Removing Rubber Base Gel Nails: A Step-By-Step Guide (2025)

Removing gel nail polish can be a tricky process, and if done incorrectly, can cause serious damage to your nails. The removal process is the most important part of keeping your natural nails intact. To avoid nail damage, it is important to know how to remove gel nail polish safely. This can be done by using acetone-soaked cotton balls, or lint-free pads, placed on the nails and wrapped in foil. After 10-20 minutes, the gel polish should slide off the nail. Any remaining bits can be gently scraped off with an orange stick. It is important to note that acetone can be irritating and drying to the skin and nails, so it is recommended to use acetone-based nail polish remover sparingly and to moisturize well afterward.

How to Remove Rubber Base Gel Nails

File nails gently with a soft grit nail file to break the seal of the top coat

To remove rubber base gel nails, you'll need to file your nails gently with a soft grit nail file to break the seal of the top coat. This process requires a few tools and careful attention to ensure you don't damage your nails.

First, let's understand what a soft grit nail file is and why it's important. The numbers on nail files, such as 100/180 or 180 grit, indicate the coarseness or smoothness of the file. The higher the number, the smoother the file grit, and the lower the number, the coarser it is. For gel nails, it is recommended to use a softer file, usually 180 grit, to avoid breaking the molecule structure of the nail. This is especially important if your top gel layer is not too thick. A softer file will help you gently file your nails without causing damage to the nail bed.

When filing your nails, it's crucial to be gentle and file in one direction. Avoid digging your file and moving it back and forth, as this can permanently damage the connection between your nail and the nail plate. Instead, gently round the corners in a single direction. You can place the file under your nail and bring it in a bit to avoid filing off the top coat. This technique will help you reshape your nails without disturbing the rest of your manicure.

Additionally, you can use a nail strengthener before filing to protect your nails. Apply two layers and let them dry. This will act as a protective layer and prevent over-filing. Remember to take your time and be cautious to ensure you don't accidentally thin your nails or cause any other type of damage.

After filing, you can proceed with the rest of the gel nail removal process, such as soaking your nails in acetone and wrapping them in foil to remove the gel polish completely.

Soak nails in acetone by applying soaked cotton balls or lint-free pads

So, you've grown tired of your rubber base gel nails and want them gone—but you don't want to damage your natural nails in the process. The good news is that there is a simple way to remove them at home without destroying your nails.

The simplest and fastest way to remove gel polish is to soak your nails in acetone by applying soaked cotton balls or lint-free pads. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Cut the lint-free pad into small pieces, or use cotton balls/pads, to fit your nail size.
• Soak the lint-free pad or cotton ball in acetone.
• Place the soaked pad/ball on your nail, ensuring it covers the entire nail surface.
• Wrap each finger with small foil strips to hold the cotton/pad in place.
• Wait for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Unwrap the foil and check if the gel polish slides off the nail easily.
• If there is still some gel polish left, re-wrap the nail with a fresh cotton/pad and foil, and soak for another 5 minutes.
• Gently scrape off any remaining gel polish with an orange stick or cuticle stick.
• Apply cuticle oil or a rich moisturiser to your nails and the surrounding skin to replenish and hydrate them. This is important as acetone can dry out your nails and skin.

Remember, never buff, file, push, pick, or peel off gel polish, as this can damage your nail bed and weaken your nails.

Wrap nails in foil to secure the cotton and aid the removal process

Wrapping your nails in foil is a crucial step in the gel nail removal process. It helps secure the cotton and ensures that the acetone stays in place, aiding in the effective removal of the gel polish. Here is a detailed guide on how to wrap your nails in foil:

Firstly, cut 10 squares of aluminium foil, each approximately 3 inches in size. The size does not have to be exact, but it should be enough to wrap around your fingertip comfortably. It is important to avoid crinkling the foil, as this can cause tears and prevent a tight seal. A tight seal is necessary to prevent the highly volatile acetone from evaporating, which would slow down or even halt the removal process.

Next, place a small piece of lint-free or cotton pad soaked in acetone on your nail, ensuring it covers the entire nail. Then, wrap a piece of foil around your nail and fingertip, starting by folding over the end of your fingertip and then wrapping the sides to create a secure seal. You can also begin by wrapping the foil around your finger and then folding over the top to secure it in place. This process should be repeated for each finger, and it is recommended to work on one hand at a time.

It is suggested to use thicker foil, such as hairdressing foil, as it is easier to control and hold. Additionally, you can individually fold the edge of the foil that will wrap around your finger to create a tighter seal. This ensures that the acetone remains effective.

After waiting for approximately 10-20 minutes, you can unwrap the foil and check if the gel polish slides off easily. If there are any remaining pieces of gel, they can be gently scraped away with an orange stick or nail file.

Overall, wrapping your nails in foil is an essential step in the gel nail removal process as it helps contain the acetone and facilitates the removal of the gel polish. By following these steps, you can effectively remove rubber base gel nails while minimising potential damage to your nails.

Scrape off any excess polish with a cuticle stick

To scrape off any excess polish with a cuticle stick, gently scrape away any small pieces of gel that remain. Be sure to do this gently to avoid damaging your nail bed. It is important to note that you should not pick or peel off gel polish as this can cause dryness, peeling, and cracking on the delicate surface of your nails. This can also remove the delicate keratin layers of your nails and weaken them.

To start the process of removing gel nail polish, you should first use a buffing block or soft grit nail file to gently buff your nails. This will help to break the seal of the top coat and make it easier to remove the gel polish. It is important to be gentle during this step and not to over-buff, as this can damage your nail bed. After buffing, soak a small piece of lint-free pad or cotton ball in acetone and place it over the entire nail surface. Then, wrap your nails in foil and wait for around 10 to 20 minutes.

After this, you can check your nails and, if any gel nail polish remains, re-soak your nails in additional five-minute increments until all the gel polish is removed. At this point, you can gently scrape off any excess polish with a cuticle stick. Be sure to apply cuticle oil or a thick moisturizer to your nails and cuticles after removing the gel polish to replenish and hydrate them. This is especially important as your nails have been soaked in acetone, which can dry them out.

It is important to note that acetone can be irritating to the skin and can contribute to dryness. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to onychoschizia, a condition marked by peeling and brittle nails, you may want to opt for an acetone-free nail polish remover. Additionally, be sure to follow up with a rich moisturizer or hand cream that contains humectants, emollients, and/or occlusives to help nourish and protect your skin.

Moisturise nails and the surrounding skin to prevent dryness and irritation

Rubber base gel nails can be removed by filing, buffing, and soaking them in acetone. However, this process can dehydrate the nail plate, cuticles, and surrounding skin, causing them to become brittle. To prevent dryness and irritation, it is crucial to moisturize your nails and the surrounding skin.

When moisturizing your nails, opt for products that contain humectants, emollients, and/or occlusives. Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, help the skin retain moisture. Emollients, including fat- or oil-based ingredients like squalane or ceramides, increase hydration and improve skin texture. Occlusives, such as petrolatum, beeswax, and lanolin, create a physical barrier to prevent water loss.

Oils, especially those containing sunflower oil or Brazil nut oil, are highly effective in moisturizing nails as they absorb better than creams. Exfoliation is also an important step in the process, as it helps remove dead skin cells and allows the moisturizer to penetrate better.

To prevent dryness, it is recommended to wear gloves when doing tasks that involve water, such as washing dishes or cleaning. Frequent hand washing and exposure to water can weaken the nail's structure and make it more susceptible to dehydration. Therefore, it is essential to apply moisturizer immediately after water exposure and to choose mild, hydrating soaps.

Additionally, consider applying a rich moisturizer or hand cream to your nails and the surrounding skin. This will help nourish and protect the area, ensuring that your nails and skin stay healthy and hydrated.

Frequently asked questions