Isla Bennett
SNS nails are a popular beauty treatment, but what happens when you want to return to your natural nails? The process of applying and removing SNS nails can cause damage, leaving your natural nails thin, brittle, and dehydrated. It can take several months for nails to recover and grow out the damage. During this time, you can care for your nails by keeping them short, using nail strengtheners, and massaging cuticle oil into the nail and surrounding skin. This will help to promote nail growth and restore your nails to their former health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recovery Time | 4-6 months |
| General Advice | Keep nails short, use strengtheners, keep nails polished |
| Strengtheners | OPI's Nail Envy, OPI's Repair Mode, CND Rescue RXx Daily Keratin Treatment, Mavala's NAILACTAN |
| Nail Oils | Jojoba-based nail oil, pure jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil |
| Lotions/Creams | JUARA hand cream, Fenty Skin Hand Mask, hand cream after applying cuticle oil |
| Vitamins | Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Biotin |
| Other Tips | Wear gloves, moisturize hands, avoid gel/acrylic nails, use LED curing light instead of UV curing light |
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What You'll Learn
Use a nail strengthener
Using a nail strengthener is a great way to repair damaged nails after removing SNS nails. Nail strengtheners can be used as a base coat before applying polish or as a standalone topcoat. They contain beneficial ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, vitamins A, C, and E, botanical extracts, proteins, and calcium that repair your nails and keep them from chipping and breaking.
There are many different types of nail strengtheners to choose from, including creams, oils, and treatments. One popular option is a nail-strengthening cream, which can restore moisture to your nails, strengthen them, and regulate growth. These creams often have a pleasant scent and are infused with vitamins and natural ingredients like jojoba seed oil, beeswax, and calcium to keep your nails moisturized and strong.
Liquid nail treatments are another effective option for repairing damaged nails. These treatments can be applied directly to the natural nail to repair and restore your nails to their natural shine and finish. They are often formulated with natural ingredients like vitamin E and Kukui nut oil to hydrate and nourish your nails, helping to rebuild damaged or brittle nails.
In addition to using nail strengtheners, it is important to note that you should avoid using gel or any other type of product on your nails while they are healing, as this can exacerbate the damage and increase the healing time. Instead, opt for a ridge-filling base coat or a regular base coat to protect your nails while they recover. Keeping your nails short and using a glass file to shape them can also help manage the damage and prevent further breakage.
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Moisturise your hands
After removing SNS nails, your nails may be temporarily dehydrated and weakened. To help your fingernails recover, it is important to moisturise your hands regularly.
Harriet Westmoreland, OPI's global ambassador, recommends using a nail strengthener to keep your nails hydrated and healthy. She suggests applying OPI's Repair Mode nail strengthener in the morning and at night.
You can also try incorporating hand creams into your routine. Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann recommends using hand cream after applying cuticle oil. One option is the Fenty Skin Hand Mask, a rich hand cream.
To further lock in moisture, you can use cuticle oil before applying hand cream. Lippmann suggests spending a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, and protect your nails. Look out for products with Vitamin E, such as Sally Hansen's Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil.
Additionally, you can soak your nails in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes daily. This is a cost-effective method to repair your nails and treat your skin.
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Apply cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, avocado, or coconut oil, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. It helps to nourish, moisturise, and soften the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged. By promoting healthy nail growth and improving the overall appearance of your nails, cuticle oil can be a great way to repair damaged nails.
To apply cuticle oil, start by applying a small amount of oil to each nail on one hand. You can drop it directly onto the nail, brush it on, or roll it on, depending on the type of applicator. Squeeze a drop or two of oil onto the brush or applicator and gently dab the oil onto each cuticle, starting from the base of the nail and working towards the tip.
Once you've applied the oil, take a minute to massage it into your cuticles and the surrounding skin. Use circular motions with your fingertips to stimulate blood circulation and aid in the absorption of the oil.
After massaging the oil, allow it to absorb completely. This usually takes around two to three hours, but you can leave it overnight for maximum hydration and nourishment. During this time, you may choose to gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or a wooden orange stick. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or cause any discomfort.
Reapply the cuticle oil every two to three hours or as needed. You can also use it before bedtime to ensure that your cuticles stay hydrated and nourished. It is recommended to use cuticle oil after a manicure to rehydrate your cuticles, but avoid applying it right before a manicure as it may prevent the nail polish from adhering properly.
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Take vitamins
Taking vitamins can be a great way to aid the recovery of your fingernails after removing SNS nails. Vitamins and nutrients are essential for supporting the growth, formation, and strength of new nail cells.
Firstly, consider taking biotin supplements. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, and it promotes healthy cell growth. It also aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are crucial for nail growth. Studies have shown that biotin supplements can strengthen brittle fingernails. The recommended daily allowance for Biotin is 30 mcg for adult men and women. Biotin can be found in meat, eggs, fish, seeds, and nuts.
Vitamin B12 is another important vitamin for nail health. It helps with proper iron absorption and ensures that red blood cells are produced correctly, promoting healthy blood flow to the nail beds. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause discolouration and pigmentation changes in your nails. The recommended daily allowance for B12 is 2.4 mcg for adults, but it is often challenging to reach this amount solely through diet, so supplements are often recommended. B12 is primarily found in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Folate, or vitamin B9, is also vital for nail growth and health. It contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. A folate deficiency can cause nail discolouration, ridges, and make nails brittle. The recommended daily allowance for folate is 400 mcg for adults. Folate can be found in dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and avocados.
Vitamin C is essential for nail health as it is needed for collagen production. Collagen is a building block for nails, providing them with strength, shape, and resistance to breakage. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C is 90mg for males and 75mg for females. Vitamin C can be obtained from citrus fruits, bell peppers, green vegetables, and tomatoes.
Zinc is also crucial for nail health as it supports the healthy growth and replication of cells. A zinc deficiency can lead to issues with the nail bed and white spots on the nails. The recommended daily allowance for zinc is 11mg for males and 8mg for females. Oysters, beef, crab, and fortified breakfast cereals are good sources of zinc.
In addition to taking vitamins, remember to maintain a balanced diet and practice overall nail care. It may take several months for your nails to fully recover, so patience and consistency are key.
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Keep nails short
Keeping your nails short is a good way to help your fingernails recover after removing SNS nails. Nails may feel weak and sensitive after SNS removal, so keeping them short and firm can prevent breakage during recovery.
To trim your nails, you can use a nail file or nail clippers. If you use a nail file, make sure it is at least a 180-grade file to sufficiently scrub off the polish. You can also use a nail buffer to gently remove the glossy top layer of your nails before soaking them in acetone. This will help the acetone penetrate the nail more effectively.
It is important to note that keeping your nails short is just one aspect of nail care. Combining the right treatments, gentle ingredients, and consistent care and maintenance will help your nails recover over time.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take between 4 to 6 months for fingernails to recover and grow out the damage caused by SNS nails.
To speed up the recovery process, you can use a nail strengthener such as OPI's Nail Envy or Repair Mode. You can also try natural remedies such as cuticle oil and hand cream to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized.
Yes, look for products containing Vitamin E, jojoba oil, or coconut oil, as these ingredients are nourishing and hydrating for the nails and cuticles.
Yes, it is recommended to keep your nails short and softly shaped to prevent them from breaking. You should also be mindful of your diet and ensure you are consuming enough nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and biotin, as deficiencies in these can lead to brittle nails. Additionally, be cautious of the removal process for artificial nails and gel polish, as over-filing and the use of acetone can cause further damage to your natural nails.
