Polygel nails are becoming increasingly popular in the past few years. One of the main reasons for that is their longevity. They can last between three and four weeks. But that depends on your lifestyle and the length of your nails.
In any case, Polygel manicure is a popular option. But what happens when the manicure has run its course? How to remove Polygel nails? Let’s talk.
What Are Polygel Nails?
Before we can talk about how to remove Polygel nails, we have to talk about what are Polygel nails. Let’s explain this type of nail enhancement.
The best way to describe them is a hybrid formula that combines the durability of acrylic nails and the elasticity application of gel nails. But the process and materials used are quite different than acrylic or gel nails.
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Polygel is a nail enhancement sold in a tube much like toothpaste. It contains a mixture of acrylic powder and clear gel. It has a putty-like consistency. Because of that, it is extremely easy to apply and shape.
Nail professionals love it because it gives them time and space to deliver on sculpting and constructing the best nail.
How are they applied?
To understand how you can easily remove Polygel nails, you have to understand the application process. For a natural look, you can overlay Polygel onto the natural nail. Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how a nail professional will apply the nails. You can also do it at home.
- Sculpt the natural nail into the desired shape
- Remove the cuticle and buff the nail plate
- Remove any debris on the nail using a lint-free wipe soaked in cleaner
- Depending on the brand of the poly gel nails, the next steps may differ. After applying a dehydrator to the natural nails, it is either an acid-free primer or a gel base coat
- Nails are cured, or dried if you like, for a duration according to the instructions under an LED light
- It is time to add Polygel, starting with a pea-sized amount applied onto the nail plate
- Dip a brush into the slip solution and pat down the Polygel, sculpting the nail into the desired shape and length
- Dry the nails again for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the Polygel brand
- Shape and buff the nails, and then wipe with a lint-free wipe covered in nail surface cleaner
- Apply a gel top coat and dry the nails for 30 to 60 seconds again. Wipe the nails one more time to complete the process
How much do they cost?
We cannot give you a definite answer here. It depends on the type of Polygel application and brand. The price can range between $50 and $150, but usually, it doesn’t exceed $80.
Difference between gel nails, acrylics, and Polygel
We talked before that Polygel combines the two best things of acrylics and gel nails. Here is a quick breakdown of each type of nail.
The gel is the thinnest of the three nail enhancement. A gel manicure can bend the nails, and cause breakage, which is why many women avoid it.
Acrylics can be used to make longer nails. Acrylic nails are thick and sturdy and result in less breakage of the natural nail.
Polygel nails combine the best parts of gel nails, which are the elasticity, and the sturdiness and strength of acrylic nails. You can say they are the best among the three options. Of course, that comes with a higher price tag. It is more expensive than a basic gel manicure, but it is worth it. It lasts twice as long, and you can just add more Polygel as your nails grow.
How long do they last?
As we said before, Polygel manicures can last between three and four weeks. It all depends on your lifestyle and the length of your natural nail.
If you have an active lifestyle, you are involved with activities, or you are rough on your nails, your new manicure will not survive a full month.
How To Remove Polygel Nails?
There are a couple of ways to remove Polygel nails. You can use acetone, or if that is too harsh on your skin, try an acetone-free removal method.
Method 1 – Acetone removal
All types of nails can be removed with some acetone. But some people avoid it because it is harsh on the skin. But on the plus side, acetone is the most effective and fast removal method. Here is how to do it.
- Cut and file your nails. Cut and trim your nails to make them easier to remove. Smaller nails – fewer residue to dissolve
- Soak cotton balls in acetone and then apply them to the surface of your nails. Wrap them with nail clips and let them sit for 10 minutes
- Take off the foil or clips and use a clean cuticle pusher to remove any remaining Polygel material from the surface of the nail. If necessary, file down the surface
- Apply lotion and cuticle oil to prevent dryness. Remember, acetone can be corrosive, so you want to protect your skin afterward
Method 2 – Soap and oil
Because acetone can be damaging to your natural nails if you use it frequently, here is another option. If you do not wear Polygel nails often, and you have a break between them, you can use acetone. If not, try this method.
- Gently life the edges of your nails using a cuticle pusher. This will allow oil and water to penetrate underneath the nails
- Mix oil and soap together with warm water, and then apply it under the nails. Soak your nails for 15 minutes in the mixture
- Get a cuticle pusher again, lift the edge of your nails gently, and soak the nails for a few more minutes if the Polygel hasn’t fallen off
Method 3 – Use a nail file
If you want to be gentler on the nail surface, or you do not have any household items on hand, a simple nail file can do it. Here is how.
- Start by trimming the nail carefully and removing any soft or brittle extra length
- Use a file labeled with a 100 or 120-grit surface. Gently begin removing the Polygel from the surface using gentle filing motions. Do not file once you reach the natural surface of your nails
- Now get a gentler file or a nail buffer and remove the remaining Polygel polish
Is Polygel Manicure Safe?
This is a question many women have. But do not worry. When applied and removed properly, the Polygel manicure is perfectly safe for your nails.
It is safer than other nail enhancement options. For example, acrylics. There are no chemicals released into the air during application.
Why Should You Remove Polygel Nails Properly?
So, why is it important to remove Polygel manicure properly? Well, for starters, it will protect your nails from damage. If you leave nail polish, you can strip the nail and cause damage. It will make your nail brittle. That will call for some long-term healing of your nails.
Removing Polygel nails properly prevents infections and inflammation. Use proper tools and methods for nail polish removal.
Last, but not least, it will keep the surface of your nails smooth. Give your nails a chance to breathe before applying a new manicure. If you remove Polygel nails properly, you will ensure that your next manicure goes on smoothly.
Remember, scraping nail polish or removing it with improper tools, can damage the surface of the nail plate. That will make it challenging to get the perfect sheen the next time you get a beautiful manicure.
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