A method for the application and removal of gel nail polish with an aqueous solution comprising the steps of applying a pre-application coating of an aqueous composition with a ceramide component to the nail to form an intermediate interposing layer on the nail. Thereafter, 1) a gel nail polish layer is applied on the intermediate layer and the gel nail polish layer or layers is light cured 2) non-UV cured gel nail polish is applied to the intermediate layer or 3) a gel nail strip is applied to the intermediate layer. The gel nail polish or gel nail strips is removed by soaking the nails with nail polish or gel nail strips in warm water optionally with soap for a sufficient period of time whereby the intermediate pre-application material is sufficiently softened for the physical scraping removal of the gel nail polish. The intermediate and nail polish layers or gel nail strips are removed by scraping.
