To remove your gel properly without damaging your nails you will need to 'soak them off'.  You can either book in to have this done professionally (I charge £10 for removal, £7 if you are having the gel reapplied) or you can have a go yourself following these instructions.

Firstly remove any top coat or nail polish from the gel with nail polish remover if necessary, then using the nail file scuff the gel on each nail so that it is no longer shiny (like the first two nails on the left - see picture below).

Cut your cotton wool pads so that they are just bigger than each nail. I find cutting each one into quarters works well. Then saturate the cotton wool pieces (not like you would with nail polish remover - actually dripping!!) and then secure on each nail by wrapping with a piece of foil (shiny side inwards).  You may need help with this if you haven't done this before.

Leave for AT LEAST 30 minutes for clear, 45 minutes for french and colour and 60 minutes for glitter.  The longer you leave your nails wrapped the easier your gel will come off.

After the correct amount of time left soaking, remove one at a time and gently remove loosened gel with the orange stick.  If the gel is still stuck fast leave for at least another 15 minutes.

After removing your gel you may wish to bring back the shine to your nails with a 3 way buffer file and cuticle oil. (it is not recommended you do this if you are having your nails re-gelled 

within a couple of days.

Before buffing and cuticle oil