How to Remove Polygel Nails

The polygel nail trend has gained in popularity over the past few years because they combine the best of both acrylic and gel manicure methods. They’re long-lasting and beautiful.

Polygels hold up to the usual wear and tear you’ll experience when wearing false nails, and they offer great versatility. They are safer, more flexible, and more convenient than acrylics and gels because no messy mixing is required.

And this is the reason why most people choose to have a polygel manicure.

But now that you’ve been rocking your polygels for a few weeks, and have been impressed with the staying power of your manicure. But all things must end.

In this article, we’ll go over how to remove polygel nails.

If you’re new to polygels, you should have them removed at a salon to learn the methods. But if you’re not, you can follow our guide below and remove them yourself.

Just remember: don’t force them off.

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How to Remove Polygel Nails

The popularity of polygel nails is not surprising. They are better for your nails overall than acrylic and gel manicures. Polygel itself is an acrylic nail adhesive that is used to attach fake nails to your natural nail bed.

Polygel itself is an acrylic nail adhesive that is used to attach fake nails to your natural nail bed.

They are flexible unlike acrylic manicures, use slip solution to make application easy, and last much longer than gel nails — all without damaging your nails as much as the old-school methods.

Polygel manicures make these problems a thing of the past, so if you’re after a nail extension that’s stronger than gel, but better for your nails than acrylics, then this is the nail bandwagon you want to jump aboard.

One of the biggest advantages of polygel nails is also the easy application process, which means there’s no limit to the creation of amazing and vibrant canvases for your nails.

The polygel makes it easy to sculpt and design a nail extension with the help of dual forms, thanks to the soft consistency of the formulation.

One of the biggest advantages of polygel nails is also the easy application process, which means there’s no limit to the creation of amazing and vibrant canvases for your nails.

Polygel nails are also very popular because they will last for about three weeks before you’ll notice them starting to lift off.

But you should know, polygels can be somewhat of a challenge to remove.

Don’t Use the Force!

The one thing that you shouldn’t do when you notice your polygel nails starting to lift off is to force them off. If they are lifting on their own, then you can use an emery board to help them gently.

This won’t damage your natural nails.

But what about the actual removal process?

If this is your first time having had a polygel manicure done on your nails, you should absolutely have them removed by a professional in a salon. Observe the process and sensations, and once you’re ready, you can try it yourself.

This is because removing polygel from your nails isn’t something that a complete beginner should be doing.

The reason we suggest this is because there’s always a chance that you will completely ruin your nails.

Removing polygel from your nails isn’t something that a complete beginner should be doing.

Therefore, it would be wise to see how the nail technician does it first before you try and remove polygel nails yourself. Because besides the potential of causing real damage to your nail bed, it can also be painful if you don’t really know what you’re doing.

If you’re a polygel manicure pro, though, and want to have a go at removing the nail extensions yourself, then it is safe to do so at home.

However, you have to make sure that you have the right tools available, such as:

• Nail file to break down the polygel
• Cuticle Pusher
• Nail Drill

The Tones of Acetone

The most obvious method of removing polygel nails at home is with acetone nail polish remover.

You will need to soak your nails in acetone for about 20 minutes overall. This can be extremely damaging not only to your nail beds but also to the surrounding skin, especially if it’s dry, to begin with.

Drill Baby, Drill!

The other popular way of removing polygel nails is with an electric nail drill. This is something that would probably be very overwhelming to a beginner. You can easily burn yourself and damage your natural nails).

You should have your nail technician do this for you if you are considering removing your poly gels this way.

Using a nail drill to remove polygel nails is the quickest way to do it, but again you have to know what you’re doing, and there’s the potential that you can do a lot of damage to your cuticles and surrounding tissue.

Weakened Nails

Plus, the repeated use of both acetone and nail drills to remove a polygel manicure will weaken your nails over time, especially if you’re a fan of this particular manicure method.

So, you need to make sure that you take care of your nails after you remove the polygel.

Thankfully, however, there are other ways of removing polygel that aren’t as damaging as using acetone or nail drills.

So, let’s now take a look at these less damaging methods.

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How to Remove Polygel Without Acetone or Nail Drills

The following method of removing a polygel manicure will work best if the gel has already degraded and your nails are looking rather worn out. This will happen gradually after you’ve had them on for about three weeks or so.

Oil Soak

The first thing you want to do is get hold of a cuticle pusher, a body wash, some warm water, and oil. Any kind of oil will do, whatever you have handy will work. Body oil or cooking oil, anything is fine.

Start by using the cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Then you can slide the cuticle pusher under the edge of the polygel so that you can gently lift the edge to allow the mixture you’re about to make to seep between the gel and your nail beds.

In a bowl that’s big enough for you to soak your fingers in, mix the oil with some of your body wash, then finally add the very warm water.

You could boil the water first, and allow it to cool down so that it’s tolerable for your fingers to sit in it for about 15 minutes.

After this time, you can use the cuticle pusher to gently lift the edges of the polygel nails from your natural nails.

If needed, you can soak your nails for a few more minutes with warmer water to get the mixture underneath the polygel.

Do. Not. Force. It.

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Tender Loving AfterCare

After you’ve removed your polygel manicure, your main priority will be to get your nails back into good shape by rehydrating the nail bed and your cuticles, especially if you’ve used acetone or a nail drill to take them off.

After you’ve removed your polygel manicure, your main priority will be to get your nails back into good shape by rehydrating the nail bed and your cuticles, especially if you’ve used acetone or a nail drill to take them off.

Karma Organic Avocado Cuticle Oil with Lavender Nail Treatment 

Karma Organic Avocado Cuticle Oil with Lavender Nail Treatment is a quick-absorbing and nourishing oil that will help to make your nails stronger and your cuticles softer.

The avocado oil contained in this formula boasts anti-bacterial properties that penetrate deep into the skin to provide long-lasting moisture. It’s also completely natural and non-toxic and will provide both strength and flexibility to nails that have been weakened from acetone or drilling after the polygel removal process.

Barielle’s 7-In-1 Elixir Nail Treatment 

Barielle’s 7-In-1 Elixir Nail Treatment is an excellent moisturizing treatment that works well to restore the health of your natural nails and cuticles. Its powerful formula contains argan and baobab oils to deeply nourish nails, as well as vitamin E and violet extract, which offer antioxidizing protection.

The other essential ingredients of this 7-in-1 Elixir Nail Treatment work together to prevent breakage, as well as stimulate natural nail growth and can be used as a clear polish strengthener to give your nails a break between your polygel treatments.

If you want to make some cuticle oil at home, here are a few DIY cuticle oil recipes.

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Conclusion

Now you know how to remove polygel nails safely and effectively.

Again, if you’re new to polygels, you should have them removed at a salon. But if you’re ready for it, use the methods explained above, and do not force the nail off. Patience is key, and eventually, they will come off.