May 2026 · 2 min read
Nail art removal depends on the base polish. The art itself (painted flowers, chrome, foil) is removed with the underlying polish. Here is how each type comes off.
Gel art is cured under UV. It can not be wiped off with regular remover. Correct removal: file off the top coat (the shiny layer, 30 seconds with a 180-grit file — do not file through to the natural nail, just the top layer of the gel). Soak cotton ball in 100% acetone. Place the soaked cotton on the nail. Wrap with foil or use a gel removal clip (clip holds the cotton tight against the nail). Wait 10-15 minutes. The gel loosens and can be pushed off gently with a cuticle pusher (wooden stick — do not use metal on the natural nail). If the gel does not come off easily: soak for 5 more minutes. Do not pry or scrape. Forcing the gel off removes layers of natural nail (damage that takes 3-6 months to grow out). Cost at Jeannie Nails: gel removal $8 (included if you book a fresh service). At-home: 100% acetone $6-10, cotton balls $3, foil or clips $5-10.
Regular polish art (hand-painted with regular polish, stamping, dotting) comes off with standard acetone-based remover. Soak a cotton ball, press on the nail for 30 seconds, and wipe. The art comes off with the base colour. For stubborn glitter polish (the most difficult regular polish to remove): soak for 60 seconds, wipe, repeat if needed. Do not scrub — the glitter particles are sharp and scratch the natural nail surface. Cost: regular remover $3-5, cotton balls $3.
Chrome powder (applied over gel top coat for the mirror finish): requires gel removal (the powder is sealed under a gel top coat). Foil (pressed into tacky gel or regular polish): if applied over gel, requires gel removal. If applied over regular polish (tacky layer technique), comes off with regular remover. Ask your Jeannie Nails technician which base was used — they will tell you the correct removal method.
Gel removal $8 at Jeannie Nails (free with new service).
