From removing old gel polish and what products you need, here are some tips on how to keep your manicure looking fresh and clean
Beauty salons in Singapore have opened since the country is currently in phase two of its safe re-opening measures. However, some of us may still prefer to stay home and limit interactions outside during this health crisis.
So if you're in need of a fresh manicure without a visit to your usual salon, tackle chipped nails and old polish with these easy-to-follow tips on how to achieve a flawless gel manicure at home.
(Related: What to Expect in Phase 3 of Singapore’s Safe Re-Opening)
Removing old polish
Though it can be tempting to peel off old polish, this can be damaging to your nails, so it’s worth taking the time to remove old polish properly. As acetone is needed to remove gel polish, be sure that you’re in a well-ventilated space or open a window before you begin.
Begin by lightly filing or buffing the top of your nails to remove the very top layer of your gel polish, which will speed up the removal process.
After buffing, nail salon owner Stephanie Trower from Washington, USA, states that “the easiest way to go is to wrap your gel nails with foil and inside have a cotton ball that soaked in acetone or nail polish remover. It will slowly peel off in about 30-40 minutes.”
For this, you’ll need small squares of foil (or re-useable soak-off clips), a good quality acetone and cotton wool balls. If you are short on time, you can leave the acetone on your nails for 15-20 minutes and then use a steel nail pusher to help peel off any remaining polish. Alternatively, Stephanie states you can "dip your nails into a bowl of acetone only and it will peel off on its own" if you're in a hurry.
(Related: 5 Foods To Eat For Healthy Hair And Nails)