Look at the underside of your nails to see where your real nail meets the nail extension.
Watch out for your cuticles when you’re filing so that you don’t damage them. Avoid going over the same spot on your nail with the file more than a few times—you don’t want to file straight through to your natural nail. Filing the gel coat off of your nails will make it easier for the acetone to penetrate the base coat.
Cutting round cotton pads in half will make it easier to fit them around each nail. When positioning the piece of soaked cotton, make sure your entire nail will be saturated, including the tip.
Wrap the foil tightly around each nail so that the acetone won’t evaporate.
Some people remove the foil after just 5 minutes while others wait 20 minutes. How long it takes for the gel to loosen will depend on the type of nail extensions as well as the gel application.
The gel around your cuticle will likely loosen first.
Touch the cotton balls to see if they’re still wet with acetone or if they need to be soaked again.
Wash your hands after you’ve finished with the acetone to clean it off of your skin, if desired.
Purchase cuticle oil from your local big box store, beauty store, or online.
Pay special attention to the skin around your fingernails as you apply the lotion. There are also special nail and cuticle oils you can purchase that will help hydrate and strengthen your nails and skin. [13] X Expert Source Lindsay YoshitomiNail Artist Expert Interview. 12 July 2019.
