Yes, gel polishes look beautiful when applied to natural nails, last long, and give a salon finish. However, when removed in the wrong way, they might damage your natural nails. The best part is that gel polish can be removed at home in so many ways without peeling, scraping aggression, or removing part of the surface of your nails.
So this guide will take you step by step through methods and types of nail polishes, the newest trends to emerge in nail polish, and after-care tips.
Current Popular Nail Polish Trends
1. Chrome & Mirror Nails.
A very metallic shine that can reflect like a mirror- totally famous in Instagram.
2. Glazed Donut Nails.
Soft pearly inspiration from Hailey Bieber.
3. Aura Nails.
Gradient colors that create glow-a-like center effect.
4. Minimalist Nude Nails.
Clean, simple ones that truthfully speak everyday elegance.
5. Jelly Nails.
Translucent glossy colors that appear as candy.
6. Velvet (Cat Eye) Nails.
Using magnetic polish shows shifting-gliding more smoothly compared to the other options as you move your hands.
7. French Tip With a Twist.
Colored tips, chrome tips, and double lines are trending nowadays.
Types of Nail Polish
1. Regular Nail Polish
- Simple to apply
- Air-dried
- Lasts for 3–5 days
- Can be easily removed with an ordinary remover
2. Gel Nail Polish
- Cured under UV/LED light
- Lasts for 2–3 weeks
- Acetone removes
- Super shiny and resistant
3. Dip Powder Nails
- Nail dip powder procedure
- Long-lasting (up to 4 weeks)
- Cannot be easily removed but are tough
4. Acrylic Nails
- A liquid and powder mixture
- Use to create long nails
- Removal requires filing + soaking
5. Shellac
- A kind of fusion between gel and regular polish
- Cured under UV light
- Removes more easily within the purpose of shellac.
6. Matte Nail Polish
- Has that non-shiny, smooth matte effect
- Both available in regular and gel types
7. Magnetic (Cat-Eye) Polish
- Contains metal particles
- Creates patterns in motion using magnets.
8. Peel-Off Nail Polish
- No need for acetone.
- Perfect for kids and quick temporary looks.
- Never Peel Off Gel Polish
Peeling or picking nails destroys natural nails on the upper layer, resulting in the following:
- Thin and weak nails
- Breakage
- Rough surface of a nail
- Pain and sensitivity
Instead, always remove the gel using the gentle method.
Method 1: Acetone Gel Nail Polish Remover
What you Need
- Pure acetone
- Cotton balls or pads
- Aluminum foil
- Nail file
- Cuticle oil
- Wooden cuticle stick
Steps
- Layer File: Do superficial filing on the shiny top coat to allow penetrating acetone.
- Acetone-Saturated Cotton: Set the soaked cotton ball on your nails.
- Wrapped With Foil: Tighten them around each finger and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Polish Gently Pushed Off: Use a wooden stick to push off soft gel, not with force; if it resists, do so again.
- Wash & Rehydrate
Method 2: Soaking in Bowl
This is a great alternative if you just don’t fancy wrapping your fingers.
Steps
- Put some acetone in a small bowl.
- Petroleum jelly goes around the nails to protect the skin.
- Fingers are soaked for 10–15 minutes.
- Gently push off the loosened gel with a cuticle stick.
- Wash hands and moisturize.
Method 3: Gel Polish Removal without Acetone
Here, you are dealing with a weaker but slower finding process.
Things You Need
- Warm soapy water
- Nail file
- Cuticle stick
- Moisturizer
Steps
- Soak nails for 15–20 mins.
- Very lightly file the top layer.
- Gently push with the gel.
- Repeat if necessary.
After-care Tips for Healthy Nails
- Apply cuticle oil daily: Helps in drying up and strengthens weak nails.
- Nail strengthening serum: Helps in rebuilding the layers of the nails.
- Shorten your nails for some days: For Lesser breakages during healing.
- Give your nails a well-deserved break: No new gels for 3–5 days.
Conclusion
Gel nail polish is beautiful, but the wrong method of removing it weakens the nails as well. The beauty of it all is that you can remove it by using safe and easy methods to follow and improve your nail health. Now that you are informed of the aftercare tips, you can go ahead and do some of the trending nail styles for that confidence boost before starting on your next manicure.
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