How to Simply Remove Gel Nails at Home.

One of the downsides of gel and shellac manicures is the need to have them removed professionally once they've begun to peel and split. That's aside from the actual damage they do to the nail bed. I've put together a simple how to on removal of gel nails at home with just a couple of items. 

What You'll Need:

• Tin Foil
• Nail Wipes/Cotton Balls
• Acetone
• Nail File
• Nail Buffer
• Orange Sticks/Gel Scraper
• Nail Strengthener (OPIs Nail Envy)

The most important thing with gel nail removal is to be gentle from start to finish:

1. Gently buff the gel topcoat to break the seal. 
2. Place an acetone soaked pad/ball on ten little squares of tin foil. 
3. Wrap each square around your fingers and squeeze tightly. 
4. After 10 minutes, remove each foil tip. 
5. Use the scraper to ease the polish off the nail. Easy does it so as to prevent further damage. If you find you're struggling place the pad back on for a moment. 
6. Very lightly buff the nail bed so that all residue is removed. 
7. Coat each nail in a nail strengthener to restore them to their former glory. 

Last and by no means least, slather your nails, nail beds and cuticles in a cuticle oil of your choice. I'm absolutely loving Sally Hansen's Healthy Cuticles Now of late and it's gone a long way to restoring my poor talons. 

Can't get enough of it!

While two week manicures are a blessing when it comes to chip free (mostly) fortnights of super glossy nails, the hard truth is that your nails just don't like it. Despite what any manicurist will tell you, buffing your nail bed enough to aid a gel to stick damages your nails protective barrier and that's why you'll feel that god awful burn with buffing. 

The most important thing to remember is to be nice to your nails, eat well, drink plenty of water and lash on cuticle oil as often as you can. Your talons really will love you for it and you 'll see results in just days. 

Tell me, are you a gel nail fan or do you prefer the au natural look?