Specifically, a break from gel manicures after a rather questionable removable job at a salon I had never visited before left my nails in tatters.

The removal process typically causes the most significant damage. Soaking nails in acetone dehydrates both the nail plate and surrounding skin, while scraping off stubborn polish can inadvertently ...

While we love gel manicures for their staying power, they can leave nails damaged come removal time. Luckily, the damage is reversible. Experts share how to repair nails after a gel manicure ...

I've been getting my nails done for years and years, every 2-4 weeks without fail—following all of the nail trends. Starting with gel and moving onto extensions then BIAB, my nails are never bare.

Foil: By this point, you should have your acetone-soaked cotton pieces and strips of foil ready to go. Place each piece of cotton directly on the nail and wrap your fingertip tightly with the foil.

How do you rebuild your nail length and strength after removal? After your acrylics are removed, your nails may feel more thin and weak than when they were first applied.

After about five to 10 minutes, it's touch-dry, and after an hour, these feel really hard and have a plumped, smooth feeling that really does feel like the texture of cured gel polish on the nails.

If you've ever gotten a manicure, chances are you're familiar with gel nails. Ahead, pros share everything you need to know—including application, benefits, and removal.

Your gel polish should never be removed by drilling right down to the natural nail, says Elias: “It should always be soaked off using acetone following removal of 80 to 90% of the gel first.