get these things off of my fingers!

thesuninherhead

Apologies for contributing to what is apparently an already boring night for you all, but:I got gel nail overlays (no extensions, just gel over the top of my regular nails) a week and a half ago for the wedding. Three of them now have cracks (my nails are very thin so this is somewhat unsurprising, even with the gel). I'm working for the rest of the week (got home from honeymoon yesterday) and don't have time to get to the salon but these nails are driving me insane. Does anyone know how to remove the gel without killing my nails?

sapphirebaby926

Only thing I know of is using nail polish remover with acetone - I don't think it's very healthy for your nails though and it takes forever to soak off

anna.oskar

After you use acetone, soak your nails in milk to neutralize it and then put on a vitamin E treatment.

mrsLesGrossman

Make sure it is pure acetone and it doesn't have gel or scent.  You'll soak them off a lot faster.  Be careful with your clothes and where you do it too. 

nda_roxybabe

Anna- how are you so wise? And why do I have no idea what you look like?

nda_roxybabe

Yes- and do NOT spill it all over your lap.

anna.oskar

Not wise, I just have worked with a lot of acetone and ethanol in my research.  I got that tip from a girl in the next lab.  Saved my nails.

mrsLesGrossman

Not like lab acetone, salon acetone without gel and scent. 

thesuninherhead

Thanks girls. I think I have some of the 100% acetone at home, will have to check. Will also purchase some milk! Can't wait to get these things off. I am the type of person who can't help but pick at things like peeling/chipped nails!

anna.oskar

I use the lab accetone to clean writing off test tubes and slides.

mrsLesGrossman

You have fun with that, Anna. 

anna.oskar

always do

mrsLesGrossman

Do you ever try and melt stuff or do anything fun? 

anna.oskar

From time to time.  I do frequently play around with dry ice.  Just an Fyi: never put dry ice into a sink filled with very soapy water.  You will be cleaning up bubbles and the floors for ages.  6 foot tall tower of bubbles creeping down the hallway. Of course, if you don't mind cleaning it's well worth it.