Good day, valuable readers! 👋
Do you want to remove your polygel nails but worried about damaging your natural nails? Well, you have come to the right place!
Removing polygel nails requires patience and the right techniques to avoid inflammation and breakage. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the safest methods to remove polygel nails at home. Let's get started! 💅
What Are Polygel Nails?
Polygel nails are a hybrid between acrylic powder and gel polish. They have a thick, putty-like consistency that allows easy application and shaping into nail extensions or overlays.
The polygel formula contains methacrylate monomers that chemically harden under UV or LED lamp exposure. The finished nails have a flexible, rubbery texture similar to gel polish.
Polygels bond well to natural nails and do not require aggressive filing for application. While they are less damaging than acrylics, improper removal can still cause damage.
Before Starting The Removal Process
Prepare Your Tools
🛠️ Nail clippers
🛠️ Cuticle remover
🛠️ Cotton balls
🛠️ Foil wrap
🛠️ Acetone or polygel/acrylic remover
🛠️ Bowl for acetone
Examine Nails For Lifting Or Damage
🔍 Check if any part of the polygel nails has already lifted from the natural nails. This indicates good opportunity for removal.
🔍 Look for any cracks, chips or thin areas—this is where you will introduce the remover first.
Remove Surface Gloss
🪥 Gently buff off the shiny top layer of the polygel polish. This allows better remover penetration.
🪥 Take care not to overfile the surface and thin out the polygel.
Methods For Removing Polygel Nails
Acetone Soak-Off
🧴 Apply cuticle oil around the nail edges to prevent dryness
🧴 Pour pure acetone into a glass or ceramic bowl, enough to submerge nails
🧴 Soak for 15-20 mins until Polygel is soft, don't force or peel
🧴 Gently push back cuticles with a cuticle stick or towel
🧴 Once removable, use tweezers to slowly peel off, don't rip!
Foil Wrap Method
🧻 Saturate cotton balls with acetone remover and place on nails
🧻 Wrap each finger with foil and leave for 10-15 minutes
🧻 Check if polygel is ready to remove every 5 minutes
🧻 Slowly roll off the softened polygel starting from the edges
🧻 Use a cuticle pusher to help detach stuck edges
E-File Removal
⚠️ Caution - Too much filing can damage the natural nails!
🪛 Use a coarse e-file bit and gently buff off the polygel surface
🪛 Apply cuticle oil around nails to minimize dust flying into skin
🪛 Work on small sections until you reach the natural nail
🪛 Switch to a finer bit to smooth down rough edges
🪛 Do not file into the natural nails, stay on the polygel only
Aftercare Tips For Natural Nails
🛀 Soak nails in warm water to soothe and moisturize
💅 Massage cuticle oil daily to condition the nail bed
🩹 Apply cuticle cream to the eponychium if it is inflamed
📝 Avoid using nails as tools to allow full recovery
📝 Wait 2 weeks before applying any new extensions/polish
📝 Maintain a nail vitamin regimen for strength
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to remove polygel nails at home?
It usually takes 15-20 minutes to soak off polygel nails with acetone. The foil wrap method may take 10-15 minutes. Removing with an e-file takes about 20-30 minutes.
Can I just peel off my polygel nails?
Do not peel or forcefully rip off polygel nails as this can pull off layers of your natural nails. Always soften the polygel first before gentle removal.
Is removing polygels painful?
If you properly soften and slowly pry off the gels, it should not be painful. Pulling off hard gels can hurt and damage the natural nail bed.
Can I reuse my polygel after removing it?
It is not recommended to reuse removed polygel as it can harbor bacteria. Always discard and use fresh product.
How long should I wait to reapply polygel after removal?
Wait at least 2 weeks after removal to allow the natural nails to heal before reapplying polygel or any other extensions.
What if my nails are still hard after soaking in acetone?
If they are still hard, reapply fresh acetone and soak for another 10 minutes. Check that you are using 100% pure acetone as well.
Can I remove polygel nails when pregnant?
Yes, as long as the room is well-ventilated. Avoid fumes and ask someone to help remove the gels to limit your exposure.
Is it bad to remove polygels often?
Frequent removal and reapplication can weaken your nails over time. Try to maintain each set for 2-3 weeks before soaking off.
How do I avoid nail damage when removing polygel?
Always soften gels before removal. Do not forcefully peel or pick. File gently and finish with a nourishing treatment.
Can I just cut off my polygel nails?
Clip off most of the length first, but do not cut into the natural nail. The remaining polygel still needs to be soaked off.
Is polygel removal safe for kids?
Polygel removal on children should always be done by a licensed professional. The chemicals can be harsh on young nail beds.
In Summary
✂️ Clip nails to reduce bulk before soaking off polygel
🧴 Use pure acetone or commercial remover to dissolve polygel
⌛ Take your time and do not forcefully rip off gels
🪥 Gently roll off gels after they soften and detach from nail
🩹 Follow up with moisturizing treatments to heal nails
We hope these tips help you safely remove polygel extensions and avoid natural nail damage! Let us know if you have any other questions.
Wishing you beautiful, healthy nails! 💅
Regards,
The Nail Care Guide
stat
