Blog / Care tips

Care tips

Removing gel polish or nail extensions: how it works, how long, how much

Gel polish or extensions that start to lift, and the temptation to pull them off… It is the single most damaging thing you can do to your nails: peeling the polish takes the top layers of the nail with it, and they need weeks to recover. Removal at the salon takes 10 to 20 minutes and leaves the nail intact.

How removal works at the salon

For gel polish, the technician files off the glossy top coat, then removes the softened polish, or gently files it away with an e-file depending on the product used. Allow about ten minutes for hands. For gel or acrylic extensions, the material is thinned down with an electric file to a fine layer that protects the nail; we never go down to the bare nail. Allow 15 to 20 minutes.

How much it costs

• Gel polish removal only: from €10.
• Gel or acrylic extension removal: €15.
• Removal included in a new set: for example removal + regular polish, €20. When you get a new gel polish or redo your nails, removal is done in the same appointment.

Removal or infill?

With extensions you do not always need a full removal: if the set is sound (no lifting, no moisture underneath), an infill every 3 to 4 weeks is enough, simply filling the regrowth. A full removal is for when you want a break, a new shape, or if a nail has lifted.

And afterwards?

If you take a break, moisturise your cuticles every evening with an oil and keep the nails short for two or three weeks: they are slightly more flexible right after removal, which is normal. If you get a new set straight away, there is nothing special to do. Our tips on wear are in How long does gel polish last.

Removal is booked like any service: choose “Removal” in the list, or add it to your set. All prices are on our Services page.