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How to get gellac off at home??

13 replies

hellohellohihi · 09/02/2013 20:37

So I've had gellac on my toes for far too long now, to the point where I'm too embarrassed to get it taken off at a salon... I'm also short on time and want to get a pedicure next week and really want it gone before I go so they don't think I'm a complete minger....

Help! How do I get it off?!

OP posts:
ilovepowerhoop · 09/02/2013 20:39

is that a mix of gellish and shellac? Have you tried pure acetone?

ilovepowerhoop · 09/02/2013 20:41

does this help www.iheartcosmetics.co.uk/2011/02/gel-polish-how-to-diy-remove-shellac.html

hellohellohihi · 09/02/2013 20:41

No idea... Just thought that was what it was called?!

Not tried anything yet - can I get acetone in boots/tesco?!

OP posts:
Nagoo · 09/02/2013 20:43

pure acetone.

rip tin foil into little squares, about an inch and a half.

soak cotton pad, cut into quarters.

put tin foil in tin foil, position over nail, wrap nail.

leave at least 10 mins, scrape it off a bit with orange stick, if it won't come, soak it some more.

Nagoo · 09/02/2013 20:43

Some of the gel polishes you'll need t rough up with a buffer before you soak it.

ilovepowerhoop · 09/02/2013 20:44

I googled and you do get gelac nails, just hadnt heard of them - sorry. I got acetone in Home Bargains but you should be able to get it in other places too.

hellohellohihi · 09/02/2013 21:12

Ok thanks, will try it ASAP and report back!

OP posts:
monkeysmama · 09/02/2013 22:51

You have to ask for it in the chemist.

carrie74 · 10/02/2013 08:58

What they all said.

Also heat helps speed the process off, so maybe pop a hot water bottle or similar over your toes while they're soaking in the acetone.

jackstini · 10/02/2013 19:50

Second the foils - or bowl of acetone with a couple of drops of oil in bowl of hot water.

Removal tool helps for speed too

knitknack · 10/02/2013 20:21

I do my own gel nails and tbh I've found that any nail polish remover (as long as it isn't acetone free) will work. I cut a cotton wool pad into four quarters, soak each wee bit in remover and then wrap onto my nail with foil as the others have suggested. Works well!

jackstini · 12/02/2013 20:36

And wrap your hand in a towel while the foils are on - even quicker!

valiumredhead · 13/02/2013 09:45

Any varnish remover will do it ime - soak cotton wool in remover, put on nails and wrap with foil and leave for ten minutes. Even acetone free stuff removed mine ok.

NEVER soak your fingers in a bowl of acetone - too harsh apparently and you'll ruin your nails.

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