Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

How do you take off gels without hurting your clients’ natural nails?

December 1, 2004

Taking off gels is a slow process. Most gels will not break down in acetone so they have to be filed off. I use a 100-grit file to take off the bulk of the gel, then change to a 180-grit and gently file down to almost the natural nail. At this point you’ll follow the same procedures as you would for blending a tip.

Graduate your files (starting with a rougher grit, which has a lower number, then moving to a finer grit, which has a higher number) to remove product, then buff the nail gently with a block buffer, followed by a 3- way buffer. If the gel has separated from the natural nail at the free edge you can gently clip this away as you would acrylic, then proceed with the graduating grit files. Remember that even hand-filing can cause friction so file slowly and gently.

More FAQ

Is there a particular type of “pencil” that is white that I could use to mark a smile line?

I am trying a new approach to creating the perfect salon smile line, and I was wondering if there was a particular type of “pencil” that was white that I could use to mark a smile line that could later be covered with the white acrylic powder?... read more

What causes my acrylic brushes to leave a yellow residue on the paper towel?

I have what’s starting to become a serious problem with my acrylic brushes. I have purchased three different brushes at three different price ranges, all of which have started to leave a yellow residue behind on the paper towel. What could be causing this? Please help!... read more

Would aggressive nail buffing cause lifting?

Would aggressive nail buffing cause lifting?... read more

What is the health issue with nurses wearing enhancements?

I have several clients who are nurses, and the hospitals they work at have put policies in place stating they can no longer have artificial nails because of the bacteria that can be held under the nails. Is there a real possibility that this is a health issue? And wouldn’t the same bacteria be under natural nails?... read more

What is the proper way to treat an ingrown toenail during a pedicure?

What is the proper way to treat an ingrown toenail during a pedicure?... read more

How do I properly apply gel sealer?

How do I properly apply gel sealer (in detail, please)?... read more

Does temperature have an effect on the way acrylic sets up?

My salon is kept very cold both in the summer and winter. My acrylic doesn’t seem to set up good when it’s very cold. Does temperature have an effect on the way acrylic sets up? And, how do I avoid this problem?... read more

Why does the acrylic get hot sometimes, causing my client’s finger to burn?

When I am applying an acrylic full set on a client, why does the acrylic get hot sometimes, causing my client’s finger to burn? Once I spray it with water or alcohol it cools off instantly.... read more

I like to use opaque pink acrylic to elongate the nail bed, but when it comes time for a fill, I have trouble blending the acrylic. Any suggestions?

I like to use opaque pink acrylic to elongate the nail bed, but when it comes time for a fill, I have trouble blending the acrylic. Any suggestions?... read more

Could you tell me how to prevent gels from lifting from the nail tips?

I am doing gel nails and they keep lifting from the nail tips. Could you please tell me why I keep getting this problem and how to prevent it from happening again?... read more

Why does it take me an hour and a half to do a gel fill? How can I get my time down?

Why does it take me an hour and a half to do a gel fill? How can I get my time down?... read more

When doing backfills on my gels, why am I having a problem with the white separating and coming off?

When doing backfills on my gels, I am having a problem with the white separating and coming off. Sometimes it comes off in one piece, or the natural nail will peel away from the gel. I am being very thorough with my prep work. What causes this?... read more