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THE GELOUS IT LIST

How to Remove Gel Nail Polish Using the Soak-Off Method

The soak-off method is an easy, beginner-friendly way to remove your Gel Nail Polish. Follow the steps below for the best results, or check out our E-File guide below if you’d like to try a faster, more advanced technique.

  1. Use the rough 100 grit side of your Gelous Nail File to gently buff the surface of the Gel Nail Polish. This removes the Top Coat’s shine and breaks the seal, allowing the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Remover to penetrate more effectively.
  2. Soak a Lint Free Wipe in Gel Nail Polish Remover and place it over your nail. Clip on a Gelous Nail Polish Removal Clip, pressing down once your finger is inside. For ease, leave the pointer finger and thumb of your dominant hand for last, or work one hand at a time. Alternatively, use a Pure Acetone Wipe. Peel back the centre plastic to reveal the sticky strip, place your finger under the wipe, fold the sides in to secure, then fold the bottom up to enclose. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes.
  3. Gently remove the Gel Nail Polish from your nails by using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick to push, or Gel Nail Polish Removal Tool to pull the Gel Nail Polish off. Move in the direction your nail grows, from right above the cuticle to the tip, taking care not to press into the nail. If the Gel Nail Polish doesn’t come off easily, you may need to soak your nails for longer. This could be because the nails weren’t buffed enough in step 1, or the layers of Gel Nail Polish were quite thick.
  4. Dust off any Gel Nail Polish with the Gelous Dust Brush.
  5. Lightly buff your nails with the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File to remove any remaining bits of product and smooth the nail plate. If you have used Builder Gel, it’s completely normal to have some residual Builder Gel left on your nails after soaking off. Unlike standard Gel Polish, Builder Gel is more durable and doesn’t always lift easily.
    If you'd prefer to fully remove the Builder Gel take your time and work carefully. Use only the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File to gently reduce the bulk, without trying to remove every last trace. Attempting to file it all off can thin the natural nail and cause sensitivity. If some areas are still stubborn, soak your nails again to help soften the gel before continuing.
  6. Brush away buffing dust with the Dust Brush, then apply Gelous Cuticle Oil to your nails and surrounding skin to nourish.
  7. When you're ready to reapply, start from the beginning—prep, apply Base Coat, and continue as usual.
  1. Use the rough 100 grit side of your Gelous Nail File to gently buff the surface of the Gel Nail Polish. This removes the Top Coat’s shine and breaks the seal, allowing the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Remover to penetrate more effectively.
  2. Soak a Lint Free Wipe in Gel Nail Polish Remover and place it over your nail. Clip on a Gelous Nail Polish Removal Clip, pressing down once your finger is inside. For ease, leave the pointer finger and thumb of your dominant hand for last, or work one hand at a time. Alternatively, use a Pure Acetone Wipe. Peel back the centre plastic to reveal the sticky strip, place your finger under the wipe, fold the sides in to secure, then fold the bottom up to enclose. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes.
  3. Gently remove the Gel Nail Polish from your nails by using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick to push, or Gel Nail Polish Removal Tool to pull the Gel Nail Polish off. Move in the direction your nail grows, from right above the cuticle to the tip, taking care not to press into the nail. If the Gel Nail Polish doesn’t come off easily, you may need to soak your nails for longer. This could be because the nails weren’t buffed enough in step 1, or the layers of Gel Nail Polish were quite thick.
  4. Dust off any Gel Nail Polish with the Gelous Dust Brush.
  5. Lightly buff your nails with the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File to remove any remaining bits of product and smooth the nail plate. If you have used Builder Gel, it’s completely normal to have some residual Builder Gel left on your nails after soaking off. Unlike standard Gel Polish, Builder Gel is more durable and doesn’t always lift easily.
    If you'd prefer to fully remove the Builder Gel take your time and work carefully. Use only the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File to gently reduce the bulk, without trying to remove every last trace. Attempting to file it all off can thin the natural nail and cause sensitivity. If some areas are still stubborn, soak your nails again to help soften the gel before continuing.
  6. Brush away buffing dust with the Dust Brush, then apply Gelous Cuticle Oil to your nails and surrounding skin to nourish.
  7. When you're ready to reapply, start from the beginning—prep, apply Base Coat, and continue as usual.

How to Remove Gel Nail Polish Using the E-File Method

This method is quicker than soaking but requires close attention to technique. Follow the steps below for safe removal, and see the E-File User Guide for additional tips, Drill Bit recommendations, and guidance.

  1. Use the rough 100 grit side of your Gelous Nail File to gently buff the surface of the Gel Nail Polish. This removes the Top Coat’s shine and breaks the seal, allowing the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Remover to penetrate more effectively.
  2. Soak a Lint Free Wipe in Gel Nail Polish Remover and place it over your nail. Clip on a Gelous Nail Polish Removal Clip, pressing down once your finger is inside. For ease, leave the pointer finger and thumb of your dominant hand for last, or work one hand at a time. Alternatively, use a Pure Acetone Wipe. Peel back the centre plastic to reveal the sticky strip, place your finger under the wipe, fold the sides in to secure, then fold the bottom up to enclose. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes.
  3. Gently remove the Gel Nail Polish from your nails by using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick to push, or Gel Nail Polish Removal Tool to pull the Gel Nail Polish off. Move in the direction your nail grows, from right above the cuticle to the tip, taking care not to press into the nail. If the Gel Nail Polish doesn’t come off easily, you may need to soak your nails for longer. This could be because the nails weren’t buffed enough in step 1, or the layers of Gel Nail Polish were quite thick.
  4. Dust off any Gel Nail Polish with the Gelous Dust Brush.
  5. Lightly buff your nails with the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File to remove any remaining bits of product and smooth the nail plate. If you have used Builder Gel, it’s completely normal to have some residual Builder Gel left on your nails after soaking off. Unlike standard Gel Polish, Builder Gel is more durable and doesn’t always lift easily.
    If you'd prefer to fully remove the Builder Gel take your time and work carefully. Use only the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File to gently reduce the bulk, without trying to remove every last trace. Attempting to file it all off can thin the natural nail and cause sensitivity. If some areas are still stubborn, soak your nails again to help soften the gel before continuing.
  6. Brush away buffing dust with the Dust Brush, then apply Gelous Cuticle Oil to your nails and surrounding skin to nourish.
  7. When you're ready to reapply, start from the beginning—prep, apply Base Coat, and continue as usual.
  1. Use the rough 100 grit side of your Gelous Nail File to gently buff the surface of the Gel Nail Polish. This removes the Top Coat’s shine and breaks the seal, allowing the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Remover to penetrate more effectively.
  2. Soak a Lint Free Wipe in Gel Nail Polish Remover and place it over your nail. Clip on a Gelous Nail Polish Removal Clip, pressing down once your finger is inside. For ease, leave the pointer finger and thumb of your dominant hand for last, or work one hand at a time. Alternatively, use a Pure Acetone Wipe. Peel back the centre plastic to reveal the sticky strip, place your finger under the wipe, fold the sides in to secure, then fold the bottom up to enclose. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes.
  3. Gently remove the Gel Nail Polish from your nails by using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick to push, or Gel Nail Polish Removal Tool to pull the Gel Nail Polish off. Move in the direction your nail grows, from right above the cuticle to the tip, taking care not to press into the nail. If the Gel Nail Polish doesn’t come off easily, you may need to soak your nails for longer. This could be because the nails weren’t buffed enough in step 1, or the layers of Gel Nail Polish were quite thick.
  4. Dust off any Gel Nail Polish with the Gelous Dust Brush.
  5. Lightly buff your nails with the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File to remove any remaining bits of product and smooth the nail plate. If you have used Builder Gel, it’s completely normal to have some residual Builder Gel left on your nails after soaking off. Unlike standard Gel Polish, Builder Gel is more durable and doesn’t always lift easily.
    If you'd prefer to fully remove the Builder Gel take your time and work carefully. Use only the fine 180 grit side of the Nail File to gently reduce the bulk, without trying to remove every last trace. Attempting to file it all off can thin the natural nail and cause sensitivity. If some areas are still stubborn, soak your nails again to help soften the gel before continuing.
  6. Brush away buffing dust with the Dust Brush, then apply Gelous Cuticle Oil to your nails and surrounding skin to nourish.
  7. When you're ready to reapply, start from the beginning—prep, apply Base Coat, and continue as usual.

Tutorials You Can’t Miss

From common beginner mistakes to drill bit explanations and shaping tips, these tutorials cover the essentials and more.

Pointing at a gel nails free edge - photographed in New Zealand on model
Pointing at a gel nails free edge - photographed in New Zealand on model

Six Common Mistakes Beginners Make

We’ll walk you through the most common application mistakes that can lead to lifting, chipping, and premature wear. Follow along and find out how to make your DIY gel manicure last longer.

Watch Now
Guide To Different E-File Pen Drill Bits - photographed in New Zealand
Guide To Different E-File Pen Drill Bits - photographed in New Zealand

E-File Drill Bits Explained

Learn what each E-File Drill Bit does, how to use them, how to care for them, and when it's time to replace them. Your guide to confident, safe E-File use starts here.

Watch Now
Building your nails with Builder Gel - photographed in New Zealand on model
Building your nails with Builder Gel - photographed in New Zealand on model

8 Reasons Your Builder Gel May Be Peeling

Learn why your Builder Gel might be peeling and how to fix it. We cover common mistakes in prep, application, and shaping to help you achieve a stronger, longer-lasting gel manicure.

Watch Now

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