Nail Care

DIY Gel Removal in your Own Home

Everybody loves the idea of gel nails - long lasting colour and chip free, what’s not to love! But when it comes to having to take them off, it’s another story. That’s why we normally leave Gel nail polish removal down to the professionals.

However, we understand that at this moment in time you’re going to have to take matters into your own hands. So, we have created an easy-to-follow step by step guide, which you can do from the comfort of your own home.

Step 1

Start with either washing your hands or using the Swiss Guard Hand Sanitiser to make sure your hands are clean. Using a nail file, file down the ends of your nails to break the seal of the gel (this will enable an easier removal). If you are removing gel that is not OPI then you will need to gently file over the top of the nails as well.

Step 2

Cut cotton wool pads into quarters, and soak until saturated with Expert Touch Lacquer Remover- then place on top of the nail so that it is fully covered. Cut some tin foil into squares, and use to wrap the cotton wool pad to the nail as tight as you can. Wrap one hand at a time or ask someone to lend you a helping hand. Once wrapped, leave to soak for a MINIMUM of 15 minutes.

Step 3

After 15 minutes, take off the foil and cotton pad (one finger at a time) and gently push/lift off the gel from the nail using a cuticle pusher. If there are any stubborn bits of gel that are not coming off, wrap the nail up again and try again in a few minutes time.

Step 4

Once all gel is removed, gently buff your nail to remove any excess gel and to smooth out any imperfections. Apply hand cream and cuticle oil to moisturise your hands after the whole process is finished.

Top Tips:

- Cover your table with kitchen roll or a towel to catch any mess that is made.

- Wrap foils as firm as you can to the finger, if using home tin foil, fold the sharp edge down so you do not cut yourself and fold shiny side in.

- Make sure the cotton wool pad is fully saturated with expert touch remover.

- Keep hands warm when soaking nails, place a towel over them- warmth helps with the removal process.

- Don’t scrape the nails with the pusher- be gentle!

- If you have dry cuticles, make sure you moisturise your cuticles with oil before wrapping the nail in foil. This will keep moisture in while the gel is soaking off.