Gel X nails: love ’em, hate ’em, and let’s be real—removing them can be a total nightmare if you don’t know what you’re doing. But no worries! I’ve got you covered, bestie. 💅✨ We’re about to get into the tea on how to remove those stubborn Gel X nails girlie, without totally damaging your natural nails.
I know, I know… You had a full-on glam nail moment and you SLAYED, but now you’re ready for a fresh set (or maybe just a break from the nails life, who knows 👀). Either way, it’s time to get rid of that gel without ruining your claws. Let’s break down how to remove Gel X nails like a total pro from the comfort of your couch (you’ll probs be binge-watching a show, right?).
First Off: What Are Gel X Nails?
Okay, so just in case someone is new to the Gel X game: Gel X nails are like your middle ground between acrylics and gel polish. They are pre-shaped gel nail extension tips that are stuck to your nail with a special gel, and then cured (aka hardened) under a UV or LED light. The result? Long-lasting, strong nails that give you that “I’m on my luxury baddie vibes” look. They usually last 2-3 weeks, but when it’s time for them to go, it’s IMPORTANT to remove them properly!
Ripping them off will leave your natural nails all crusty and wrecked. Trust me, I’ve been there… it’s not cute. But don’t sweat it, ‘cause I’ve got a step-by-step guide that’ll make removing them as chill as possible.
What You’ll Need (aka your nail removal kit)
Get together these few things before we get started:
Product | Why You’ll Need It |
---|---|
Pure Acetone (not regular nail polish remover) | To soften and dissolve the gel |
Foil (regular kitchen foil works) | To wrap around your nails after soaking them in acetone |
Cotton Balls or Pads | These soak up the acetone and touch the gel directly |
Nail File (preferably 100/180 grit) | To file down the shiny top layer of the gel |
Cuticle Pusher (or an orangewood stick) | To gently push off the melted gel |
Buffing Block | To smooth out your natural nails once the gel’s off |
Cuticle Oil (bonus points for smelling cute) | To rehydrate your nails after acetone dries ‘em out |
You probs have most of this stuff at home, right? If you need acetone, anything over 90% from the store will work!
Okay, now that you’ve got your essentials, throw on a cute playlist or start your Netflix spree, because this process takes some time but is super easy.
Step 1: File Down the Shine ✨
You’ll wanna start by using that nail file to roughen up the top layer of the Gel X nails. You’re not trying to take the nails OFF yet, just get rid of the shiny surface. File until the top coat looks all matte and dull. This step is important because it’ll let the acetone soak into your gel better.
Hot tip: Be gentle while you file your nails. We don’t want to sand away your actual nail, just the gel!
Take your time with this so you don’t damage your natural nails beneath, Sis!
Step 2: Time for the Acetone Soak 💧
Next up, you’ll need acetone. And nope, I’m not talking about that cute lavender nail polish remover you’ve been using (sorry, girl). You need the strong, pure acetone kind—the stuff that gets the job done.
Here’s what you do:
- Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad in acetone. Be generous with it—you really want it dripping a little.
- Put the soaked cotton ball right on top of your nail and make sure it’s covering the whole surface.
- Wrap the tip of your finger in foil or use those nail clips if you have them. This will hold the cotton ball in place and trap the acetone fumes so it works faster.
- Repeat this for each nail and then let it chill for about 10-15 minutes. Yup, now’s the perfect time to scroll TikTok or catch up on IG, because you’re basically locked and loaded for the next 15 mins.
Step 3: Check Yo’ Self (aka Your Nails) 👀
After your mini TikTok break, carefully unwrap one of your nails and check how things are looking. By now, the acetone should have softened the Gel X extensions. If you see the gel is looking kind of melty or flaking away from your nail, you’re gucci.
Grab your cuticle pusher or orangewood stick and, starting from the base of the nail, gently push the softened gel off. Don’t go too hard! If any gel is being stubborn, don’t force it babe, just re-wrap that finger and let it soak in acetone for a few more mins.
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If the gel isn’t sliding off easily, then it probably hasn’t soaked long enough. Patience, bestie, I promise it’ll come off eventually!
Step 4: Buff and Smooth 🧖♀️
Once all the gel extensions are off, your nails will probs look a little, IDK… crusty? They’ll def feel dry from the acetone and may be a little dull from filing. Don’t worry though, we aren’t done yet!
Take your buffing block and GENTLY buff the surface of your nails to smooth everything out. This will help get rid of any little leftover gel remnants and also give your nails a nice smooth surface again.
Step 5: Moisturize the Heck Outta Your Nails 💧💅
If you’re anything like me, you’re obsessed with cuticle oil. Not only does it smell amazing (I mean, the rose-scented one? Ughhh so good), but it’s also super important to rehydrate your nails once you’ve put them through an acetone bath.
Grab your favorite cuticle oil or even some good ol’ coconut oil, then rub it into your cuticles and all over your nails. Acetone can dry you out reallll quick, and our nails deserve some love after all that work!
Cuticle oil is your BFF after removing any kind of gel or acrylic! It’ll make your nails feel strong and healthy again.
Bonus: How Often Should You Do This? ⏱
We love Gel X because they last, but how often should you be removing and reapplying them?
Well, it’s totally up to you and how healthy your natural nails are feeling. If your nails are doing great and you’re obsessed with the Gel X look, then 2-4 weeks between reapplications (with proper removal) is perfectly fine.
But! If your nails are starting to feel weak or thin, give them a break every now and then. Keeping them natural for a few weeks or using strengthening treatments can help. Don’t overdo it just for the #aesthetic!
Keep That Nail Game STRONG 💅
Removing your Gel X nails doesn’t have to be difficult. I know it can feel a little scary the first time you do it yourself, but trust me, once you do it the right way, it’s sooo much more chill than dragging yourself to the salon every time.
Key takeaway? Do not rush the process, babes! Cuteness takes time, and healthy nails are worth it. Plus, the next time you’re ready to stunt with a fresh set, your nail beds will be in tip-top shape!
Lastly, remember to treat your nails kindly after soaking in acetone—give them some extra love with oils, and maybe pop on a cute nail strengthener for a few days if you’re letting them breathe between sets. You already know, pretty nails aren’t JUST about the looks… strong nails and self-care vibes? That’s everything. 💖