Step-by-step: Removal of Builder Gel, Polygel, and Rubber Base
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT REMOVAL
Note: This guide is exclusively for removing products from The Gel Collection. If you're using products from Makear, they cannot be removed with acetone and need to be filed off.
The method for removing nail products can vary. Some types of products can be dissolved in an acetone-based liquid, while others need to be filed off. At The Gel Collection, we have developed all our products so that they can be removed with our Fast Acetone Remover. This ensures a gentle method for removal, regardless of the product you use. Nevertheless, it's important to be gentle and follow our guidelines to ensure successful removal.
It is crucial to protect your natural nails during the removal process. You should never scrape hard on either the product or the nail, nor should you file down into the natural nail. Additionally, never force a product off by pulling, pushing, or scraping aggressively. When the product is scraped off, it should be dissolved enough to be gently pushed off with a rosewood stick. If this isn't the case, repeat the soak-off process. The most common cause of thin and damaged nails is incorrect removal. The ingredients and composition of nail products themselves cannot cause nail damage – it's the removal process that is the issue. Therefore, it is essential to perform removal gently and correctly – every time.
The best way to ensure that you remove your products without damaging your natural nails is to follow our removal guide and step-by-step instructions. And if you have any doubts, please don't hesitate to contact us for advice.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR REMOVING BUILDER GEL, POLYGEL, AND RUBBER BASE
1) File off the Top Coat, Gel Polish color, and 80-90% of the gel product
When removing either Builder Gel or Polygel from The Gel Collection, it is necessary to first file off 80-90% of the product. The reason is that the products are designed to be so durable and strong that even acetone-based removal solutions have difficulty penetrating. You should file down to the Base Coat (without filing into the natural nail). The products can be filed off with the 100-side of a 100/180 grit file or with an electric nail file. When using an electric nail file, you can use a bit with red (fine) or blue (medium) grit, or alternatively, a sanding band between 100 and 180 grit.
2) Apply Soak Off Wraps with Fast Acetone Remover
After filing down the Top Coat and part of the color, apply Soak Off Wraps. Make sure to use plenty of Fast Acetone Remover – enough so that the wraps are almost dripping. Press the wet Soak Off Wraps tightly around the fingers to prevent the liquid from evaporating. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
3) Add heat from a warm towel
For an even more effective dissolution, you can place your hand inside a warm towel (for instance, a towel that has been on a warm radiator for five minutes). The heat will allow the Fast Acetone Remover to work even better.
4) Gently scrape off the dissolved product
After about 10 minutes, you can remove one Soak Off Wrap at a time and gently scrape off the dissolved product with a rosewood stick. If you unwrap all fingers at once, the product might re-harden before you finish. Therefore, unwrap one finger at a time. It's crucial not to force the product off at any point. It should be dissolved enough to be removed with a gentle touch. Excessive pressure can cause damage to the natural nail, which should be avoided.
5) Remove the final residues
Small product residues can be gently filed off with a 100/180 grit buffer, a 220/240 grit file, or you can repeat the process with Fast Acetone Remover.
6) Finish with cuticle oil
Wash your hands and apply cuticle oil. The oil should be applied both to the cuticles and under the nail. Read more about daily nail care on our blog here.
FACT:
It's normal for your nails to feel very soft right after removal. There's no need to worry. As oxygen is reintroduced to the nail’s keratin cells, they will harden and strengthen again, typically within 24 hours.
