how to remove gel nail polish without acetone

Affiliate Links

When you remove gel polish correctly, it results in clean and undamaged nails. However, proper removal includes acetone. Let me begin this post by saying I do not recommend removing gel polish without acetone. See my posts How Do You Take Off Gel Nail Polish, Nail Mates Gel Polish Removal, and Gel Removal Tips and Tricks for proper removal.

How to Remove Gel Polish Without Acetone

I do understand; however, that sometimes emergencies occur and you might know the proper removal, but need another option because you don't have acetone and need to remove your gel polish RIGHT NOW. So, know that this technique will damage your nails, but it's better than just tearing the gel polish right off.

Start by using your fingernail to lift up part of your nail. Try to find a spot that looks loose. Sorry the picture is so out of focus. It was a bit tricky getting these pictures.

How to remove gel polish without acetone. First, find a spot that looks loose and lift it up a bit with your fingernail.

Pour water over the lifted edge while you use your fingernail to gently push the gel polish off the nail. You can do this at a faucet.

How to remove gel polish without acetone. Under running water, use fingernail to gently lift the gel polish.

You can also use olive oil or cuticle oil instead of water. Cover the nail with oil and also the fingernail you are using to push off the gel polish. You can also use an orangewood stick.

How to remove gel polish without acetone. Cover nail with olive oil or cuticle oil and gently lift gel polish.

Try to push off the gel polish as gently as possible and go slowly.

When you have pushed the gel polish off, there may still be some gel polish residue left over. Use a buffer to file off the rest of this residue. Be careful that you don't file your natural nail, just the gel polish.

How to remove gel polish without acetone. Very gently buff off any remaining gel polish.

When you finish, cover your nails with tons of cuticle oil and slather your hands with hand cream. Then, buy some acetone and some Nail Mates and use them to properly remove the gel polish from your next manicure. 🙂

How to remove gel polish without acetone. When finished, liberally apply cuticle oil and hand cream.