Tired of spending a fortune on manicures? Want nails that look flawless without leaving your house? You’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the steps to create a stunning DIY manicure in the comfort of your own home. We’ll also share essential tips for safely removing stubborn gel polish, ensuring your nails stay healthy and beautiful. Get ready to pamper yourself and discover the joy of achieving salon-quality results with a little DIY magic! Let’s dive in!
Here are two simple steps to remove your gel polish
- Start with a Nail File: The key to effectively removing gel polish is to first remove the top layer. Take a nail file and gently sand down the surface. You don’t need to remove all the polish—just enough to take off the shine and rough up the top coat.
- Soak for 10 Minutes: I’ve tried the cotton ball and aluminum foil method, but this technique works better for me.
Fill a large bowl with hot water and place a smaller bowl inside it. Pour acetone nail polish remover into the smaller bowl and soak your fingers for 10 minutes. Then, use a tool to push off the remaining polish. If some gel remains, soak your nails for another 5 minutes and repeat until all the polish is removed. *Avoid soaking any nails that don’t have gel polish on them—keep those out of the bowl.
After soaking in acetone, be sure to wash your hands. Your nails and hands will need some nourishing lotion and cuticle oil to replenish moisture.
Here are the final steps to revive your nails:
Cut, File, and Buff: After removing gel polish, my nails always need a good buffing and smoothing. I use this tool, which works perfectly. Then, I cut and shape them to my liking.
Soften Your Cuticles: Apply cuticle oil to each nail to soften the cuticles. I love using CND’s cuticle oil. Once your cuticles are nice and soft, use a tool like this or an orange wood stick to gently push them back.
Prep Your Nails: Wash your hands to remove any leftover lotion or oil—it’s important to start with dry nails.
Apply a Base Coat: A single thin layer of base coat is perfect.
Paint Your Nails: Apply two thin layers of polish, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next.
Finish with a Top Coat: Start with one coat, and then apply additional coats throughout the week to help your polish last longer.
