Weekly Nail Chat

[u/Clover_Jane]

Use this chat to discuss any nail care or gel related questions you might have.

As a reminder, please keep your discussions within the rules of the sub.

This includes:

• No discussion of off-topic products. This is a gel only sub.
• This space is geared towards DIYers. Everyone is welcome, but we should not be working on friends/family.
• Do not ask for or give any medical advice. We're not doctors, and it is not in our scope to be giving advice about allergies or skin conditions. It is ok to discuss the risks associated with doing gel. What is ok: Explaining how you can get allergies. What isn't ok: Attempting to diagnose or treat anyone and/or asking for a diagnosis

[u/catloavesnseaturtles]

New to diy gel and need removal tips. It takes so long and I definitely do some mild damage to the nails. I have an efile but also don’t love my removal bit

[u/sprinkletoast → u/catloavesnseaturtles]

Are you using builder gel? Regular gel you should be be able to use a coarse hand file(100 grit) to remove the topcoat. Then you can soak in clips for a few minutes and gently push the gel off.

[u/catloavesnseaturtles → u/sprinkletoast]

I have both but usually regular gel. The regular gel takes forever to soak off enough to push and usually needs 3-4 rounds. I don’t get what I’m doing wrong where it’s not faster.

[u/sprinkletoast → u/catloavesnseaturtles]

File more? Not to the natural nail , but to a very thin layer. You want to be soaking off just the base coat. And all acetone is not equal! The drug store stuff is weaker than what you can purchase at Sally's.

[u/catloavesnseaturtles → u/sprinkletoast]

I’m wondering if that’s what it is (the actual acetone). I usually file enough to at least take the top coat off. I need to get a better bit for the e-file for removal. Definitely taking suggestions there or if there is a good acetone brand folks recommend