To remove gel nail polish using tools, you will primarily use a cuticle pusher tool or a wooden cuticle stick to gently push off the gel manicure.
Removing gel polish often requires a specific process, especially after soaking the nails (though soaking isn't explicitly mentioned in the provided reference, the act of 'pushing off' usually follows a loosening step like soaking or wrapping). The core action using tools involves carefully lifting and removing the softened gel layer.
Key Tools for Gel Removal
The reference specifically highlights these tools:
- Cuticle Pusher Tool: Typically a metal tool with a curved end designed to push back cuticles, but also effective for gently scraping gel polish.
- Wooden Cuticle Stick: A less aggressive alternative to a metal pusher, also used for pushing cuticles and can be used to lift gel polish.
- Fine Buffing Block: Used to smooth the nail surface after the gel has been removed.
Step-by-Step Process
Based on the reference, here is how you use these tools to remove gel polish:
- Gently Push Off: Use either the cuticle pusher tool or a wooden cuticle stick to gently push off the gel manicure from the nail surface. Work carefully to avoid damaging your natural nail.
- Buff the Nail: After pushing off the bulk of the gel, you may need to lightly buff the nail with a fine buffing block. This helps remove any residual gel and smooth the nail surface.
- Repeat or Use Acetone: If you have multiple layers of gel polish or if some gel remains, you may need to repeat the pushing and buffing steps. Alternatively, you can use a bit of acetone to help remove the remaining gel polish.
Important Considerations
- Always be gentle to prevent damage to your natural nail bed.
- The process is typically easier when the gel has been properly loosened beforehand (commonly through soaking nails wrapped in acetone-soaked cotton pads and foil). The reference focuses on the tool part of the process, assuming the gel is ready to be pushed off.
By using a cuticle pusher tool or a wooden cuticle stick to gently scrape and lift the gel, followed by light buffing with a fine buffing block, you can effectively remove gel nail polish.
