Many of us are hooked on long lasting manicures such as Gelcolor by OPI and Shellac. The only hitch is, we can’t always get to a salon to have it removed once it’s done its dash.
We spoke to Terri Grace, marketing manager from Global Beauty (which distributes the OPI brand in New Zealand), to get some tips on taking the DIY route.
Is it best to go to a salon to have your gels taken off?
It is if you are not 100 per cent sure how to remove them properly. The worst thing you can do to your nails is to peel the gel off. You can comprise the quality of your nails if you consistently peel your gel polish off.
What do you need to take off gel polish at home?
I recommend OPI Expert Touch Remover, OPI Expert Touch Removal wraps, a cuticle stick and a towel.
Some of our salons sell Expert Touch Removal wraps, but if you can’t get hold of any you can also use cotton wool and tin foil.
Give us a step-by-step of the process
Wet the cotton wool with your remover, place it on the polish then wrap some tinfoil around the nail. Wrap the hands with a towel and leave on for 15 minutes. (This is all you need for Gelcolor by OPI. Other gel products might need to be soaked off for longer.)
Once time is up give the foil a little wiggle as you pull off. If there is any left, gently remove the excess gel with cuticle stick.
Is pure acetone (available at pharmacies) too strong to use on nails?
Consistent use of pure acetone does compromise the quality of your natural nail and can also cause dermatitis of the cuticles. If your nails are in poor quality it is harder for gels to adhere to the nails properly. Any remover with acetone in it is fine, however I would suggest trying the OPI Expert Touch Remover.
What can you use to mitigate effects of acetone?
I would highly recommend a good cuticle oil and hand cream to help replenish the lost oils and to rehydrate the cuticles.
Is it harmful to always wear gel polish and never let your nails ‘breathe’?
It is a fallacy that your nail needs to breathe. Your nail is a dead structure already that is why it is not painful when you cut your nails. So is safe to regularly wear gels all the time.
Click here to see our favourite gel manicure options
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