Liam Carter
Getting a gel manicure can be a great way to ensure your nails look beautiful and well-maintained for weeks. However, the process of applying and removing gel nail polish can be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking. To keep your nails strong and healthy after a gel manicure, it is important to take some proactive steps. This includes ensuring proper removal techniques, such as having your gels removed by a professional, and adopting good aftercare practices, such as regular moisturization with cuticle oil and hand cream. Additionally, taking a break from nail polish between applications and making adjustments to your diet by including nail-strengthening nutrients can help promote nail health and strength.
How to keep nails strong after a gel manicure
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Get enough protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin A |
| Iron and vitamin B12 are essential for red blood cell development | |
| Biotin and ingestible collagen peptides are good options | |
| Nail products | Use a nail strengthener, which is a type of base coat that deeply heals and hardens damaged nails |
| Nail serums are conditioning treatments that contain hydrating ingredients, strengtheners like collagen and keratin, and exfoliating acids to remove surface damage | |
| Use cuticle oil to increase circulation and stimulate nail growth | |
| Nail maintenance | Keep nails short |
| File your nails every two to four days to prevent breakage and snags | |
| Keep nails polish-free for a few days after removing gel polish | |
| Avoid picking or peeling gel polish | |
| Have gel polish removed by a professional to prevent damage | |
| Keep nails dry and clean | |
| Avoid harsh chemicals | |
| Avoid hand sanitizer, as it dries out nails | |
| Avoid excessive heat, which can weaken the gel's bond to the nail |
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What You'll Learn
Take a break from nail polish
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. The process of applying and removing gel nail polish can weaken nail beds and make nails brittle. To keep your nails healthy, it's important to give them a break from nail polish.
Taking a break from nail polish allows your nails to recover from the stress of back-to-back gel applications. It gives them a chance to grow out stronger and healthier. Even if you're not wearing gel nail polish, regular nail polish can also affect the strength and health of your nails. By going polish-free, you're giving your nails a chance to breathe and recover.
During your break from nail polish, it's important to focus on nourishing and hydrating your nails. Cuticle oil is highly recommended, as it increases circulation, stimulates nail growth, and improves the general health and appearance of your nails. It also helps to protect your nails and prevent breakage. You can also try nail serums, which contain hydrating ingredients, strengtheners like collagen and keratin, and exfoliating acids to remove surface damage. Additionally, consider taking supplements like collagen and biotin, which can help strengthen your nails from the inside out.
While taking a break from nail polish, it's also a good idea to give yourself a mini "manicure" every two to four days. This can be as simple as filing your nails to prevent breakage and snags. If your nails need extra care, repeat these mini manicures for two to four weeks to see stronger results.
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Use a nail strengthener
Using a nail strengthener is a great way to heal and protect your nails after a gel manicure. A nail strengthener is a type of base coat that deeply heals and hardens damaged nails. Manicurist Holly Falcone recommends applying a nail strengthener once or twice a day. One of her favourite products is Nailtiques Formula 2, which contains hydrolyzed keratin protein. This protein is naturally found in nails and hair, and applying it creates a protective barrier for nails, helping to make them strong and resilient over time.
If you're looking for a treatment that goes beyond the surface, you may want to consider nail serums, which are conditioning treatments for your nails. They contain hydrating ingredients, strengtheners like collagen and keratin, and exfoliating acids to remove surface damage.
If you want to give your nails a break from polish altogether, you can still use a nail strengthener to help them grow stronger and healthier. Sarah Gibson Tuttle, the founder and CEO of Olive & June, recommends keeping your nails polish-free for a few days after sporting a gel manicure. She also suggests using a nail strengthener as a base coat if you do decide to polish your nails.
While nail strengtheners can be a great tool to help heal and protect your nails, it's important to remember that they are not a substitute for proper nail care. It is always recommended to consult with a dermatologist or manicurist to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
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Improve your diet
Improving your diet can help strengthen your nails and improve their appearance. Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City, recommends consuming adequate amounts of protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin A to promote strong nail beds.
Iron and vitamin B12 are also essential for the development of red blood cells, and their deficiencies can lead to blue-toned nails with dark streaks and brown pigmentation. Additionally, consider taking ingestible collagen peptides, which can be easily incorporated into your daily routine and promote healthy nails. Biotin, a B vitamin, is another excellent option for strengthening nails.
It is important to consult your doctor when making significant dietary adjustments or if your nails suddenly deteriorate. Horizontal rows of raised ridges on your nails, for example, can indicate malnutrition, psoriasis, or a thyroid problem, according to Dr. Ellen Marmur, a board-certified dermatologist.
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Moisturise your nails
Prolonged use of gel manicures can dehydrate your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile. Therefore, it is important to keep your nails and cuticles well-hydrated and moisturized. Cuticle oil is a great way to impart deep hydration to your nails. Focus on slathering it not only on the nail itself but also massaging it well into the cuticle. Using cuticle oil regularly helps to increase circulation, which stimulates nail growth. It is also rich in oils and vitamins, which can improve the general health and appearance of your nails.
You can also use hand cream to moisturize your hands and nails. Doing this daily can stop chips and lifting, and it keeps your nails flexible and tough. It is also a good idea to take ingestible collagen peptides as a supplement, as collagen is an essential protein for hair, skin, and nails. This can help promote the health of your nails.
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Get gels removed professionally
Getting gels removed professionally is a good way to ensure that your nails remain strong and healthy. Gels should be removed with caution, and a professional will be able to do this without damaging your nails.
Firstly, it is important to break the topcoat barrier. This can be done by buffing the surface of the nail plate with a nail file. Then, the nails should be soaked in acetone. This can be done by placing acetone-soaked cotton balls or lint-free wipes onto the nails, and wrapping small pieces of aluminium foil around the fingertips. The nails should be soaked for 10-15 minutes, after which the gel polish should come right off.
If you are removing the gels yourself, it is important to be cautious. Do not scrape into the nail plate, as this can cause irreversible damage. It is also important to only soak your fingertips in acetone, rather than your whole hands, to protect the surrounding skin.
However, getting gels removed professionally is the best way to ensure that your nails are not damaged in the removal process.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to keep your nails polish-free for a few days after removing gel nail polish. You can also apply a nail strengthener or use a color that contains strengthening ingredients.
It is recommended to have your gel nail polish removed by a professional to prevent any damage. When removing the polish, only soak your fingertips in acetone instead of your whole hands to protect the surrounding skin.
Prolonged use of gel manicures can dehydrate your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile. To prevent this, it is important to keep your nails hydrated by using cuticle oil and hand cream regularly.
Yes, ingestible collagen peptides and biotin are two supplements that can help promote healthy nails. It is also recommended to ensure you are getting enough protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin A.
It is important to keep your nails dry and clean, as moisture and dirt can weaken the gel. You should also avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat, as these can damage the gel and weaken its bond to your nail.
