Can a Nail Steamer Remove Gel Polish at Home?
Can a nail steamer remove gel polish at home? The answer is yes, thanks to the innovative technology of this inexpensive device. It’s not at all surprising that celebrity manicurists and nail techs are investing in nail steamers. Now everyone else is interested because it provides a quick, efficient, and gentle method for removing lacquers, gels, acrylics, and dip powder manicures. In other words, a nail steamer lets you switch up your manicure without wrecking your hands or needing to visit the salon.
How Does a Nail Steamer Work?
Nail steamers work by warming acetone to an optimal temperature. The heat helps the acetone to break down the chemical bonds in polish more efficiently than soaking in nail polish remover alone.
Even though it uses only acetone, nail steamers dissolve polish without dehydrating the nails and skin. This is because the steaming process works faster than soaking, minimizing the time the skin and nails are exposed to the harsh solvent.
In the end, the experience is quite pleasant. It’s like soaking a hand in a warm bath. It even comes out smelling much nicer than it would after sitting in foil wraps or soaking in a bowl of acetone. Moreover, not only does it make the removal process quicker, but it also does a better job of softening the polish. Then, pushing off the residue with a cuticle stick is easy.
How to Use a Nail Steamer
You'll probably need to purchase acetone separately to use a nail steamer at home. Then fill the device with the recommended amount of liquid and turn it on. (Review the manufacturer's instructions for details, as they may vary between models.)
While you wait for it to warm up, use a file to take the shine off the manicure. This allows the acetone to penetrate better.
Once the device is ready, place your fingers inside silicone-lined holes of the steamer for a specified amount of time – usually between two and ten minutes. The treatment time depends on the product type, whether a nail lacquer (faster), dip powder manicure, or acrylics (slower).
After steaming, use a cuticle pusher or an orange wood stick to gently push off the softened polish, working from the base of the nail toward the tip. Apply even pressure, and don’t scrape with the sharp edge to avoid damaging the nails.
Once all polish has been removed, it’s still essential to moisturize the nails and surrounding skin. After all, you just finished using acetone, which is still harsh on the hands, even though the removal process was quicker. Apply cuticle oil to each nail and massage hand cream into your skin. This will help to replenish any lost moisture and promote healthy nail growth.
Otherwise, instead of moisturizing immediately, you can apply a new manicure. We recommend a salon-quality gel that’s made for professionals and easy for beginners, too:
Lavis Luxury Gel
Gel polish has many benefits, including brilliant shine, durability, and vibrant colors. But this gel collection reaches a higher level of excellence. It's extra smooth and creamy, flowing onto the nail effortlessly. When it cures, it doesn't shrink or bubble. And the formula is free of harsh ingredients that could damage your nails. The hardest part is simply deciding which gorgeous hue to try first.
Lavis Gel Diamond Top
If you love it when your nails have a high-gloss finish, you’ve got to try the Lavis Diamond top coat. It will make your manicure last three weeks or longer, even if you only apply one layer. What's more, it makes every shade brighter, richer, and more sparkly.
Is a Nail Steamer Right for You?
Should you invest in a nail steamer? Is it worth it to spend the money on this polish remover device? Let’s do the math.
How much would it cost at a salon to remove a gel manicure? We’ve seen prices ranging from $10-$25. As you can imagine, the nail steamer would be worth it after only two or three uses. Therefore, if you regularly do manicures at home, a nail steamer is cost-effective. Not only does it protect your nails from damage, but it also speeds up the removal process and saves time.
However, not everyone has the budget or want to have more nail tools to manage. If you'd rather stay traditional, we recommend foil wraps for gel polish removal. They trap the heat from your skin and keep the acetone focused on where it’s needed. They aren’t as efficient as a nail steamer, but they are still far better for your nails than soaking your fingertips in a bowl of plain acetone.
At a minimum, you can also guard against dryness by using polish remover with conditioning ingredients.
Fortify Your Nails after Removing Gel Polish
We can't emphasize this enough. It's crucial to apply moisturizer and cuticle oil after removing your manicure. Cuticle oil is occlusive, and it seals in moisture while providing essential nutrients for stronger nails and healthier skin.
24K Gold Nail & Cuticle Oil
We love this cuticle oil because it absorbs rapidly and leaves our hands looking better right away. It brightens up the skin and brings out the color of the manicure. Plus, there's nothing like the look of well-cared-for cuticles to make the nails look prettier.
The formula is enriched with real gold, essential oils, and the world’s best moisturizer – hyaluronic acid. It also comes in different mood-boosting scents like honeysuckle, jasmine, or lavender.
Conclusion
A nail steamer is an effective and convenient method for removing gel polish at home. By using only acetone and heat, this device dissolves even the most durable nail products without causing excessive dryness or damage to the nails and skin. It can also save time and money in the long run, so it's the perfect choice for those who do regular manicures.
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