How to remove gel from your nails [without destroying them!]

[@iloveashleysade]

Thank you, Anna! the reason i always avoid gel is because of the removal process.

[@gracenicole9288]

I just love the shape of your nails, the length and the nail beds. One of the things I love about natural nails is that they are a challenge, an ongoing project and take lots of TLC. I know people who have naturally nice nails that don’t take a ton of work, but for me I really need to give mine some TLC.

[@leamubiu]

Listening to this while giving myself a pedicure in warm water 💅🏻

[@shirley-ann7164]

Hi Anna, what a great video. I damaged my naturel nails last year after removing gel polish at home with a metal cuticle pusher. I wish that i new you’re method to remove gelpolish. You’re nails still look beautiful after removing the gelpolish ❤

[@TheSalonLife]

Thanks Shirley-Ann

[@immnotaboutthatlife2086]

I do this too but like to add Vaseline around the nail and finger to save my sensitive skin. It really helps. Also have the nail clips but I prefer not using them. One hand at a time is definitely easier.

[@Gym-Stin]

Hi Anna, thank you for your videos. So relaxing and informative. Whenever I remove gel I move the foil cap from left to right (the movement you do with the towel) before pulling it off. That usually removes quite a bit more of the gel and loosens the rest while still being in acetone.

[@TheSalonLife]

Thanks for sharing

[@iNanieke]

Wise words that have probably never been said before: "I wanna keep every single little cell of the natural nail." Words to live by! Thanks to you I now understand that peeling/breaking of the free edge could be due to thinning of the nail plate in a previous stage, and that thinned nail has grown out as a flimsy free edge. It's weird how oblivious I've been all my life to how the nail works! Also, you are like a body-positive influencer, but for nails. 'No this is not dirt, it's just how the nails look'. 'No, you don't have to cut the pnf, that's supposed to be there'. Love it!

[@JanetJenkins]

I just bought an efile and I'm very seriously considering returning. I know it will be helpful with removing extensions because there is a layer before you get to the natural nail, but I am very cautious about the whole thing now after watching this video. Thank you!

[@hj1218]

I love my UV cure gel polish, but feel its weakening my natural nails :( I followed the steps with the pack which is what you have done but find the removal process really harsh. I think this video will hopefully help. I have tried foil and clips, but I think really soaking some cotton wool and then wrapping them tight might help. I find I'm putting acetone on lint free wipes (that came with the nail kit) and using the clips or foil isnt tight enough and it just dries out, so by the time I take it off hardly any of the gel has lifted so then I have to be really hardcore with scraping the gel off, and I was using the metal one you advised not to use. My nails just feel thin and sensitive and the ends are so bendy even 24 hours later. I now appreciate how strong my nails were before I started doing my nails! I have noticed the shape of my nails and cuticles are getting much nicer though after caring for my nails more, but the strength is not so good.

[@jeanhorgan1626]

My problem when I do gel polish myself is that I’m a picker . When I’ve a chip I pick and peel it off and or overfile the surface and scrape with the tool with too much pressure. I’m 2 months post gel polish and damage is half way up my nail. Can’t wait for the damage to be gone. Embracing the natural nail all on the back of your advice Anna. Would be lost without all your videos and advice . Thank you so much for all your content

[@TheSalonLife]

Thanks Jean!

[@feliciab6289]

Great video Anna! Awesome tips! I currently have gel on right now. Will be using your tip on using the cloth to remove the gel, genius!! :)! I miss the live streams with you and mr salonlife!! :( I’m always working during them!!

[@cecileho1992]

I use GelFX from Orly and I file off the top cat and soak for 10 to 15 min. It never comes off as easily as yours in this video. Do I need to file off more product or soak for longer?

[@TheSalonLife]

Gel FX is terrible to soak off. Are you applying a primer over the whole nail?

[@cecileho1992]

@TheSalonLife lol, so not just me 😁 I only put primer on the tips, which doesn't really prevent the gel from chipping...

[@jenlambie14]

Very satisfying. Great tip re using the towel for final gel removal.

[@queensaunders7227]

Hi Anna thanks for sharing. The manicurist formula you use can you share it. Also I have always have extremely weak nail, can you share how can I strengthen please. them?

[@aprilreinhardt1]

Thank you for your videos. Through watching and listening to your videos the past four weeks, I've learned how to better care for my nails. I've learned the difference between hangnails and tears, cuticles and proximal fold live skin, and the importance of using a drop of oil after each time I wash my hands. I have a small bottle of oil at each sink in my house now. :) I have a question, and hope you have the answer. I have short nails since I use my hands so much and can't have long nails (I play piano, organ, and type a lot and wash a lot of dishes). I bought a nail polish system named Sistaco from Australia, where both the base and top coats are cured for 60 seconds each under LED light -- and the "polish" is actually a mineral powder applied with a sponge, and the final product is very thin, but very hard. I've only used it twice, since their "remover" doesn't entirely remove the product, and has left my nail plates rough from trying to scrape the product remnants off. Instead of that, I now use Olive & June. But under the Olive & June, I still have bits of base coat near my nail edges that I cannot remove. Can you recommend a way for me to use acetone to remove the Sistaco product? Will your method here in this video work to do that?

[@TheSalonLife]

The best thing to do is to contact the company and ask them how to remove their product. I went on their website to check out their product but the website keeps crashing. Try soaking it off the way I show and see what happens....

[@stjabnful]

I am so amazed! I had my nails done in gel (supposedly) about eight or maybe less years ago. They chipped the first week. Then peeled off on their own within the next two weeks. I tried acetone- it did not come off. It was for a special occasion. I probably will not do it again. I rarely use nail polish. I don like your recommendations for the CND Rescue Rxx daily keratin. I need that address of how to send you my pics and cost, please. I have a vertical wide split. It happen overnight. It’s been 3 months. My dr didn’t seem like it was a big deal. However, it is to me. 😊

[@bidinosaur]

Did you see a dermatologist?

[@Gigi-MN]

What color is on the thumb you are not removing? It’s perfect and so beautiful

[@conniemckinley7428]

Such a good instructor 🤓 Thank you!❤ ps they don't look dirty; just healthy 🥰

[@TheSalonLife]

Thanks Connie!

[@Dmm-n9y]

what grit should i be using when applying gel prior to application? i am new to gel polish. purchased le mini macaron starter kit and feel as though the included file is too rough/damaging.

[@JanetJenkins]

This is good, gel is best for my nails. I'm learning the best way to remove. I will stay way far away from hard gel!!!

[@inesbras8616]

Hello... It works with any brand? Thanks ❤

[@tmcdgreen]

Is there a sweet spot for the duration of wearing gel polish? You are removing at 3 weeks, but should we do less time if we aren't skilled enough to do super thin layers of gel?

[@TheSalonLife]

It really depends on the gel. Some gels are bonded differently so they can't be soaked off. They are less flexible so they need to be applied with a structure. I'm not sure what you mean with the second question. Are you a nail technician? :)

[@Foutamd]

Hey, what are your thoughts on BIAB. I’d suppose to act as a strengthener

[@Notperfecttonya]

Love the towel tip!!! ❤🥰 I’m on that tomorrow!!! I think I don’t like OPI gel. Or I did something wrong-after I did my nails, I put jojoba oil on my nails and hands. The next day, three of my nails peeled off in a completely clean peel. I was doing something with my hands and one just peeled right off without tearing! Then 2 others followed. Then I started noticing two nails on the other hand had the gel lifting and eventually those peeled off in the same way! What happened?? 😮😢

[@TheSalonLife]

No idea what happened. Could be improper curing. Or damaged nails maybe? Or improper prep? No idea :) Too many variables...

[@lynnehill727]

I was wondering if I could use IBX CND RESCUE and others that you have featured on my 12yro. They are damaged by tears of biteing. Thanks for the great advice you give, your the best. 😇🥰😍😉

[@TheSalonLife]

IBX and CND Rescue Rxx are different products. The first one is a salon treatment, and the other one is home treatment. They are helpful when it comes to surface damage. Not sure what kind of nap damage our 12 year old has...Sometimes only time is needed and no additional products. Other than oil and Kerasal maybe :)

[@kayleighlevitt2741]

I got gel removed about an hour or so after application because it was soooo thick it didn't look good. The nail tech shaved off the majority using an electric file and now there is sensitivity. Should I try to remove the rest of the gel using this process?

[@ruthchapman3405]

Thanks for this great video Anna. Can you explain the purpose of the glycerin in the acetone please?

[@TheSalonLife]

Honestly? Looks better. Less white. :) Is it less drying than using pure acetone and then using cream with glycerin? No. I really don't think so. Less drying than using pure acetone and then not using anything? Yes :)

[@ruthchapman3405]

Thanks for that 😊

[@sharoncerretani]

Anna, what peel off base coat would you recommend??

[@gul.12]

I used to brush my nail with nail brush and also used to cut my nail so deep,my nail bed became short.😓Is it possible grow my nail bed longer?🤔

[@lunatikaartist]

Ça vient avec le temps mais c'est très rapide je trouve J'ai 30 ans, j'ai rongé mes ongles pendant 25 ans environ Depuis 2 ans j'arrive à les laisser pousser mais quand j'ai des périodes où je les ronge c'est retour à la case départ, tout petit lit comme avant. Puis ils poussent avec beaucoup de bord libre et un lit court pendant quelques semaines, pour enfin finir par le lit qui s'allonge au bout de 2 ou 3 semaines

[@sandrax4088]

Hello Anna, I’m glad I found you! I’m starting with gel (just for me) when you mentioned warm oil after the removal, what kind of oil should use? Do you have a video on the procedure? Thank you 😊

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Sandra, we like to use jojoba oil. Here is is the link to our warm oil soak process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6CWZGibjMtpiJY

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Sandra! Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6CWZGibjMtpiJY

[@lisapierce525]

I’m glad to see this video. I don’t do gel polish but my granddaughter does. I’m almost positive she doesn’t remove it correctly. I’m sending her this video. Is it okay to share it to fb?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Lisa, thanks so much. Yes, you can share the video :)

[@leonoorbuitelaar]

Thank you for showing this safe removal. Do you have experience with the brand Pink Gellac? And if so, do you know if it is good and safe for not damaging the nails?

[@TheSalonLife]

Any product not used properly can be damaging and not safe. I have used Pink Gellac. I didn't find it easy to remove. They have pro products now that contain HEMA, improper use of HEMA is problematic like I explain in the previous video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX-3npiDgJyml6M PS. And I know people allergic to it but you can find many people allergic (or overexposed really) to every product on the market.

[@leonoorbuitelaar]

Thank you so much for your reply and explanation❤

[@miasara79]

Thank you for this video. So if I have a 3 weeks worn base coat, gel polish and top coat, I need to soak my nails in acetone for 20 minutes? Thank you ☺️

[@TheSalonLife]

Hello, it depends on the brand and how thick the product is and how much you filed off. You have to see if it comes off, if it doesn't with a gentle push then you have re-wrap (new wrap and new piece of cotton and more remover)

[@mollyslips182]

Hi Anna! What do you think about peel off Base coats?? I’ve seen some people using it under gel polish and removal seems easy (suspicious) 😅. Could you show us if those work and if are healthy or no?

[@TheSalonLife]

If the removal is so easy then the bond is not very good. For what clients expect out of the salon (me) this doesn’t work. For someone who swatches product on their own nails for a living maybe it’s an option. I have never tried it. With my work the gel polish would peel off in 1 day too.

[@kinga6955]

Hello 😊 I've just stumbled upon your channel (and I already love it!!) so I'm not sure if you answered this question. Can the nail plate get slimmer with proper care? As a child I had a habit of biting and picking the skin around my nails and as a result now I have wide nails. I don't do that anymore and I lately I also started to take care of my nails but I'm not sure if there's any hope for me :/ (English is not my first language so I'm sorry for any mistakes 😅)

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Kinga! Sometimes the change can be dramatic and sometimes not to much. Have you seen this video? Gentle Shellac Removal and Manicure [How nail shape can change after polish wear] kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqPHgWlphMt3j80

[@stjabnful]

Can you do a video on the warm oil soap? I would appreciate it very much! 🙏❤️👍🏼

[@TheSalonLife]

Here it is:) kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6CWZGibjMtpiJY

[@YUSHIE98]

Hi Anna, as always, many thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all. Quick question, do you rwcommend having soft gels for up to 28 days? For instance japanese soft gels?

[@TheSalonLife]

It depends. Usually I find that in 1 month the nails are very grown out and very prone to breaks and damage. If someone is very careful then maybe? That is not the case usually in the salon. People want indestructible nails that can take abuse. That causes natural nail damage.

[@YUSHIE98]

@@TheSalonLife thanks Anna! Blessings from Puerto Rico xoxo

[@vondra1272]

I have diabetes, and when I needed to get my top teeth removed, I started drinking 2 Splenda shakes per day. It made my nails grow fast and rock hard, with an extra 26 grams of protein per day. They are only kinda bendy after a warm bath.

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you for sharing your experience!!

[@towardsthelight4919]

Thanks for the video I thought acetone was bad for your nails??

[@TheSalonLife]

Acetone is not bad for your nails. People like to blame acetone for causing damage because it's easier to blame acetone than nail polish for example. Acetone simply shows all the damage wearing the coating caused. How damaging is nail polish remover (eye opener): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHmZZmquqaigY8U schoonscientific.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Dec-16-Doug-Schoon-column.pdf

[@tmcdgreen]

Okay now I'm curious. What type of marmalade? Also, do you like the removal of the Light Elegance Jimmy Gel or Q+?

[@TheSalonLife]

I made a marmalade from kumquats. A client brought us a big bag from his garden. :) Jimmy Gel comes off well unless left on for too long. It doesn't last that well though. P+ you mean? I used it long time ago, their first formula and it wasn't good at all. Not very pigmented and very difficult to remove. I think their new formula (new base?) could be better to remove

[@krahvata]

Currently watching this as im attempting to soak of a gel polish that just doesn't want to come off. I did the exact same method you've shown for 20 min and it's simply not working. I literally have to scrape it off my nails and I already damaged one 🙄. I guess this particular polish is going in the trash. I don't think that simple gel polish should be this difficult to remove. I don't have 1 hour to soak off gel polish 😒 Do you have any idea why it's so difficult to come off? I used primer on all my nails and maybe I shouldn't have?

[@TheSalonLife]

Yes. Primer will increase bond and it will make it difficult to remove. That’s why we usually use Bonder only on the tips of the nails.

[@krahvata]

@@TheSalonLife Thank you for the answer! Love your channel 💖 I'm going to try this gel polish again on one finger without the primer.

[@micro-crochet]

We have some old bedsheets that Im going to cut up in small (your alufoil sized) pieces to use to remove residue thanks for the tip

[@Admiral_Whiskers]

I've seen people recommending saving jojoba oil by putting a fair amount on their nails and then wearing plastic gloves for a few hours instead of doing a warm oil soak like you recommend. How do you think these methods compare? With the gloves on the oil does become warm too. (also nice for us without microwaves)

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Sara, I would be concerned with the moisture build up and the hands sweating. The warmed up oil is a bit warmer too.

[@TheSalonLife]

PS. I also don't use a microwave do warm up the oil. I don't think it's a good idea. Here is how I do my warm oil soaks kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6CWZGibjMtpiJY

[@Cheyennerae]

Towel is genius ! Thanks for this video I will show clients ! I agree about gel being for decoration. It’s nice to grow out my clients nails but it’s hard to get them to understand their new hand lifestyle. I deal with pocket lifting from big bumps, which makes me 😢 because it causes layers to lift and weakness. Sometimes when clients come in with too many breaks I just cut them all off(with consent ofc) 😅 I put them in nail jail.

[@Cheyennerae]

Oh ps your nails are beautiful. Can’t believe folks told you your nails are dirty ❤

[@TheSalonLife]

So very true. People think it's this simple, put the gel on and just fill it and it will last. No many times all we do is repairs. Pocket lifting like you said, free edge lifting, breaks, ripped off product. This is why I quit doing gel to be honest.

[@ethanbugg1684]

I have so much trouble removing gel (mostly builder/structure gel) with acetone and it became such a problem that I've really damaged my nails by having to ultimately file off the gel. I do file off the surface layer first. I am using 100% acetone soaked into a cotton ball, then wrapped in either a clip or a foil. I let it sit (I've done from 10-30 minutes). What usually happens is the very top will flake off but only if I apply hard pressure, and it's as if the acetone didn't penetrate into the nail beneath that at all; it's rock hard. Most recently I even tried heating my acetone because I thought that could be the problem, but my results were not significantly better. I feel defeated about it and I'm not really sure what I could be doing wrong. If you have any advice, it would be greatly appreciated!

[@TheSalonLife]

It all depends on thickness of the gel and the fact if the gel is even soakable. Even if it is, for example like with CND Plexigel you have to file 80% of the gel and then soak the rest. Also it depends if primers were used and what kind of primers. This is why product specific training is so important. The manufacturer should be able to advise exactly to remove it. Do not heat acetone. That’s dangerous. Heat your hand with heating pad and remove one hand at a time.

[@WhitneyIreland]

I like to use the aluminum foil then the clips on top so the foil doesn’t loosen.

[@WhitneyIreland]

Oh that’s funny. I commented that while watching the video before you added the clips too. Lol.

[@bees_nail_art82]

I never use gel I hate buffing my nails I feel like it would peel layers off

[@TheSalonLife]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@tammyjohnston6545]

❤❤❤❤

[@sandymakesplans]

i feel like you are more like a hand and nail doctor than a nail tech, but you are certainly both

[@SilkyPinkPanter]

But this isn’t gel polish though

[@TheSalonLife]

The Cuccio base is an LED/UV soak off base. Also the Manucurist product requires an LED lamp to cure and requires a similar removal procedure. Thanks! - MSL

[@sharoncerretani]

Anna if I knew how to share your videos with others on KZbin I would. 💅 🩵

[@TheSalonLife]

Thanks Sharon :)