How to Remove Gel Polish | Become an Expert with an E-File

Today Greg shows you how to use an electric file to remove gel polish from the surface of natural nails. He gives an in-depth explanation of which bits to use, what speeds (RPMs) the file should be running at, and proper technique for safely removing gel polish.
Products Used:
E-File Bits- Safety Bit Coarse, Medium Sanding Band, Diamond Cuticle Round Bit
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Young Nails manufactures the highest quality professional nail care products (acrylic, hard gel, gel polish, nail art, nail polish, nail accessories, nail files, etc) in the world. To learn the nail application in all of the forms - acrylic, gel, nail art, etc - watch our videos for extreme education. We offer nail education out of our Anaheim, CA facility. Contact us for details [e-mail]
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“How do two brothers get into the nail care business?” This is the single most common question people ask us. There’s a long and rocky version but we’ll give you the short one. We have our fearless and unconventional mother, Young Salo, to thank. With a single-minded entrepreneurial spirit, she decided to start her own business at the age of 49. She had a passion for the nail industry and we did everything in our power to support her. In the end, this is a family business.
Greg, the older brother, became a licensed nail technician after switching gears from fire fighter’s training. He is energy personified and has a true passion for developing the best professional nail care products and education. Habib is the younger brother. He jumped in a few years later; taking a detour from medical school and a life in music. He brings his own creative mind for business, marketing and strategy. Unexpectedly, we are a perfect team.
Today, more than 20 years later, Young Nails Inc., is a professional nail care manufacturing company exporting to over 40 countries worldwide and distributing domestically to over 3000 stores. We’re respected for our next-level product innovation and education. Our mission is to bring you the best quality products and we’ll show you how to use them with incredible results. It’s really that simple.
Welcome to the Young Nails family!

[@caroldomres2426]

Loving the e file series. Would it be possible to demonstrate on how you would do these techniques on your own nails? Thanks!

[@jordypocket]

This!!!! Please!!

[@mariafitts]

Me too

[@kristenquaedvlieg1386]

Yes!

[@kathytarman2302]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I know I learn so much from you and there’s a lot of people you’re helping. You all are so special to us. I love you all. Thank you again.

[@leeevers8976]

I found this video yesterday and used your technique on myself today with great results, easy peasy AND no gouge marks. Thank you so much. Now, searching for your finish filing video 🥰

[@traceyh7169]

Thank you! This was EXACTLY what I needed to see! Wish you continued the video with cutting nails, cuticles, and reapplication as mentioned. Would like to know realistically how much time the whole service beginning to end would take. I’ve seen Tracy timed with removal and reapplication in 30 minutes but she’s not having to do different bits and cuticle work and cutting the nails and hand massage so I’m comparing my time to that which isn’t realistic. I can’t seem to do all of that in less than 15 minutes to an hour

[@BeautyBlemishes]

I never knew the carbite bit was safe for natural nails. Very interesting to see! I was trained that only a sanding band should be used on natural nails.

[@DRendine1287]

Loving the e-file series. You guys always teach me something new and help inspire me. Thank you.

[@lightillusionsphotography]

DUDE!!!! Thank you so much from the bottom of my deep dark heart. THIS ADVICE is LIFE CHANGING... No seriouslly. My phobia of the dremal is completly alieviated. Using the bottom of the drill bit vs the tip is seriouslly the technioque advicce I needed to acquire for my self manicure education endeavors. THANK YOU. Seriously. This information has been a game changer for me. I am so sensitive. Thsi is the whole reason why I ended up purchasing my manicure tool set. I hate when technitions use too intense RPM w/ their dremals resulting in that burning sensation / bleeding ro nicking / whatever else. I cannot thank you enough for posting this educational technical turorial. *THANK YOU*

[@auri227]

I love your step by step tutorials. 💕 you make it look so easy. Love your products. 🥰

[@kellydelchambre3200]

Thank you so very much for the awesome tutorials!!! I am in no way shape or form a nail tech, by any means. I needed something to do during the winter months, other than snow blowing!!! Lol. So I started working on nails and let me just say, it's a lot harder than it looks!! But I like a challenge!! And I'm learning so much from your video's. And I have ordered from your nail line, it all came in record time, tysvm!!! So PLEASE keep the tutorials coming!!! Thank You!!!

[@jacquelinedimattia774]

Perfect tutorial Greg!

[@xanaoluchi]

I love your teaching, God bless you for all your time to teach us

[@thedancingnailtech9301]

When you said "coming through, tickle tickle.." I couldnt stop laughing 😂😂 great explanation too, I have a tendency to dig into the nail instead off feathering but after watching this I feel a bit more confident that i can feather! Thank you 😁

[@nailsgoldcoast1931]

Great to see you again Greg!

[@angelabrant2725]

Thank you for this series giving me the tools I need to learn, and become better with

[@CherryColada]

You guys makes things so well explained and easy 🥺💕

[@ronamegged3839]

I'm so happy to learn a different removing technique. Will try it

[@fitfournails]

Every video you provided, I learn something new, Thanks!

[@neldanewlyn2518]

Great technic - thanks as always Greg 😊 👍👍

[@1amazingj]

Awesome! Thank You Greg.

[@karenmcdoanld8805]

Great advice Greg!! The pressure you use is light compared to mine. I'm little heavy handed, but i'm going to give it a try!! Thank you!!

[@LK-mg8pn]

Such a perfect easy to follow video! Thank u 🙏🏾

[@deegee6868]

Thanks Greg! This is very helpful!

[@dawnyvee]

Your tutorials have been amazing and helped me a lot with starting out, thank you so much for sharing your talent with us 😍😁

[@moth_belly]

I was always under the impression that I could only use a carbide bit to remove acrylic! This is such a game changer! I was using a sanding band and soaking off with acetone, ultimately ruining my natural nails. Thank you so much for sharing! ❤

[@youngnailsinc]

Happy to help!

[@karenmcdoanld8805]

Hello Greg! I watched this video over and over til it sunk in.. I did my first set of nails today using the sanding bit. Did a good job and i'm not afraid to use it again. I was too heavy handed when it came to e-filing, Thank you for showing me, The how to do!!

[@youngnailsinc]

that's awesome! we are so glad it helped you🙌🏼

[@meduchess]

Fabulous as always! Thanks 🙏

[@sallyanon5382]

So much wonderful information! Thank you so much!

[@KL42125]

I would love to see an efile video on how to do cuticle work on your own nails.

[@debejohnb4465]

I will definitely try this method the next time I remove my gels. TY 😊

[@tencynevarez1289]

Perfect!! Thank you for Sharing😊

[@mariafitts]

Thank you for this series it’s been incredibly helpful. I was terrified of the drill

[@cyounesful]

Thank you, very precise !!

[@JC-mh3ze]

Trying today! Thank you

[@05041001]

I love both of you guys!😍❤️

[@Whatsupdiva]

Hello there, absolutely appreciate all of your videos. The info is so helpful and well explained. On that note I have a question I hope y'all can answer. My mom has been a nail tech for over 20yrs, she even once owned her own salon. Due to covid, we decided it would be a good idea to start doing our nails at home. We bought all new products, when she goes to do my fill in for some reason the acrylic powder seems to be a little finicky and after the foundation has been laid, it seems to become cloudy or chalky looking. Idk if it's bcuz she's old school and isn't used to all the new ways products are made, but everything still works just fine and our nails look good.

[@NicolesBeautyScene]

Awesome video as always!!

[@patrishanotpatricia6456]

I can’t wait for my efile and acrylic kit to get delivered ♥️

[@InfiniteWillPower13]

As always, you're giving me new ways to improve. Thank you.

[@odetabajor6404]

So helpful thank you ☺️

[@mariannerayo8608]

I love to watch people who know what they are doing - that is clearly you! I'd like to see you do a video featuring tips on how to use a $25 e-file from Amazon, for those of us who can't afford higher end e-files. Thank you.

[@youngnailsinc]

Unfortunately, we can't speak on other products as we don't test them.

[@blossominginchrist]

Beautiful

[@ilsasaiyad1743]

Thanks for this was very helpful ❤

[@chaupham2888]

Thank you so much

[@ladonnacoleman9674]

Thank u Greg

[@ninachege6100]

Amazing!!!!

[@lilliando9027]

Thanks brother

[@kelleywood4498]

Love this!!! Y'all are going to get me through this whole nail school and licensing process! And once that happens, OWC or whatever is happening at that time, here I come!!! That is my commitment to you!

[@andreaheredia8423]

How much is the licensing process I new on this

[@dawnsfancyfacepainting5951]

Fabulous thank you for sharing 😉😘😘

[@KimLarae366]

You make it look so easy. Would you use the same bits to remove dip powder?

[@tanyabelland1163]

I love watching your videos. You are an amazing instructor! I am a student at the moment so some of the lingo is not familiar. When you say ‘gel polish’ do you mean the whole system of base gel, builder gel, whatever art you do, then top coat? Or do you mean just the art or color? Since this is an efile video, can you clear up the mystery of the different types of bits? Diamond, carbide, ceramic,? Different shapes and their purposes? Thank you

[@rrhopewell]

Oh man i needed to see this video.

[@morenamorena490]

Amazing

[@beautypreneur_]

Best e-file tips!Now I know how to use it properly.Would this still work on toes?

[@Jolie702]

Love these videos and learning new things!! Would you ever consider doing efile instructional videos for those who are doing their own nails? Especially the non dominant hand

[@candacequintero876]

What if you wanted To remove the base coat as well what would you use to not damage the natural nail? Also, when you say to not work from side to side why does it look like you work side to side when you’re feathering down the nail? I’m kind of confused... please clarify. I received my nail drill but I’m so scared of using it & getting a heat spike.

[@patrishanotpatricia6456]

Is there a video on cuticle work like particular nail bits or we just use the arbor band and cuticle pushers for prep?

[@liliana-creditsecrets9211]

Love it. QUESTION: So, when removing the gel polish we don't really need to remove the mani-Q base coat? Thanks

[@chalawhina]

As long as it's smooth for new aplication and isn't lifting, no need :)

[@kwoodhall9900]

I have learned so much from your videos, so thank you so much! What would be the process after removing the gel polish and not wanting to reapply, I would like to give my nails a break and make them look nice after removing the gel polish but also give them some strength until I apply the gel polish in a few months. I'm mostly thinking of doing this for my toes. Thanks for all your help!

[@youngnailsinc]

This isn't about removing gel polish, but she does a good job of showing how she would process after product is removed without reapplying. Start at around 4:40. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ68kmp6YrJpmLs

[@ferielzahaf1728]

You are so lucky Victoria 😉

[@east1hebeast928]

Thank you! Love this video.... I’m a new nail tech & have a question. I thought carbide bits were cut in 1 direction & that going back & forth was bad. When Greg feathers, is he lifting the bit slightly off the nail? Or am I mistaken & it is ok to go back & forth? I love the way he feathers because it seems like it would prevent hot spots or rings of fire.

[@youngnailsinc]

always go in one direction towards yourself. it's so quick that it looks back and forth but you pick it up so you always go one direction.

[@BritanyMichelle]

"tickle tickle" 👌🏽😂

[@debbiep99]

Can you guys do a video on washing/sanitizing your files?

[@ReneeFrancoise]

I do my own gel polish (on natural nail) and I want to buy an (not te expensive) E-file to make the removal process easier. Which one do you recommend?

[@Blackdiamond929_]

Feather feather feathering !

[@debijusnailzz2021]

Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I struggle with what speed to use and removing gel polish from hard gel surface. As light as I "tickle tickle" it seems the bit goes off the free edge or sometimes around the world. Suggestion to make this stop?

[@youngnailsinc]

are you moving the bit back and forth or going in one direction toward yourself?

[@debijusnailzz2021]

@@youngnailsinc In one direction toward my self and it goes off the free edge. I watched the video, no side to side that Greg made. So no more around the world.

[@shannonmchale824]

I have this issue too! 😩 did you ever work out what was causing it?

[@lisakos6909]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Was the sanding band a fine or medium grit please?

[@youngnailsinc]

medium sanding band😊

[@word_trouble]

Was just about to ask the same 😎

[@livealittle2397]

Thank you so much this has been very informative. I myself have over filed my nails and this has taught me that I do not have to do that anymore. My one question is, if I am going from a hard gel to acrylic do I have to remove all of the one product before applying the other product or is it ok to leave a thin layer of the old product? Thank you in advance for the help

[@youngnailsinc]

Since you are going to hard gel from acrylic it's fine to leave a bit since gel sticks better to acrylic than acrylic does to gel.

[@livealittle2397]

@@youngnailsinc thank you very much for the help.

[@ashleyfisk1150]

Question, when you feather down the nail are you continually going in one direction when you do that or are you go back and forth?? I hope that makes sense! Thank you!

[@youngnailsinc]

You are always moving it in one direction, not back and forth.

[@Littlefrogintheocean]

Hi. What is the difference between PH bond and Protein bond .?

[@estherbaca]

Thanks for sharing So how do you deal with a client who won't relax their hand so it's like almost fighting with there hand ugh 🤦

[@Applebee1979]

I would love to know what grit sand paper you use on your arber band? I use a fine currently on 4000. Is that right?. Love your tutorials you have been helping so much on my nail technique - thanks everyone at YNxx

[@youngnailsinc]

Our sanding bands are 150 grit at 3,000-5,000 rpms for prep

[@PRINCEBABYBOY305]

Was the arbor band fine grit? And do you buff the nail after you prep it with the orange buffer? Im a nail tech in Miami trying to perfect my gel manicures ❤

[@youngnailsinc]

The sanding band is a 150 grit and we do not buff the nails unless they aren't putting product back on. Buffing makes the nails too smooth and product adheres better to a textured surface.

[@debrakeith243]

Do you like the dip system??

[@amandaellis7366]

This is exactly what I needed to know, but there is a challenge with this. Doing this on myself will be challenging because I am right handed. How will I do this?

[@youngnailsinc]

if you are right handed and you are e-filing your right hand using your left, you switch to reverse depending on which way your right hand is facing. If that makes sense. If you have your fingers bent downward into your palm like almost making a fist, you use reverse. If you work on your right hand while it is flat facing away from you keep it in forward.

[@DevCreates]

I love this video ty so much Can I get this course bit off of Amazon?

[@youngnailsinc]

Our coarse safety bit is not available on amazon at the moment, but it is on our website. www.youngnails.com/products/safety-bit-coarse

[@kaila8175]

I only have the sanding bit and not the first one showed. Should I used the rougher one of my 2 I have ? Then do cuticle work. For some reason my color was very hard to get off and didn’t have a layer of gel left at bottom so my nails were frail

[@youngnailsinc]

Using an arbor band to remove all of your gel polish can take a long time and can also create heat on the nail as people tend to use more pressure since it takes longer to get the color off. What you can do instead is to use the safety bit (carbide with the rounded top) to remove the color and then you can switch to the arbor band to remove the base coat if you are wanting to completely remove the product. However, if you are just changing the color, you don't have to completely remove the base coat. Simply remove the color and re-prep the surface (including the base that's left on the nail) with the medium arbor band. Re-apply your Protein Bond and then go to your Base Coat, color and Top Coat.

[@kaila8175]

@@youngnailsinc thank you !! Will try my next set !!

[@stacy-annkelly8054]

If you did a gel manicure and has your finished with the set, the client say that she doesn't like the color. Can you use the same techniques and dits to remove it?

[@youngnailsinc]

Yes, we removed gel polish in this video.

[@misslk84]

If a client wasn't having anything re applied would it be best to soak that last little bit of base coat off then and apply plenty of cuticle oil?

[@youngnailsinc]

Yes, here is a video showing removing everything, but it's not gel polish. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ68kmp6YrJpmLs

[@luztorres-barber1503]

Looks like there is a thin layer of builder gel or thick base gel so this technique would work but, most salons only use basic gel base and then gel polish so I’m not sure it would work on just gel polish without that protection layer. Have y’all used the e-file on just gel polish?

[@youngnailsinc]

This is just gel polish with either our maniq base coat or we have a maniq in a pot that is still a soft gel but is a little thicker version of our base gel for people who may have thinner nails or ridges. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmTMammJdqmEf6c kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpKoeJ-IodSNfsU

[@racheldelgado-reyes7091]

When is preordered (from labor day) dust collector shipping? TIA!

[@youngnailsinc]

Hi! They should be shipping out within a week hopefully!

[@Lilian.94]

Is keramic medium bit for removing the gelpolish on natural nails?

[@youngnailsinc]

You can use it for removing gel polish but you don't want it to hit the natural nail. So, if you are worried about that we would recommend stopping when close and using a sanding band or cross cut bit to get the rest off.

[@evatorres5141]

How often should you replace the bits?

[@chalawhina]

If you feel like you are starting to need to apply pressure to get result. New bit

[@Applebee1979]

Plus can you do a vid showing techniques for safely doing own nails with an E-File as sometimes my e-file slips and I nick my fingers - was nearly having kittens when I used a debulk bit prior to soaking. Let's just say it was a stingy soak as I drew some blood xx

[@youngnailsinc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGObhJp4pJqXh6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/baaxaqx7ndaIpsk kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJjNY6yYobClh8k kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXLKomp6opyFkKM

[@Applebee1979]

@@youngnailsinc thanks ever so much will definitely be watching these xx

[@ashleylujan5430]

What rpms are you working at with the carbide bit, is it a medium or fine safety bit?

[@youngnailsinc]

It’s our coarse safety bit at around 8,000 rpms.

[@user-be9qo9nz9q]

Is the e-file in forward or reverse motion?

[@youngnailsinc]

Greg is right-handed and is working in forward.

[@ellierami1268]

Can u do this same process with press ons?

[@youngnailsinc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ68kmp6YrJpmLs

[@Anon_E_Muss]

I know this is an old video but I just bought your efile. How the heck to I get the bit placeholder out of the new efile handle? I turn the handle piece to the open position and the empty metal bit will not come out. I don't want to break the brand new efile just to remove it

[@youngnailsinc]

The handpiece is a bit stubborn, but I promise you won't break it. You need to turn until you hear it click.

[@Anon_E_Muss]

@@youngnailsinc thank you!

[@user-iu3yj2dl8j]

I wish my salon was as careful. They made my toenails thin using bit to remove gel.

[@ktthegoat4922]

Does this apply for gel on the toes too?

[@youngnailsinc]

Yes, you can use this to remove gel polish from toe nails.

[@user-gm3rj5gx4t]

Could you video doing one nail from beginning to end???

[@Nickaimarie]

Is 8,000 RPM the #8 on the efile? I’m sorry I’m so studying efiles :)

[@chalawhina]

Yes, notice the k next to the number. K represents 1000

[@tahirahisaacs4166]

Hi! How many gritt is the sanding band? 150?

[@youngnailsinc]

that is correct!

[@isabaee]

hi! i do nails at home for myself and my family but whenever i file the polish off it sometimes burns them. am i putting too much pressure? how can it be prevented?

[@youngnailsinc]

You could be staying in one place for too long or your bit could be dull. Here is a good video for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ_We4t-rrSKfcU

[@cobasylsylviedebreuck]

what grind percentage does the brown bit have?

[@deniseiacobecu7114]

150 😉

[@katiecorcoran7984]

Hi just wanted to know the brand of your e-file? Thanks so much

[@youngnailsinc]

It's our brand, available on our website. We have a sale coming up starting the 24th at 6 pm PST. The entire site will be 30% off, discount applied at checkout. www.youngnails.com/products/yn-desktop-efile

[@laurenalmaguer3305]

Wait, so what happens to the remaining base coat on the nail? Does it come off with a quick buff?

[@youngnailsinc]

If you are trying to completely remove the gel polish and transition back to just a natural nail, the remaining base coat can be buffed off with a 240 buffer or just smoothed out and allowed to grow out with the nail. If you are re-applying gel polish, you will prep/remove shine from the remaining base coat and re-apply another base coat over it. This will add durability to the nail as well as protect the natural nail so you aren't filing the natural nail ever time and potentially causing damage.

[@jaimerellergert2358]

Can you do this with a medium grit sanding band?

[@youngnailsinc]

Using an arbor band to remove all of your gel polish can take a long time and can also create heat on the nail as people tend to use more pressure since it takes longer to get the color off. What you can do instead is to use the safety bit (carbide with the rounded top) to remove the color and then you can switch to the arbor band to remove the base coat if you are wanting to completely remove the product. However, if you are just changing the color, you don't have to completely remove the base coat. Simply remove the color and re-prep the surface (including the base that's left on the nail) with the medium arbor band. Re-apply your Protein Bond and then go to your Base Coat, color and Top Coat.

[@johannag3279]

Maybe a stupid question but do you soak the old base layer off with acetone? 🤓

[@youngnailsinc]

If you are re-applying a new color, you don't need to completely remove the base layer. You can simply re-prep and apply a new coat of Base, color and Top. If you want to remove all of the gel, you can soak off the remaining or buff smooth and let the last of the Base coat grow out with the nail as a little more protection/durability to the nail.

[@johannag3279]

@@youngnailsinc Okey! Thank you so much for explaining! 🙏🏼🫶🏻

[@jcastillo9697]

this is better and faster that to soak the nails in acetone

[@angelagill75]

Could y’all please address the issue of matching your gel polish and acrylics up with the correct color on your website. I love your products but I don’t love having to send items back when the color isn’t what you advertised.