Gel polish remover

[lizzyspringtime]

Hi all, I'm looking for some advice. I use opi gel color to do my nails and occasionally for friends (it's just a hobby) and I'm having trouble finding a good remover that's not really expensive. I tried the proper opi removal liquid which worked great but it's kind of pricey and hard to get hold of not being a professional, and all others seem to take ages to remove anything. I soak cotton pads in remover and then wrap on my nails with tin foil. Can anyone recommend a good remover or maybe tell me if I'm doing something wrong in my removal process.
Thanks in advance.

 

[ColorMeGiddy]

I was going to suggest the technique you are already using. Are you also buffering the top layer prior to doing so?

 

[lizzyspringtime]

No I haven't been, silly me. I'm assuming now that would make a difference?

 

[NancySyd]

It's a bit inappropriate to ask professional nail techs how to do what they trained in and charge for (especially when you do it for others). You might take a look at a DIYer website like The Nail Care section of The Purse Forum. I think you'll find lots of info there appropriate to DIY nail fiends!

 

[lizzyspringtime]

I was assuming with all your expertise someone could recommend a good product to me, I only do my nails myself because I can't afford to go to a salon and get them done.

 

[NancySyd]

I was assuming with all your expertise someone could recommend a good product to me, I only do my nails myself because I can't afford to go to a salon and get them done.

I understand, but you'd be better off seeking help from other DIYers. Professionals tend to look askance at DIYers doing their job. The initial outlay for all the products and lamps is pretty high, especially for professionals, so other DIYers could help you do it in a way that keeps the cost lower for someone doing it themselves. It's easy to spend ten times the cost of a single gel mani just getting set up. Over time, that evens out, but watch out, it's real easy to spend a lot and blow the savings! Try The Nail Care forum in The Purse Forum, they'll have everything you need.

 

[lizzyspringtime]

Yea I've spent quite a lot out on the proper lamp and gels already but in the long run it has saved me money. I only wish I had the money to do the professional training.
Thanks for the help, I'll have a look on that site.

 

[sammie_moran]

Can I use where you managed to buy Opi Gelcolor from as a non professional? Was it eBay by any chance? if so then this is probably the reason you are struggling to remove it

 

[beautyxperts]

Yea I've spent quite a lot out on the proper lamp and gels already but in the long run it has saved me money. I only wish I had the money to do the professional training.
Thanks for the help, I'll have a look on that site.

If your in the UK you can get OPI training very cheap - at one point they had a kit too but you need a mani & pedi qualification prior.
I think what above geeks are saying is that you are on a professional forum asking professionals advice & how to's to use a professional only product - you won't find many of us techs helping you out here I'm afraid as we cannot recommend pro products to non pros as it can do more damage than good. We can all however recommend the above on education x