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How To Remove Gel Nail Stickers

Ready for a new set? Here's how to remove your Cellies gel nail stickers gently, without pulling or peeling them off your natural nails.

Watch how I remove my gel nail stickers.

Don't just peel them off

I know it's tempting, especially when you're ready for a new set. But don't pull or peel the gel sticker straight off your nail. Taking a little extra time to loosen the sticker first makes removal much gentler on your natural nails.

Step by step

How to remove gel nail stickers

01

Start at the edge

Gently lift a small corner of the gel nail sticker. You only need enough space to start working underneath it.

Don't pull the whole sticker up.

02

Add oil

Apply cuticle oil or another suitable nail oil around the lifted edge and allow it to work underneath the gel sticker.

A little patience here makes removal much easier.

03

Gently work underneath

Slowly work underneath the sticker while adding more oil as needed. Move gradually across the nail instead of pulling upwards.

If it doesn't come away easily, add more oil and wait.

04

Remove slowly

Continue until the sticker releases from the nail. There is no need to rip or force it off.

Slow is better than pulling.

05

Clean your nails

Once the stickers are removed, gently clean away any remaining residue from your nails.

06

Add some nail oil

Finish with cuticle or nail oil to moisturise your nails and the skin around them.

And you're ready for your next set.

Most important

If it doesn't come off easily, don't force it.

This is probably the most important part of removing gel nail stickers.

If you feel resistance, stop pulling. Add a little more oil, give it some time and continue gently working underneath the sticker.

Pulling a gel sticker off before the adhesive has loosened can unnecessarily stress the surface of your natural nail.

It takes a little longer, but your nails will thank you for it.

After removal

Take care of your natural nails

Don't scrape

Avoid aggressively scraping remaining adhesive from the nail. Remove residue gently instead.

Use nail oil

Massage a little cuticle or nail oil into your nails and the surrounding skin after removal.

Ready for another set?

Before applying your next Cellies set, make sure your nails are clean and completely free from oil again.

Good to know

Gel nail sticker removal FAQ

How do I remove semi-cured gel nail stickers?

Gently lift a small edge of the sticker, apply nail or cuticle oil and slowly work underneath it. Continue adding oil while gently loosening the sticker until it releases from the nail.

Can I just peel gel nail stickers off?

We don't recommend simply pulling or peeling them straight off. Loosen the adhesive first and remove the sticker gradually rather than forcing it away from your natural nail.

Do gel nail stickers damage your nails?

Removal technique matters. Pulling or aggressively scraping at a gel manicure can stress the surface of the natural nail. That's why we recommend loosening Cellies gradually and removing them gently.

What should I use to remove gel nail stickers?

Nail or cuticle oil can help work underneath the sticker as you gently loosen it from your nail.

What if the sticker won't come off?

Don't force it. Add more oil and give it more time to work underneath the sticker before continuing. Removal should be gradual rather than pulling the sticker off in one movement.

Can I apply another set afterwards?

Yes. If you're applying a new set, make sure your nails are completely clean and free from oil before application so the new gel nail stickers can adhere properly.

New nails?

Time for your next set.

Pick your next Cellies gel nail stickers and do your manicure at home.

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