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How to Remove Gel Nail Strips Safely

To remove gel nail strips, put a few drops of cuticle oil round the edges of each strip, wait a minute or two for it to work in, then gently lift the edge with a wooden stick and peel the strip away slowly. You don't need acetone, and you should never peel them off dry.

What you need

  • Cuticle oil, such as a cuticle oil pen
  • A wooden stick (the manicure stick from your set is ideal)
  • A few minutes and a bit of patience

How to remove gel nail strips, step by step

  1. Oil the edges. Apply a few drops of cuticle oil around the cuticle and along the sides of each strip.
  2. Wait. Give the oil a minute or two to work its way under the edges.
  3. Lift. Slide the wooden stick gently under one edge and ease it up.
  4. Peel slowly. Peel the strip back towards the tip, adding more oil wherever it resists. Never force it.
  5. Tidy up. Wipe away any leftover oil, then massage a little more into your nails and cuticles.

Never peel off dry. Pulling a strip off without oil can take the top layers of your nail with it and leave it thin and weak.

Why there is no acetone

Velvora gel strips come off with cuticle oil, so there is no need to soak your nails in acetone. Acetone is very drying, and repeated soaking is a common cause of thin, brittle nails.

If a strip won't budge

  • Add more oil and wait a little longer before trying again.
  • Try lifting from a different edge.
  • Come back to it after a bath or shower, when the edges are softer.

Aftercare once they're off

  • Massage cuticle oil into your nails and cuticles straight away. Our cuticle oil aftercare guide explains why it helps.
  • Only buff very lightly, and only if any residue is left.
  • If you can, give your nails a day off before your next set.

Common questions

Do I need acetone to remove gel nail strips?

No. Cuticle oil and a wooden stick are all you need. Acetone isn't necessary and it dries out nails and skin.

Will removing gel strips harm my nails?

Gentle removal with oil is the best way to look after your nails. Problems usually come from peeling strips off dry or scraping at them, so take your time.

When should I take gel strips off?

They give up to 14 days of wear on fingernails, often longer on toes. Take them off once the edges start to grow out or lift.

Do polish strips come off the same way?

No. Polish strips come off with ordinary nail polish remover. See how to remove polish nail strips.

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