Best Gel-X Tips

Next, I’m going to remove the polish from the gel extension. There are two ways to do this, and I’ll start with the first method—removing the polish using a file. I’m using a 100 to 180 grit nail file to break down the top layer of polish. You can see that the nail file is starting to strip away the polish; the top layer is no longer shiny. The goal is to file down to the clear part of the extension. This method takes time, so to speed things up, I’ll use a drill with a five-in-one bit.

An affordable drill like mine works well for this purpose. While it doesn’t have high-tech features, it covers the basics and gets the job done. As I remove the gel polish with the drill, I use slow, up-and-down motions with gentle pressure. If you’re comfortable, you can increase the drill speed, but the lowest setting is often sufficient. I continue until all the gel polish is completely removed, leaving the extension clear.

Before soaking off the extension, it’s important to remove any dust from the nail, whether you used a drill or a file. Once the dust is cleared, I prepare for the soaking process. I start by gathering cotton balls and pre-cut foil sheets. I prefer pre-cut sheets because they are easy to manage and last a long time. I break one sheet into smaller squares, which is usually enough to cover both hands.

For the cotton balls, I break them into thin, smaller pieces. This prevents the acetone from being absorbed too much by the cotton, ensuring it fully saturates the extension. I apply a drop of cuticle oil around my nails and skin to keep them moisturized during the process since acetone can be very drying. Next, I place the cotton ball, fully saturated with acetone, onto the nail and wrap the foil tightly around my finger.

To hold the foil in place, I use clips. While the clips aren’t necessary if you’re sitting still, they’re helpful if you plan to move around. Once everything is set, I let the gel extensions soak for about 20 minutes.

When the time is up, I begin removing the gel using a cuticle pusher. I gently push down on the gel; it should come off easily. If you find yourself pulling or tugging, the gel isn’t fully soaked. In that case, reapply the foil and acetone for another 5 to 10 minutes.

Next, I use a buffing block to remove any small leftover pieces of gel on the nail. After this step, I like to fully prep my nails to keep them strong. I apply Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover and push back my cuticles. Then, I clean up the shape of my natural nails with a file.

To remove any remaining dust, I use a nail prep pad. Afterward, I apply a base gel to keep my nails strong and prevent breakage. I’ve noticed that applying a gel base or builder gel helps my nails grow faster and makes them less prone to breaking. It’s a great way to reinforce the natural nail.

Before curing the gel in the UV LED lamp, I use alcohol and a flat brush to clean off any gel that may have gotten onto my skin.