Isla Bennett
Gel manicures can be a great way to ensure your nails look glossy and chip-free for longer. However, they can also be damaging to your nails, especially if they are removed improperly. So, how can you keep your nails healthy and hydrated after a gel manicure? Well, there are several options. One way is to use a nail-specific cream or your regular hand cream to keep your nails and the surrounding skin moisturised. You could also try a natural, breathable nail polish to keep your nails nourished and hydrated. Another option is to use cuticle oil – you can even use hyaluronic acid or straight-up jojoba oil.
How to Hydrate Nails after Gel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of gloves | Wear gloves when doing chores, especially if they involve water or harsh chemicals |
| Moisturizer | Apply moisturizer immediately after nails are exposed to water |
| Cuticle oil | Apply cuticle oil daily to keep nails and the surrounding skin hydrated |
| Hand cream | Apply hand cream, especially after washing your hands |
| Nail-specific cream | Use a nail-specific cream, like Londontown's Kur Restorative Nail Cream, which contains vitamin E to strengthen nails and prevent cracking |
| Natural, breathable nail polish | Switch to natural, breathable nail polish that is non-toxic and enriched with organic superfood ingredients that boost nail health and stimulate nail growth |
| Hyaluronic acid | Use hyaluronic acid if you want to avoid greasy results |
| Exfoliation | Exfoliate your nails to prevent nail cells from becoming separated and peeling or lifting |
| Avoid harsh soaps | Switch to gentle, creamy soaps |
| Hand sanitizers | Opt for hand sanitizers enriched with hydrating ingredients and apply hand cream after sanitizing your hands |
| Nail strengtheners | Use a simple nail strengthener or base coat with nourishing ingredients |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Use cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is an essential part of your nail care routine, especially after a gel manicure. It is designed to keep your cuticles and the skin around your nails hydrated, nourished, and healthy. Cuticle oil strengthens your nails, hydrates them, and encourages growth. It also keeps your cuticles from looking dry and overgrown.
You should use cuticle oil after doing your gel nails and in between manicures to keep your cuticles hydrated. It is important to note that you should never use cuticle oil on your nails before applying gel polish, as the polish will not stick to your nails. However, you can apply it afterward to lock in moisture and ensure your cuticles don't feel dry.
There are many different cuticle oils available, so you can choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Some cuticle oils come in a bottle with a dropper or a brush, allowing you to control how much product you use and ensuring it is delivered directly to your cuticles. Others come in a pen applicator, which is great for on-the-go use and super-targeted application without leaving your fingers oily.
You can also find cuticle serums, which are rich in moisturizing ingredients and can be quickly absorbed, so you don't have to worry about the oil getting on your keyboard or other surfaces. Some cuticle oils contain vitamin E, which boosts nail strength and encourages growth. You can also find oils with hyaluronic acid, which offers the same hydrating benefits as your face serum.
To use cuticle oil effectively, keep a bottle next to your hand soap so you can apply it after handwashing, as this will help seal in moisture. You can also keep a bottle next to your night cream to apply generously before bed, allowing the oil to work its magic overnight.
Gel Polish on PolyGel Nails: A Smart Choice?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Moisturise with hand cream
While gel manicures have their benefits, they can damage your nails, especially if they are removed improperly. To keep your nails strong and healthy, it's important to keep them hydrated. One way to do this is by moisturising with hand cream.
First, it's important to note that you should avoid having back-to-back gel manicures. Give your nails a break between salon visits to allow them to rejuvenate and get stronger. During this time, you can use hand cream to keep your nails and the surrounding skin moisturised.
When choosing a hand cream, opt for one that is specifically designed to nourish and hydrate the nails, such as those containing vitamin E, sunflower oil, or Brazil nut oil. These ingredients will help to strengthen your nails and prevent cracking. You can also look for hand creams with hyaluronic acid, which offers hydrating benefits to the nails and cuticles.
Apply the hand cream generously to your hands, paying special attention to the nails and the surrounding skin. Avoid applying the cream directly to the nail surface, as this can make the nails too soft and prone to damage. Instead, focus on the cuticles and the skin around the nails, massaging the cream into these areas. For best results, apply hand cream after washing your hands or doing chores that involve water, as water exposure can weaken the nail structure and cause dryness.
For an intensive moisturising treatment, apply a generous amount of hand cream before bed and wear cotton gloves overnight. This will help lock in the moisture and enhance its absorption, ensuring your nails and hands stay soft and supple.
Gel Toenail Reconstruction: A Service at Nail Salons?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Try nail slugging
If you're looking to give your nails some extra TLC after a gel manicure, nail slugging might be the trend for you. This latest viral sensation involves applying a thick emollient directly to your cuticles and gently massaging it in.
The aim of nail slugging is to promote nail growth and maintain stronger, healthier nails. The method is mostly pro-approved, with some tweaks recommended by experts. It's especially useful if you experience dry hands and nail breakage.
To try nail slugging, start by applying a cuticle oil to your nail beds and gently massaging it in. You can use a product like CND's Solar Oil or a natural oil like jojoba, avocado, or apricot kernel oil. Then, take a thicker moisturiser like Vaseline or Aquaphor and apply a layer on top of the oil. The longer you leave it on, the better the results. This method helps protect and restore the cuticle, which is vital to overall nail health.
You can also try using hyaluronic acid if you want to avoid the greasy feeling of cuticle oils. Hyaluronic acid offers the same hydrating benefits and can be rubbed into your cuticles and nail beds.
While nail slugging can be beneficial, it's important to take preventative measures as well. Give your nails a break from gel manicures and opt for natural, breathable nail polishes that are free of harsh, damaging chemicals. Keep your nails bare for a few days after sporting a gel manicure to let them rejuvenate and strengthen.
Gel Painting on Press-On Nails: A Creative Makeover
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Opt for natural nail polish
While gel manicures have their benefits, they can damage your nails, especially if they are removed improperly. To keep your nails healthy, it is recommended to take a break from manicures and opt for a natural nail polish.
Natural, breathable nail polishes are non-toxic and enriched with organic superfood ingredients that boost nail health and stimulate growth. They are formulated with ingredients like broccoli seed extract, which is rich in vitamins A, B, K, and E, and bamboo isoflavones, which deliver nutrients and boost resiliency against chips and scratches. Camellia seed oil is another common ingredient in natural nail polishes, which provides nourishment and hydration to the skin and cuticles, promoting healthy and strong nail growth.
In addition to using natural nail polish, you can also apply a nail strengthener or base coat with nourishing ingredients. For example, a product with celery seed and camellia oil can help smooth the nail's ridged surface and prevent peeling. Similarly, hyaluronic acid can be used to hydrate parched cuticles and nail beds, and it can be easily incorporated into your beauty routine by using any remaining face serum on your fingertips.
To further care for your nails, it is important to keep them hydrated by using hydrating hand sanitizers and applying hand cream after sanitizing. You can also use a cuticle oil, such as jojoba oil, to strengthen nail beds and boost healthy nail growth.
Gel Nail Extensions: Safe Removal Time
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Avoid harsh chemicals
Water and chemicals are the arch-nemeses of gel nails. To keep your nails in top shape, it's important to avoid harsh chemicals and limit their exposure to water. When doing chores, especially those that involve water or harsh cleaning products, slip on some gloves to protect your nails.
Harsh soaps and sanitisers can also dehydrate and irritate your nails, so opt for gentle, creamy soaps and sanitisers enriched with hydrating ingredients. If you must use hand sanitiser, follow up with a nourishing hand cream to prevent your nails from drying out.
Even when your nails are not exposed to water or harsh chemicals, it's important to keep them moisturised. Oils tend to absorb better than creams, so consider using a cuticle oil like Essie Apricot cuticle oil or a natural oil like jojoba, avocado, or apricot kernel oil. You can also use hyaluronic acid, which offers the same hydrating benefits as cuticle oil without the greasy finish.
If you're using a cream or oil, be sure to apply it to the surrounding skin and cuticle area, avoiding the nail surface itself. This will help keep your nails and cuticles hydrated and prevent them from becoming brittle and prone to damage.
Gel Nail Polish Allergies: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can use a cuticle oil, hyaluronic acid, or hand cream to hydrate your nails and cuticles. You can also use a nail-specific cream, like Londontown's Kur Restorative Nail Cream, which contains vitamin E to strengthen nails and prevent cracking.
Keep your nails dry and clean, and avoid harsh chemicals. Give your nails a break between gel applications, and nourish them with oil regularly. Wear gloves when doing chores, especially if they involve water or harsh chemicals.
You can use a keratin treatment to strengthen your nails and prevent them from peeling, splitting, or breaking. You can also use a nail strengthener, a protein-enriched base, and a topcoat designed to strengthen nails. In addition, you can minimize your exposure to chemical-heavy products and opt for natural, breathable nail polish.
Keep your nails hydrated by using moisturizer or oil. Avoid using your nails as tools to open cans or remove staples, and treat them gently. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect your nails from water and chemicals.
