How to Remove Polygel Nails

Twila Alex
5 min readFeb 7, 2021

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Getting your nails done is one of the most relaxing feelings. It removes your stress and gives you a happy feeling after seeing how amazing your nails look!

Nowadays, there are different techniques on how to get your nails done. There is traditional nail polish, gel nail polish, acrylic nail polish, and Polygel nail polish.

One of the newest nail techniques in the beauty industry today is Polygel nails. If you are curious about how Polygel nails work, how to apply Polygel nails, how to remove Polygel, you are on the right page!

This article will teach you everything you need to know about Polygel!

What is Polygel?

Polygel has a gel-lick consistency that comes in different colors and finishes. It is ready to use without needing to mix other solutions. Polygel is applied using an acrylic brush and is cured using a UV or LED lamp. Polygel can be shaped into your preferred style. Polygel is perfect for women who have short nails that want to have instantly long and durable nails to keep for weeks.

Polygel Nails Benefits:

  • PolyGel nails are strong and flexible.
  • Polygel formula gives a pleasant smell.
  • Polygel is light and comfortable to wear.
  • Polygel cures fasted under a UV lamp.
  • Polygel can easily be removed by using a nail file or a buffer.

Difference between Acrylic Nails, Gel Nails, and Polygel Nails

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails can be a bit harmful to your natural nails. Acrylic nails are an extension of your natural nail. Your natural nail bed needs to be filed down to have a rough surface for the glue to adhere to. Acrylic liquid and powder are mixed and then applied on top of your nails to be shaped and buffed. Acrylic nails will be shaped and buffed, and then painted with your preferred polish.

Removing acrylic nails can be time-consuming. Using acetone and buffing can damage and weaken your nails.

Gel Nails

Gel nails are not extensions of your nails. Instead, a gel is a type of nail polish that can last for 2–3 weeks. It is applied on top of the nail just like traditional nail polish, but instead of air drying it, a UV or LED lamp is used to cure your nails. Gel nails are also challenging to remove. It requires soaking your nails in acetone and then buffing them afterward. This process can also damage and weaken your nails.

Polygel Nails

Polygel is applied as an overlay on your natural nails to enhance them. Polygel nail is lighter than gel and acrylic nail.

The big difference is the smell. Acrylic gives a lousy chemical odor.

How to Apply Polygel

How to Apply Polygel

If you are curious about how Polygel nails are done, here are the steps.

Step 1

Your nail technician will prepare your natural nails by cleaning, filing, and buffing them.

Step 2

Your nail technician will apply a small bead of Polygel formula either directly to your nail or into a nail mold, depending on their technique. If used to a nail mold, they will get a mold similar to your nail’s shape, apply the Polygel to the mold, and then press the mold down to your natural nail.

If Polygel is applied directly to your nail, the formula will be placed in the center of your natural nail and will be shaped using a small acrylic brush, depending on your preference.

Step 3

Your nail tech will smoothen the Polygel formula using the solution that comes with it.

Step 4

Your Polygel nail will be cured under a UV lamp for about 30 seconds. This process will be repeated if you will be needing extra polish colors and nail art designs.

Step 5

Your nail technician will finalize the shape of your nail by buffing or filing.

Step 6

Your nail technician will apply a top coat to seal your Polygel nails. It can either be matte or glossy, depending on your preference.

Step 7

Final cure. Your Polygel nails will be cured under a UV lamp for the last time. Then you are good to go!

How to Remove Polygel

The question remains: How to remove Polygel?

There are two ways on how to remove Polygel nails. Here are both of them.

Acetone- Free Method

1. Extra nail length will be cut using a nail cutter.

2. An electronic nail file will be used gently to remove the Polygel layer from the cuticle to the end of your natural nails. Set your e-nail file at its lowest speed to avoid any damage.

3. File the Polygel off to its thinnest that you are comfortable with.

4. Use a 180 grit file to buff off the remaining layers of the Polygel gently. Avoid filing too hard to avoid nail damage.

5. Smooth out and polish the surface of your nail using a buffer.

6. Hydrate your cuticles by applying cuticle oil or moisturizer.

Wrapping Method

Wrapping nails

1. Extra nail length will be cut using a nail cutter.

2. Buff the top layer of your Polygel nail gently.

3. Apply acetone to significant pieces of cotton balls that are enough to cover your nails.

4. Wrap each of them up with foil for 10–12 minutes or until the Polygel is loosened.

5. Remove the aluminum foil wrap.

6. At this time, Polygel can easily be peeled off.

7. Use a cuticle pusher from your cuticle to the tip to gently remove the remaining Polygel.

8. Smoothen and polish your natural nails using a buffer.

Final Thoughts

With the different techniques in styling your nails, Polygel nails are indeed the easiest of them all! It is also the lightest and gives less damage compared to the others. Since you have learned how to remove Polygel nails, apply Polygel nails and their benefits, what are you waiting for?! Start your Polygel nails journey now! Let me know your thoughts!

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