Isla Bennett
Gel manicures can leave your nails dry, brittle, thin, and prone to splitting. The damage is often caused by improper removal, such as picking or peeling off the gel polish, which can remove layers of the nail plate. Gels can also thin out nails over time, making them more susceptible to breakage. To rehab your nails after gel manicures, it's essential to nourish and protect them. This involves using products like cuticle oils, hand creams, nail strengtheners, and protein-enriched treatments. Additionally, maintaining a healthy nail care routine is crucial, including keeping nails trimmed and shaped, wearing gloves during tasks that can be rough on nails, and limiting exposure to water. While it may take several months for nails to fully recover, with the right combination of treatments and care, you can restore your nails to their natural strength and health.
How to rehab nails after gel manicures
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damage caused by gels | Nails become dry, brittle, thin, and prone to splitting |
| Damage caused by | Removal process, including picking or peeling off gels |
| Time taken to heal | Three to six months |
| Immediate action | Break the seal of the gel with a nail file, then apply a cotton ball soaked in pure acetone, securing it with foil |
| Post-gel issues | White spots or lines on nails, unevenness, peeling and flaking |
| Solutions | Ridge filler, nail strengthening treatments, cuticle oil, hand cream, keratin treatment, collagen and camellia extract, biotin and multivitamin supplements |
| Prevention | Wear gloves when doing tasks that are rough on nails, use gentle soaps and cleansers |
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What You'll Learn
Use cuticle oil and hand cream
Cuticle oil and hand cream are essential for maintaining nail health and rehabilitating nails after gel manicures. Cuticle oil is packed with vitamins and nourishing ingredients that deliver hydration directly to the nail and the skin around it. This helps to prevent the gel polish from lifting and adds back any moisture lost from the curing process.
Manicurist Rita Remark recommends spending a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle. She also advises against washing your hands for 20 minutes after application to allow for full absorption. Cuticle oils containing jojoba oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E are particularly beneficial for softening and hydrating cuticles. OPI's cuticle oil, which includes avocado, grapeseed, and sunflower oils, is another excellent option for replenishing and soothing nails and cuticles.
After applying cuticle oil, follow up with a hand cream to lock in moisture. According to Palm, an editor at Allure and SELF, it is advisable to use a cream at night and wear cotton gloves to enhance absorption and prevent moisture loss. This is especially important after washing your hands, as handwashing tends to strip the skin and nails of moisture.
In addition to using cuticle oil and hand cream, it is crucial to be mindful of your nails' overall health and maintenance. Nails are delicate, and the removal of gel manicures can leave them feeling brittle and thin. Be cautious when performing tasks that may be rough on your nails, and consider wearing gloves to protect them.
Rehabilitating nails after gel manicures requires a combination of the right treatments, gentle ingredients, and dedicated care. By incorporating cuticle oil and hand cream into your nail care routine, you will be well on your way to achieving stronger and healthier nails.
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Take supplements
Taking supplements is a great way to support nail health, especially after gel manicures. However, it is important to note that supplements are not always necessary and can be expensive. If you are already eating a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, you likely do not need to take supplements.
That being said, if you are considering taking supplements to rehab your nails after gel manicures, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, biotin supplements are often recommended for nail health. Biotin is a B vitamin that may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. Other B vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9), are also important for nail health. Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, both of which are necessary for strong and healthy nails. Folate contributes to red blood cell formation and new cell development, and a deficiency can lead to pigment changes and brittle nails.
In addition to B vitamins, consuming enough protein and omega-3 fatty acids is crucial for nail health. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, so ensuring adequate protein intake is essential for nail growth and strength. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep nails strong and shiny.
While taking supplements can be beneficial, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. Additionally, try to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, as this is the best way to achieve and maintain strong, healthy nails.
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File nails and use a ridge filler
Filing your nails after a gel manicure can be tricky. Some sources advise against filing nails after a gel manicure because the free edge needs to remain capped to prevent water, dirt, and other things from getting in. However, other sources say that it is okay to file nails after gel polish services, as long as you don't use a very coarse file. A 240-grit file should be fine, and the capped free edge will wear away in a few days anyway.
If you do decide to file your nails after a gel manicure, it is important to be very gentle and file in one direction. Do not dig your file back and forth, as this can permanently damage the connection between the nail and the nail plate. When filing the sides of your nails, try to find the middle point of your cuticle and match it to the center point of the free edge. This will be your guide for filing the sides towards that point. Remember that you are only reshaping your nails, not building them up or applying a base gel.
If you are using a board hand file, instead of placing the file on top of your nail, try putting it under your nail and bringing it in a bit. This way, you won't file off the top coat, and you can use a regular top coat on your gel manicure because you are just reshaping. It is also important to remember to cut your nails before filing. Don't cut too much; cut less than you think you need because you can always file more if needed, but you can't put it back once you've cut it.
After filing your nails, it is important to take care of your nails and hands. Nails can become dry and brittle after gel manicures, so rehydrate them by using cuticle oil and hand cream, especially after washing your hands. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, while hand cream will lock in moisture. You can also try soaking your nails in olive oil for about 10 to 15 minutes daily to help rehabilitate your nails after gel manicures.
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Wear gloves for protection
Wearing gloves is an essential step in protecting your nails from further damage after a gel manicure. Gels can leave your nails dry, brittle, thin, and prone to splitting and breakage. Therefore, it is crucial to shield them from any activities that may cause further harm.
Wear gloves when performing tasks that could be harsh on your nails, such as washing dishes or other housework. This will protect your nails from the drying effects of prolonged water exposure and harsh cleaning chemicals. Gloves can also prevent physical damage to your nails, such as chipping or breakage, which can occur when using your hands for tasks that require a bit of muscle.
It is also beneficial to wear gloves after applying cuticle oil and hand cream. This helps lock in the moisture, allowing your nails and skin to absorb the nourishing ingredients more effectively. You can follow the advice of manicurist Rita Remark, who suggests applying cuticle oil, waiting 20 minutes without washing your hands, and then sealing in the moisture with a hand cream. You can then put on cotton gloves to enhance the absorption and hydration.
Wearing gloves can also help you avoid the temptation of picking or peeling off your gel manicure, which can cause significant damage to your nails. When you peel off the gel, you are also removing layers of your nail plate, which can leave your nails even more fragile and prone to breakage. So, if you're tempted to pick, putting on gloves can serve as a helpful reminder to stop and protect your nails from further harm.
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Use nail-strengthening treatments
Using nail-strengthening treatments is a great way to rehab your nails after gel manicures. Gels can leave your nails prone to damage, and nail strengtheners can help prevent further damage and promote healthy nail growth.
There are many nail-strengthening treatments available on the market, including:
- Essie's 'Hard to Resist' treatment, which is designed to strengthen soft, damaged nails and make them visibly healthier in just 3 days.
- OPI Nail Envy, which is great for those with issues of splitting nails.
- Nail Magic Hardener and Conditioner, which was recommended by an employee at Sally Beauty Supply specifically to rehab nails after gel removal.
- Ciate London's Nail Gym, which works like a personal trainer for weak nails.
- Duri Rejuvacote, which one user claims is better than Nail Envy.
- Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, a vitamin pump bottle.
- Witchcraft nail hardener, available at Shoppers and London Drugs.
Some natural treatments can also help strengthen your nails, including:
- Applying jojoba oil or vitamin E oil to your nails and the surrounding skin at night before bed to keep your skin soft and your nails strong.
- Soaking your nails in olive oil for 10-15 minutes daily to hydrate them.
- Using Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle Butter, which can help moisturize and strengthen brittle nails.
- Taking biotin and multi-vitamin supplements, which can help strengthen your nails over time.
- Using a keratin treatment, which can help strengthen your nails and prevent them from peeling, splitting, or breaking.
It is important to note that some nail strengtheners contain formaldehyde, which can be harmful and painful, especially after gel manicures. Always read the instructions on the specific product for optimal usage.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel manicures can leave your nails dry, brittle, thin and prone to splitting. To rehab your nails, you can try using cuticle oil and hand cream, or soaking your nails in olive oil for 10-15 minutes daily. You can also try a ridge filler to smooth the appearance of your nails.
It can take three to six months for nails to grow out completely and for any white spots, lines or unevenness to go away. Nails are also slow to grow back healthy, which can take around three months.
Most damage occurs during the removal process if you don't follow the correct steps. To properly remove gel polish, you should first break the seal of the gel with a nail file, then apply a cotton ball soaked in pure acetone to your nails, securing the cotton with foil. After 10 minutes, the gel should flake off with the help of a nail file.
