How do you safely remove a gel mani?

Your nail beds and cuticles are what’s most important — they’re made of living tissue, which is why you need to be careful during the application and removal process. DON’T rip them off. You can either have gels removed at a salon safely (it usually costs around $10-$20) or remove them yourself at home with acetone, tin foil, cotton balls, and a nail file.

If you go to the salon, make sure your technician is removing your gels carefully. “No one should be scraping your nail bed aggressively. The product should just crumble off,” says Miss Pop.

If you want to save money and a trip to the salon, just be extra careful. Here’s how Duguay-Gordon recommends removing your gels safely at home:

Get a bottle of 100 percent acetone and a glass bowl.
Break the seal of the top coat with a light grit file.
Soak the nails in acetone for about three minutes.
Gently scrape the jelly-like substance with a wood stick cuticle pusher.
Once all is removed, gently buff nails.
Moisturize with a cuticle oil and hand and nail cream.