Sophia Delgado
Acrylic nails may be exciting and glamorous, but they can take a significant toll on the health of your natural nails. If you're looking to help your nails recover from long-term acrylic use, you'll need to take steps to prevent breakage, nourish and strengthen your nails, and promote healthy regrowth. Here are some tips to get you started on the road to recovery: trim your nails short and file them gently in one direction to prevent breakage, use natural, nourishing nail polishes and treatments, and maintain a healthy diet rich in biotin and collagen to promote nail health from within. With patience and care, your nails will recover and grow back strong and healthy.
How to help nails recover from long-term acrylics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wait for nails to grow back | Nails will regrow and come back strong and healthy as long as you pay attention to nail care and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet |
| File nails in one direction | Use a fine-grained file to round off the corners |
| Use hand cream or lotion | Apply at least twice a day to keep hands moist and prevent nails from getting brittle |
| Use cuticle oil | Apply once a day to keep nails moisturized |
| Eat biotin-rich foods | Include meat, eggs, greens, nuts, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli in your diet |
| Take vitamin supplements | Vitamins like D and biotin can help strengthen nails |
| Use natural, breathable nail polish | Non-toxic and enriched with organic superfood ingredients that boost nail health and stimulate growth |
| Use a rubber/ridge filling base coat | Evens out the surface and adds strength while nails are growing out |
| Get a gel overlay | Covers up the appearance of damage but should be applied and removed by a professional to avoid further damage |
| Use a nail hardener | Helps eliminate discolouration and protect the nails |
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What You'll Learn
File and trim nails to prevent breakage
When recovering from long-term acrylics, it's important to handle your nails with care to prevent further breakage. Filing and trimming your nails is an essential part of maintaining healthy nails. Here are some detailed tips to help you file and trim your nails effectively:
Soften Your Nails:
Before you reach for the nail clippers, it's important to prepare your nails for trimming. The best time to trim your nails is right after a shower or bath when they are softer and easier to cut. If you can't take a shower, simply soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them. This step will help prevent your nails from splitting or breaking during the trimming process.
Trim Your Nails:
When trimming your nails, use a cutting tool such as clippers or manicure scissors. For toenails, use a toenail clipper designed specifically for that purpose. Cut your fingernails straight across with multiple small cuts, rather than one large cut. Trimming your nails straight across helps prevent painful hangnails. Avoid cutting your nails at an angle, as it can weaken the sides and lead to unnecessary bending.
File Your Nails:
After trimming, use a nail file to shape and smooth your nails. Glass files, emery boards, and crystal nail files are recommended as they are gentle on the nails. File your nails in one direction, moving in long swipes away from the nail bed. Avoid filing back and forth, as it can weaken your nails and lead to breakage. You can shape your nails according to your preference, whether it's a square, oval, or almond shape. Just be sure to follow the natural shape of your cuticle and nail bed, as it's the most flattering and easy to maintain.
Nail Care:
Maintain the health of your nails by regularly applying cuticle oil and hand cream or lotion. Keep your nails moisturized and strong by massaging cuticle oil into your nails and cuticles at least once a day. Additionally, apply hand cream or lotion at least twice a day to prevent your nails from becoming brittle. Remember to disinfect your nail tools monthly and always file and trim your nails with clean tools to prevent the spread of bacteria.
By following these steps, you can effectively file and trim your nails to promote healthy nail growth and prevent breakage during the recovery process from long-term acrylics.
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Use a strengthening treatment
Using a strengthening treatment is a great way to help your nails recover from long-term acrylic use. There are many different treatments available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Here are some options to consider:
Nail Hardeners: Products like Mavala Scientifique K+ and OPI Nail Envy are nail hardeners that help strengthen thin, weak, and brittle nails. These treatments contain ingredients that promote the formation of protein bonds, making your nails harder and less flexible. Follow the directions for use, which typically involve applying multiple coats over several days and repeating the process weekly.
Nail Strengthening Polishes: Clear nail polishes or base coats with strengthening properties can help reinforce your nails while also smoothing out ridges and preventing peeling. Look for polishes that contain natural nail hardeners like celery seed and pro-vitamin B5. These polishes provide a minimal manicured look while your nails recover.
Natural Oils: Natural oils such as jojoba, coconut, or specialised cuticle oils can be used as strengthening treatments. Massage these oils into your nails and cuticles several times a day to promote hydration and elasticity. This helps to counteract the drying effects of acrylics and encourages the growth of new, healthy nails.
Supplements: In addition to topical treatments, you can also strengthen your nails from within by taking supplements. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, plays an important role in nail health. Include biotin-rich foods in your diet, such as eggs, meat, fish, avocados, nuts, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli. You can also take biotin supplements, especially if you're over the age of 18, to ensure you're getting adequate amounts.
It's important to remember that nail recovery takes time, and you may not see immediate results. Be patient and consistent with your chosen strengthening treatment, and your nails will gradually regain their strength and health.
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Consume biotin-rich foods
Consuming biotin-rich foods is an important part of maintaining healthy nails, skin, and hair. Biotin, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. While biotin deficiency is rare, it can lead to thinning hair and brittle nails.
- Eggs: The yolk, in particular, is an excellent source of biotin. A single egg contains around 10 micrograms of biotin.
- Meat: Most meats are a good source of biotin, including fish. A pork chop or hamburger patty provides about 3.8 micrograms of biotin, while 3 oz (85 g) of salmon contains 5 micrograms.
- Liver: Cooked chicken liver and beef liver are particularly rich sources of biotin, providing over 100% of the Daily Value (DV) in a standard serving.
- Legumes: Legumes, especially peanuts and soybeans, are good sources of biotin. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of roasted peanuts offers 17% of the DV. Legumes are also high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
- Nuts and Seeds: While the amount of biotin varies by type, nuts and seeds are generally good sources. For example, a 1/4-cup (20-gram) serving of roasted sunflower seeds provides 10% of the DV.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are an excellent vegetable source of biotin, meeting 8% of the DV in a 1/2-cup (125-gram) serving. They are also packed with other essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Broccoli: Broccoli provides small amounts of biotin and is a rich source of calcium and vitamins A and C.
- Avocados: Avocados are well-known for their healthy fats and folate content, but they also contain biotin.
In addition to the above, maintaining a well-balanced diet and ensuring adequate protein intake will likely provide you with sufficient biotin. If you are concerned about biotin deficiency, consult a healthcare professional for advice.
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Apply nail and cuticle oils
To help your nails recover from long-term acrylics, you can apply nail and cuticle oils. Cuticle oil is a moisturising product designed to nourish and moisturise the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. It is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil, and enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Prepare your nails and cuticles: Start by removing any nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap to clean your nails and soften the cuticles.
- Apply a small amount of cuticle oil: Take a drop or two of cuticle oil onto the brush or applicator. You can drop it on, brush it on, or roll it on, depending on the type of applicator you have. Gently dab the oil onto each cuticle, starting from the base of the nail and working your way towards the tip. Use a small amount to avoid excess oiliness.
- Massage the oil into the cuticles: Using your fingertips, gently massage the cuticle oil into each nail and cuticle in circular motions. Make sure to massage it into the sides of your nail, as well as the skin surrounding your nail. This helps to stimulate blood circulation and aids in the absorption of the oil.
- Allow the oil to absorb: Let the cuticle oil sit on your nails for a few minutes to allow it to fully absorb into the cuticles. This will provide maximum hydration and nourishment.
- Optional: Push back the cuticles: If desired, you can use a cuticle pusher or a wooden orange stick to gently push back the softened cuticles.
You can reapply cuticle oil every 2 to 3 hours or as often as needed. It is recommended to use cuticle oil before bedtime, after you have pushed back your cuticles, or whenever you have free time. You can also use cuticle oil after a manicure to rehydrate your cuticles and give your nails a fresh shine. However, do not apply cuticle oil before a manicure as it may prevent the nail polish from adhering properly.
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Use breathable nail polish
While your nails are recovering from long-term acrylics, it is recommended to avoid nail polish for a week and keep your nails trimmed short. However, if you would like to paint your nails, breathable nail polishes are a great option. Breathable nail polishes allow water and oxygen to pass through to your nails, which can help strengthen and protect them.
ORLY, INGLOT, and Nailberry all offer award-winning breathable nail polishes. These polishes are enriched with vitamins and plant extracts, promoting stronger and healthier nails. The Nailberry L'Oxygéné range, for example, provides a healthier, vegan manicure with long-wear, high-shine shades.
Breathable nail polishes can also be used in conjunction with a ridge-filling base coat. This can help to even out the surface of your nails and add strength while the damage from acrylics grows out. When using a ridge-filling base coat, ensure you follow the specific brand's instructions. For example, INGLOT's O2M Breathable Nail Enamel recommends using their O2M Breathable Base to extend the life of your manicure and their O2M Breathable Top Coat to define the colour and make the manicure last longer.
It is important to note that while breathable nail polishes can be beneficial, they are not a substitute for proper nail care and a healthy diet. As your nails recover, be sure to maintain a good nail care routine, including filing your nails in one direction with a fine-grained file and moisturising your hands and cuticles regularly. Additionally, eating a well-balanced diet rich in biotin, such as meat, eggs, and greens, will promote healthy nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wait for your nails to grow back in. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help your nails recover:
- Keep your nails short.
- Use a crystal nail file to file your nails in one direction only.
- Use a natural nail hardener to help eliminate discolouration and protect your nails.
- Apply cuticle oil after every hand wash.
Some natural nail hardeners include Mavala, which helps develop more protein bonds, and Aprés Gel-X, a soft gel system that uses a non-acid-based primer.
Nails can take up to six months to fully grow out. However, if you tackle the removal process with care, you may not have to worry too much about strengthening your nails post-acrylics.
To speed up the recovery process, it is recommended to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in biotin and collagen, such as eggs, meat, avocados, and broccoli.
