#nailathome

For anyone who has trouble making a normal manicure last more than three days, discovering the magic of gel nails (near flawless for three weeks?!) can be life changing. But the worst part about gel nails is that moment when you need to take them off and you just can’t.

The options are basically stab and scrape and peel your fingernails with various objects for what feels like hours or head back to the salon to pay someone else to take them off.

So, I tested three methods to see if there was a better way.

Method #1: The store-bought jar

You’ll need: Whatever product you pick up in the nail polish aisle at the drugstore.

If you can swing by your local drugstore, there a lot of “over-the-counter” gel removal options to try. The frustrating part is that you can’t know how they work until you get them home.

This one was essentially an acetone-soaked sponge in a jar. The instructions told me to stick my finger in the jar and twist, implying that with this simple motion, my nail color would magically come off. So I twisted and twisted and twisted …

… and, nothing. I tried so many times! There was no way the polish was coming off.

The verdict: If you go this route, you’re taking a risk, and it’s likely not worth your time, money or energy.

Method #2: Aluminum foil wraps

You’ll need: Aluminum foil, a nail file, cotton balls and acetone nail polish remover.

The steps are pretty simple, and if you’ve ever gotten a gel manicure removed at the nail salon, this one will seem familiar because it’s typically what the nail techs do.

First, buff your fingernails with a nail file, removing the shiny coating of the gel polish.

Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone until it’s saturated. Put the soaked cotton ball on top of your buffed nail, and wrap your finger in a small square of aluminum foil to keep the cotton ball in place. Repeat for all of your fingers.

Set a timer for 10 minutes.

Remove the foil wraps, and use the cotton balls to wipe off any leftover polish on your nails.

Method #3: The double boiler

You’ll need: Two bowls, hot water, a nail file, acetone nail polish remover and an orange stick.

Here’s how it works as a nail polish remover.

First, buff your nails with a nail file to remove that shiny polish finish.

Then, fill a large bowl with hot water and place a smaller bowl inside. Pour acetone nail polish remover into that bowl. Soak your fingers in the small bowl for 10 minutes. Then, use an orange stick to push off the remaining polish.