The traditional removal methods... to avoid
🛠️ Excessive filing and buffing
Unlike classic polish that wipes off easily, Gel Polish calls for a bit more care during removal. One common method involves scraping off the polish using a nail file, electric file or buffer sponge until the color disappears. Often used in salons, this technique requires real skill—if not done properly, it can seriously damage your nails. Here's what could go wrong:
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Thinner nails and damaged keratin: Keratin is the protein that gives your nails their strength and flexibility. When you damage these overlapping layers, you weaken the natural nail, making it harder for them to bounce back.
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Ridged nails, soft nails, or breakage: These aggressive techniques can leave visible, lasting marks on the nail surface. On a deeper level, they disturb the nail matrix, which can lead to splitting, brittleness or soft, bendy nails over time.
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Loss of natural shine: Healthy nails naturally reflect light. When keratin is compromised, nails become dull, rough, and lose their glow.
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Possible lifting of the nail plate: Repeated trauma can cause the nail to detach slightly from the skin, creating space where moisture and bacteria can settle, which raises the risk of infection and leaves the nail vulnerable in the long run.
🧪 Acetone-based nail polish removers
Acetone is the go-to for fast results: just soak a cotton pad and press it on the nail to dissolve the polish. It works, yes—but it’s far from gentle.
This kind of remover strips away not only polish, but also the natural protective oil from the nail plate, leaving it dry and brittle. It also dehydrates the cuticles and the surrounding skin, which are your nail’s natural defense barriers. Some removers can even cause a burning sensation. In contact with the skin, acetone may cause irritation—especially for sensitive skin or invisible micro-cuts.
A gentle removal routine that works
Yes, you can remove Gel Polish at home without harming your nails. The secret? Gentle motions, the right products, and a little patience. Here’s our step-by-step routine for safe, effective removal.
How to remove your Gel Polish in 5 steps
Here’s our tried-and-true method for a clean removal process:
✂️ Cut 10 pieces of cotton to fit your nails.
🧪 Saturate each piece with a gentle remover. Choose an acetone-free formula to help keep your nails healthy.
⏲️ Place the cotton on each nail and secure it with nail clips or foil. Let it sit for 1 to 3 minutes depending on your polish type and number of layers.
🫶 Gently remove the polish: use a light back-and-forth motion and slide the cotton off toward the tip. Use a birchwood stick if needed to gently push off any residue—no scraping, no pressure.
💦 Hydrate right after removal. If there's any leftover polish, use another soaked cotton pad to wipe clean. Finish by massaging a nourishing oil into your nails and cuticles to promote regeneration.
With Green Flash™, removing your Gel Polish at home has never been easier or faster. Thanks to its innovative formula, it peels off like a film—no filing, no scraping, no acetone—in under one minute!
Green Flash™ gentle remover: effective, never aggressive
Created to work perfectly with the Green Flash™ routine, the gentle remover is as soft as it is powerful. Formulated without acetone, vegan and 96.5% bio-sourced, it’s enriched with castor oil to keep nails and cuticles hydrated.
Why we love it:
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It dissolves polish gently without damaging the nail plate.
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It helps retain moisture thanks to nourishing active ingredients.
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It leaves nails feeling soft, clean, and never dry or irritated.
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Its lightweight texture and subtle floral scent make it a pleasure to use.
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It can also be used before polish application to clean and prep the nail by removing oils and impurities.
👉 Use it with our removal clips for targeted, fuss-free application. A dream team for an easy, at-home removal routine.
What comes after removal? Time to show your nails some love
Once your polish is off, it’s the perfect moment to treat your nails to a well-earned reset using high-quality care. Here’s what we recommend for a post-removal routine that’s both pampering and effective:
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Green Oil: hydration hero
Just a few drops of Green Oil, a powerful blend of 6 botanical oils (sweet almond, passion fruit, kukui, walnut, coconut and baobab), deeply nourishes your cuticles and strengthens your nails. Massage in daily for a simple yet transformative nail care routine.
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Active™ polish: care + color in one step
These hybrid care-polishes are packed with active ingredients and tailored to suit different nail needs. Whether you're looking for a gloss effect, a color-correcting finish or a nail-brightening boost, Active™ polishes strengthen while making your nails look flawless between manicures.
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The “Damaged Nails” program: back to healthy nails
Aggressive removal, back-to-back manicures, worn-out nails? Time to hit reset. Try the Damaged Nails Starter Routine—a targeted treatment to repair and rebuild the nail’s keratin layers, restoring strength and shine. We recommend a 2-week treatment using three powerhouse products: S.O.S Base, Green Oil and the S.O.S Mask.
Removing Gel Polish at home should never mean breakage, ridges or splitting. By choosing the right method—and the right products—you’ll keep your nails healthy, strong and ready for your next mani. More than ever, Green Flash™ is your best friend for a nail-friendly Gel Polish routine from start to finish!
