Gather acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a nail file, a nail buffer, cuticle oil, and a wooden cuticle stick
Trim the gel nails as short as possible
Gently file the shiny top layer of the gel to break the seal
Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone
Place the soaked cotton on each nail
Wrap each fingertip tightly with aluminum foil
Wait 10 to 20 minutes
Remove one foil wrap and check if the gel is lifting
Gently push off softened gel with a wooden cuticle stick
Rewrap and soak again if the gel is still firm
Lightly buff any remaining residue
Wash hands thoroughly
Apply cuticle oil and hand cream
Stop if you feel pain or see nail damage