5 Gel Removal Kits That Make The DIY Process So Much Easier

Generally speaking, a soft gel manicure can last up to three weeks, around which time there's a discernible amount of new growth between your cuticle and the color. That's normally when the polish starts to lift — just a tiny bit — and you find it catching on your shirt sleeve or in your hair. Then, you know it's just a matter of days, or hours, before you'll start peeling.

With nail salons closed as a health precaution to slow the spread of COVID-19, it seems like there are two choices if you're currently wearing gels. You can peel them off (which we don't recommend) or go the safer, albeit more tedious, DIY route with cotton rounds, a file, acetone, and a roll of aluminum foil. Neither option is particularly appealing, but luckily, there's a third solution: Buy a complete kit.

Before you begin, we suggest watching a few removal videos on Instagram or Youtube to get acclimated. Spoiler: You'll need to file down the top of your gels, then soak them with acetone before gently pushing them off your nails.

Ready? Find the best kits still available online, ahead — but you better hurry before everyone else figures out there's an easier way out.

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