removal process ends up in damages such as breakage, the nails becoming thin, and might lead to an infection,In this tutorial below, let us show you how to remove Gel X nails at home and your nails will not be harmed.
What Are Gel X Nails?
First, let’s look at what Gel X nails are, before proceeding to their removal process as many people wonder, how to remove Gel X nails,
Compared to the regular nail enhancements on the market Gel X nails are created with a softer gel extension, that overlay the entire nail plate. They are placed like nail extensions but are permanently cured under UV or LED light hence they are hard and long lasting.
Gel X nails usually stay for one and half to two and half months depending on how one is able to maintain them,They are complimented for their longevity and elasticity, however at some point they shall require to be either pulled out or disposed, It is therefore important that you get to learn on how to take off the Gel X nails for the sake of the health of the natural nails.
Why It’s Important to Remove Gel X Nails Properly
Improper removal of Gel X nails can lead to:Improper removal of Gel X nails can lead to:
Thinning of your natural nails:
The glue that is used to attach the Gel X nails to your natural nails is quite strong,and when you remove the nails you are likely to find that,many layers of your natural nails are also removed with the extension.
Pain and discomfort:
Using force to peel off the nails, without softening them first, will result to a lot of pain.
Infections:
That is why if natural nail is harmed, then it becomes vulnerable to bacterial as well as fungal infections.
Having learned the steps to the elimination of Gel X nails above, let’s dive into, how to remove Gel X nails correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Gel X Nails
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather the following materials:Before you begin, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
Acetone:
In this process, it was found that the pure acetone works very well in dissolving the Gel X nails. Just make sure you do not use non-acetone nail polish remover as it will not be powerful enough.
Cotton balls or pads:
These will be soaked in acetone and placed on your nails in order to weaken the gel being used on your nails.
Aluminum foil:
To cover the soaked cotton pads on your nails and to hold them properly this is helpful.
Cuticle pusher or orange stick:
Used for effectively peeling off from the nail the gel which has been softened by the lambswool.
Nail buffer:
As a means of filing the surface of your nails after you would have removed the gel from it.
Nail file:
Before the process of soaking, to lightly rub the surface of the gel so that it becomes rough to the touch slightly.
Moisturizing oil:
This sounds strange but after removal expect your nails and cuticles to be dry and almost like cement and that’s where a good cuticle oil or moisturiser comes in.
2. Prep Your Nails
The first thing that you need to learn on how to take off Gel X nails is on the preparation, part using nails for removal Starting from filing, it is required to take a nail file and just rub it on the surface of Gel X nail extensions.
This will create a way through which the acetone can penetrate through the gel hence softening it even further,You do not have to minimize your nail to a point that it is as if you have no nail,but you just have to smoothen the top of the gel nail.
3. Soak Cotton Pads in Acetone
Then, take your cotton pads or your cotton balls and dip them in pure acetone until they well saturated,Make sure that the cotton is well soaked so that it can help in breaking the gel required, Soak cotton very well.
4. Wrap Your Nails
Now, apply acetone soaked cotton pad on each nail. Next, fold roughly a small strip of aluminum foil and encircling the finger and fastening the cotton pad firmly. Do the same for all of them. The piece of aluminum foil is useful in retaining heat that enhances the act of evaporation of acetone.
5. Let the Acetone Work Its Magic
Now soak fingers into the acetone for about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the strength of the nail polish. The acetone however will act to dissolve the gel to make it easy to wash it off after this period of time.
6. Check the Progress
After 20 minutes, remove one of your nails unmasking it to check on the gel to confirm if it has softened. It should be of gel like consistency that resembles flakes or rubber like material and can easily be removed using a cuticle pusher,If the gel is still not coming off easily then the nail should be re-wrapped before soaking again for an additional 5-10 minutes.
7. Gently Remove the Gel
Using a cuticle pusher or an orange stick, pushing the softened gel away from your nail should be relatively easy. Do not try to peel the gel off; if you feel that it is sticking to your nails, let the nails to soak for a few more minutes,More to that, it is important to note that one of the secrets on how to remove Gel X nails without damage is patience, However, aggression is also not recommended since it may cause harm in the nails.
8. Buff and Clean
After washing your hands to ensure that all the gel has been wiped off, next is soft sanding or using a nail buffer to rub off the surface of the nails,Buffing gives the nails a smooth surface and removes the gel layer so your nails are ready for the next manicure or treatment.
9. Moisturize Your Nails and Cuticles
Acetone is very bad for nails and cuticles because it dries them out so it is important to examine skin and nails after you are done with acetone,Some women apply a lot of nail polishes, so before going to bed, apply cuticle oil to the nail beds and then wear a hand cream,This is very important when undertaking a Gel X nails removal in order to ensure proper growth of the nails.
Alternative Method: How to Remove Gel X Nails Without Acetone
If you do not wish to try the acetone option or are allergic to it then you can try the Gel X nails removal in the following manner,While acetone is the most effective way, you can also try the soak and lift method:While acetone is the most effective way, you can also try the soak and lift method:
1. Trim and File the Nails
First grow the Gel X extensions as short as possible and rough the surface of the gel with the help of file.
2. Soak in Warm Water
After that, you should spend about 15-20 minutes in warm water with washing up soap,This is done in an attempt to wet the natural nail to make it possible to demould the gel from this surface.
3. Use a Cuticle Pusher
After washing, wash off the gel using your hand and after wards, carefully fold the gel using cuticular pusher or orange stick,If the gel does not come off easily then it might be a good idea to soak the skin a little longer and try lifting the gel again.
4. Buff and Moisturize
Finally, after washing and rinsing and the stripping of the gel, gently massage the nails, apply cuticle oil and moisturizer on the nails and skin respectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Gel X Nails
Gel X nails, like any other nail extensions, should be removed carefully and that is why it will take sometime. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Peeling or ripping off the nails:
This is a big no no,As with any nail augmenting gadget, Peeling Gel X can lessen your original nails layers and this results to weaker nails.
Skipping the soaking step:
Before attempting to remove the gel, your nails have to be softened may through soaking in acetone or warm water. To remove dry gel, one can try to scrape it off which can be very much detrimental.
Not moisturizing afterward:
acetone is drying solvent so you’re nails and cuticles may feel dry after the removal so don’t forget apply cuticle oil lotion.
