How To Remove Polygel Nails: 4 Proven Ways

Polygel nails are stunning and surprisingly strong, which means you can enjoy your lovely manicure for several weeks without fear of breakage.

There are no nasty odors or chemicals involved, which means you don’t have to inhale anything gross or harmful (we’re looking at you, acrylic nails!).

But if you’re ready to enjoy your natural nails again, you need to know how to remove polygel nails the right way.

The good news is these nails are easier and quicker to remove than other popular nail extensions, such as acrylic nails.

However, much like everything else in the beauty biz, there’s a right and wrong way to go about it.

Follow one of these simple steps to remove polygel nails at home safely and effectively.

How to Remove Polygel Nails

When it comes to polygel nail removal, you have options. Whether you’re a fan of natural remedies or prefer “professional” tools, you can find a removal method that works for you.

That said, here are the top four methods to consider.

Method 1: Acetone Nail Polish Remover

Some women abstain from acetone due to its drying properties and potential for nail damage, but hey, it works like a charm (for polygel, gel, acrylic, and anything else nail-related!).

As long as you take proper precautions and care for your natural nails afterward, there’s no harm in using acetone every once in a while.

How To Use Acetone to Remove Polygel

To use acetone to remove polygel nails at home, simply do the following:

1. Trim any excess polygel nails. For example, if you opted for super long nail extensions using polygel, trim the nails down using a nail cutter for easier removal.
2. Massage cuticle oil or petroleum jelly into the cuticle area. This will help to soften the thin area, ensuring a simpler release.
3. Buff or file the top coat of the polygel nails. Use a nail buffer or nail file to get this done.
4. Soak cotton balls or cotton pads in acetone.
5. Wrap the soaked product around your fingertips and secure. Use an aluminum foil wrap or purchase specialty nail clips for wrapping to secure.
6. Remove the cotton ball and use a cuticle pusher to remove the remaining gel nail polish. When removing, remember to be gentle. You don’t want to harm your natural nail in the process accidentally.

Important aftercare: Whenever you use acetone nail polish remover, it’s vital to care for your natural nail bed and surrounding skin afterward.

Any moisturizer will work fine, but a cuticle cream or cuticle oil will work best.

Also, consider adding more vitamin A, biotin, and calcium to your diet to improve nail strength and keep them healthy.

Tip: Don’t want to do a DIY wrap? No worries. You can remove polygel using premade foil wraps instead.

Method 2: Nail Drill

Nail drills are the fastest solution for removing polygel. Now, you might not have a nail drill sitting around.

But if you get polygel nails done regularly, it may be beneficial to purchase an e file nail drill.

How To Use a Nail Drill for Removal

Removing polygel is easy, even for beginners. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Trim your polygel nails. Just like with the acetone technique, you need to start with clipping off any extra length.
2. Push back the cuticle using oil and a cuticle pusher. This is essential, as you don’t want to accidentally damage your cuticles (the thin part around the base of the nail) while you remove the polygel with a nail drill.
3. Use a soft band to remove the edges of the polygel polish.
4. Switch to a coarser band to file away the bulk of the polygel. Make sure to remove most of the polygel, but don’t touch your natural nails.
5. Wash or wipe any dust off the surface and gently remove the remaining polygel with a nail file.

Important aftercare: While using an electric nail drill won’t harm your nails, they’ll still be a little grimy after removing the polygel.

It’s best to apply some oil to your finger or a deep-conditioning moisturizer.

Method 3: Oil and Soap

Oil and soap are one of the more natural and safer options to remove polygel.

Plus, it uses ingredients you likely already have at home, so you don’t have to worry about running off to the store.

How to Remove Polygel Using Oil & Soap Solution

To remove polygel using this method, do the following:

1. Push the sides of the polygel nails to loosen them up. By loosening the polygel nails, you will allow the solution to seep underneath for easier removal.
2. Mix oil, a bit of soap, and warm water. Any oil is fine, but most people prefer to use coconut or cooking oil.
3. Soak fingertips in the mixture for approximately 15 minutes.
4. Remove using your nail cuticle pusher. If your nails still won’t budge, you can always repeat the steps above. Consider soaking your nails for a more extended period.

Method 4: Nail File

Not in a rush? You can always gently buff away your polygel nails using a file.

Yes, buffing the hard gel with a file will take some time, but it works.

To do this method, simply use a file and continue to gently buff the polygel until you reach the natural surface of your nail.

Wipe off any dust and enjoy your beautiful, all-natural nails once more.

How to Get Polygel Nails Off FAQ

Can PolyGel be soaked off?

Polygel can be soaked to help remove them, but they can’t be soaked off entirely.

That is why it’s recommended to buff the top coat or loosen the polygel nails with a pusher before placing them in warm water and oil or acetone.

Do PolyGel nails come off easy?

Polygel nails are pretty durable and offer a more extended longevity than other similar nail extensions like acrylics. However, with the correct methods, they can come off quickly.

Don’t try to pry them off, though - polygels aren’t made to break off easily.

Can you soak off PolyGel with alcohol?

Polygel nails will not respond to alcohol for removal.

It is better to use one of the above methods to remove polygel, such as acetone, a nail drill, or an all-natural solution.