Noah Sinclair
Shellac manicures can be a great way to ensure long-lasting colour and shine, but they can also cause nail brittleness, breakage, and dryness. The removal process can be especially damaging, as it often involves buffing and scraping, which can physically remove the top layers of the nail bed. As a result, it's important to take extra care of your nails after shellac removal to promote healthy nail growth and restore nail health. This process can take several months, and consistent care and maintenance are essential.
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What You'll Learn
Use a glass file to keep nails short
After shellac removal, your nails will likely be thinner, weaker, and more prone to breakage. To avoid further damage, it is recommended to keep your nails short until the damage has grown out.
Nail clippers can sometimes cut lower than intended, so it is best to use a glass file to keep your nails short. Glass files are gentler on your nails and help promote healthier and stronger nails. When filing, make sure to keep your corners rounded to prevent snagging.
It is important to be patient and careful when filing your nails, as aggressive techniques can lead to further damage, such as nail splitting and white spots. Always file in one direction and avoid over-filing, as this can cause thinning and breakage.
In addition to using a glass file, you can also use a nail strengthener to provide extra protection for your nails. Ridge-filling base coats are also recommended to smooth out any unevenness and hide signs of damage.
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Apply a ridge-filling base coat
After removing shellac, your nails will likely be thinner and more prone to breakage and bending. To help restore your nail health, you can apply a ridge-filling base coat. This will not only protect your nails but also help to hide any damage and smooth out the surface.
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and dry. Then, apply a thin, even layer of the ridge-filling base coat to each nail. Be sure to follow the directions on your specific product for optimal results. Some products may require multiple coats or suggest additional steps for the best outcome. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to any further steps in your nail care routine.
If desired, you can also apply a nail strengthener before the ridge-filling base coat. This will provide an extra layer of protection and support for your nails. Additionally, consider using a nail hardener to further reinforce and protect your nails. It is important to note that while a nail hardener can provide a temporary external solution, it does not address the underlying issue of nail health.
To promote healthy nail growth and restore moisture, consider incorporating cuticle oils into your routine. These can be applied directly to the cuticles and nails, helping to hydrate and nourish the area. For optimal results, opt for oils with essential vitamins and nourishing ingredients, such as jojoba-based nail oil or vitamin E nail and cuticle oil.
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Use cuticle oil to stimulate nail growth
After removing your shellac manicure, your nails may feel weaker and more prone to breakage. To promote nail growth and strengthen your nails, it is recommended to use cuticle oil. Cuticle oil helps increase circulation, stimulates nail growth, and protects your nail and cuticle against trauma.
Cuticle oil is a blend of natural and organic oils and therapeutic essential oils used to nourish, treat, and protect the nails and cuticles, improving overall nail health. Every drop penetrates deep into the nail bed to hydrate, treat and soften dry cuticles and help repair brittle and damaged nails.
It is recommended to use cuticle oil at least once a day, preferably twice, and if possible, more. You can use jojoba-based nail oil or pure jojoba oil, applying it a minimum of three times a day (morning, during the day, and before bed). Before removing your shellac manicure, you can also apply a light layer of cuticle oil around your nails to protect them.
To further promote nail growth and strengthen your nails, you can take supplements such as multivitamins containing biotin, magnesium, vitamin A, and zinc. These nutrients are great for nail health and can help strengthen your nails from within.
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Take supplements to strengthen nails
After removing shellac, your nails may be left feeling thin, weak, flaky, and prone to breakage. To promote nail bed growth and repair damage, you can take supplements to strengthen your nails.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a B-complex vitamin that has been shown to strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. Biotin promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. You can find biotin in supplement form or incorporate biotin-rich foods into your diet.
Other B vitamins are also important for nail health, including vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9). Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, both of which are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can even result in discoloured nails. Folate contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells, and a deficiency can cause pigment changes and make nails rigid and brittle.
While scientific evidence is lacking for most nail supplements, taking supplements can help ensure you meet your nutritional needs and likely improve your nail health. In addition to supplements, maintaining a nutritious diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids, will promote nail strength and health.
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Use a nail-strengthening product
After removing shellac, your nails may be thinner, more prone to breakage, and bendier. To combat this, you can use a nail-strengthening product.
Firstly, it is important to note that nail-strengthening products are topical, so once the product comes off, the damage will still be there. However, they can be useful in protecting your nails from further damage.
There are various nail-strengthening products available, including:
- OPI's Nail Envy, which can be used underneath a ridge-filling base coat.
- Witchcraft Rock Solid Original Nail Hardener, which provides a hard coating to protect your nails.
- Morgan Taylor Daily Elixir Keratin Nail Treatment, which contains 20% active ingredients and hydrolyzed keratin peptides to create strong, healthy nails.
- Dr Remedy's breathable product, which helps restore nail health and ward off infection.
In addition to these products, you can also use a ridge-filling base coat to help protect your nails and hide any damage. This can be followed by coloured polish and a quick-dry top coat to set all the layers.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take several months for a damaged nail to be fully replaced. During this time, it's important to focus on long-term nail health and maintenance.
Here are some recommendations:
- Avoid tearing or picking at the shellac, as this can damage your natural nails.
- Use a nail strengthener or ridge-filling base coat to protect your nails while they heal.
- Keep your nails polished to protect them and cover any damage.
- Apply cuticle oil regularly to stimulate nail growth and protect your nails.
- Keep your nails short and neat to prevent breakage.
Some suggested products include:
- CND's Shellac removal kit for safe and gentle removal.
- Crystal nail file to promote healthier and stronger nails.
- Nail-strengthening treatments like Witchcraft Rock Solid Original Nail Hardener or Morgan Taylor Daily Elixir Keratin Nail Treatment.
- Cuticle oils like Sally Hansen's vitamin E nail and cuticle oil or Nourish My Cuticles - Nail and Cuticle Oil.
- Keratin treatment, such as Rescue Rxx by CND, to reduce splitting and peeling.
It is generally recommended to visit a salon for shellac removal, as professionals have the right tools and techniques to do it safely and efficiently. They can also advise on nail care. However, if you choose to remove it at home, be patient and follow safe removal steps.
Common issues include brittleness, breakage, peeling, thinning, and white spots on the nails. Nails can also become sore and sensitive after shellac removal.
