Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting a high-shine, long-lasting manicure. However, the removal process can be tedious and damaging to nails, causing them to become weak and brittle. To keep nails strong and healthy, it is important to use proper application and removal techniques, practice good nail care, and choose the right products. This includes using a base coat, builder gel, colour coat, and top coat, as well as avoiding the use of an electric file for removal. Additionally, it is recommended to use cuticle oil or cream daily when wearing polish, as it can dehydrate nails.
How to keep nails strong under gel polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application | Use a base coat, builder gel, colour coat, and top coat |
| Seal each coat with a UV or LED light | |
| Use a gel nail polish designed for brittle nails | |
| Removal | Do not use an e-file or electric file |
| Do not peel nails | |
| Use acetone to remove the polish | |
| Nourish nails with oil after removal | |
| Use a removal tool or orangewood cuticle sticks to gently lift and remove the polish | |
| Do not rush the removal process | |
| General | Apply cuticle oil or cream under your nails daily when wearing polish |
| Do not over-file your nails | |
| Use clean tools to avoid fungal infections |
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What You'll Learn
Use a base coat
Using a base coat underneath your gel polish can help reduce damage to your nails. It is not recommended to use a traditional nail strengthener under gel polish. Instead, you can use a gel base coat such as Megastick base, which is very adhesive and can help prevent issues with lifting or peeling gel.
The base coat is the first step in a full gel manicure system, which also includes builder gel, colour coat, and top coat. The base coat is sealed with a UV or LED light, which ensures your nails will look fresh and crack-proof for up to 21 days.
If you are prone to bending or breaking your nails, you can add builder gel to your manicure routine. Applied after the base coat, builder gel adds strength and thickness, creating a hard, protective layer that decreases flexibility and supports nail growth.
To remove your gel manicure, it is important to avoid picking and peeling the gel, as this can damage your nails. Instead, you can soak your nails in nail polish remover, then gently scrape the polish off. You can also use a removal tool or orangewood cuticle sticks to lift and remove the polish. If you are having trouble removing the polish, your nails may need more time to soak.
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Avoid an e-file
While it is possible to do a gel manicure without an e-file, some nail technicians may be reluctant to do so. This is because filing by hand takes significantly longer than using an e-file, and time is money in the beauty industry.
If you have thin nails, you may want to avoid the e-file as it can be too harsh on your nail beds. Electric files can buff your nails to the point that they become sore and damaged. If you are experiencing any soreness, you should find a different technician. There is no reason your nails should be sore following a gel manicure application, and if they are, it means the technician is being too aggressive.
If you are set on avoiding the e-file, you can ask for a consultation with a nail technician and explain your concerns. You can also ask for a hard gel overlay or structured gel manicure (builder gel) which will give you a layer of protection over your nail and under the base coat/gel colour.
If you are removing gel nail polish, you can use a coarse hand file to remove most of the colour and then soak off the rest. However, it is important to note that using a hand file can also damage the nail plate if not done correctly.
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Apply cuticle oil
Applying cuticle oil is an essential step in maintaining the health and appearance of your nails. Cuticle oil is a moisturising product that helps to nourish and hydrate your nails and cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged. It is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil, and may be 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: Squeeze a drop of oil onto each nail, focusing on one hand at a time. Alternatively, use the brush or roller to dot each nail with oil.
- Massage the oil into your cuticles: Make sure to massage it into the sides of your nail, as well as the skin surrounding your nail. Take a minute to massage the oil into your nails to induce blood circulation.
- Repeat the above steps on your other hand.
- Re-apply every two to three hours or as needed: It takes around two to three hours for the oil to completely absorb and dry.
- Use the oil after a manicure: Cuticle oil is an excellent way to rehydrate your cuticles and revamp an old manicure. It will not harm or remove the nail polish.
- Apply the oil before bedtime: This will ensure that your cuticles stay hydrated and nourished for the coming day.
- Be consistent: For best results, apply cuticle oil at least once a day or twice a day. Consistency is key to maintaining healthy and nourished cuticles.
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Soak nails in remover
Soaking your nails in remover is one way to remove gel polish, but it's important to do it properly to avoid damaging your nails. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you safely soak off your gel polish:
Prepare the Necessary Materials
Firstly, gather all the required materials, including a bowl, acetone, cotton wool balls or cotton pads, foil, a timer, a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick, and cuticle oil or Vaseline.
Protect the Skin Around Your Nails
Before starting the removal process, it's crucial to protect the skin around your nails. Apply a moisturising hand cream and nourish your cuticles with cuticle oil or Vaseline. This creates a protective barrier that prevents the acetone from drying out your skin.
Soak Your Nails in Remover
Prepare a bowl filled with acetone and soak 10 cotton wool balls or pads until they are fully saturated. Place an acetone-soaked cotton ball on each nail, wrapping your fingertip in foil to secure it snugly. Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the acetone to work.
Remove the Gel Polish
After soaking, gently massage the foil and pull it away from your nail. The gel polish should start to lift off. If it doesn't come off easily, your nails may need more soaking time. Use an orangewood stick or a metal cuticle pusher to gently remove any remaining gel polish, going from the cuticle to the tip of your nail. Be careful not to force it, as this can damage your nails.
Clean and Nourish Your Nails
Once all the gel polish is removed, clean your nails with a nail buffer to smooth out any ridges and remove any residual gel polish. Finally, apply cuticle oil to rehydrate and nourish your cuticles, helping to keep your nails healthy and strong.
It's important to note that soaking your nails in acetone can be harsh on your nails and skin, potentially causing dryness and irritation. Therefore, it's recommended to use acetone-soaked cotton balls that allow for more precise application and minimise contact with your skin. Additionally, always follow up with nourishing cuticle oil to counteract the drying effects of acetone.
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Use a nail repair system
While gel nail polish offers a long-lasting, chip-free, and glossy manicure, it can weaken your nails, especially if it is not removed properly. To keep your nails strong and healthy, it is important to use proper application and removal techniques, practice good nail care, and choose the right products.
One way to keep your nails strong under gel polish is to use a nail repair system. A nail repair system typically includes a set of products designed to work together to restore the health and strength of your nails. These products can include nail hardeners, strengtheners, or treatments that provide an extra layer of protection and nourishment to your nails.
For example, OPI's Repair Mode nail strengthener uses technology to repair broken keratin bonds inside the nail, resulting in hydrated, strong, and healthy nails. Similarly, ORLY's Nail Defense is a nail strengthener that provides an extra layer of protection and nourishment to your nails, helping them to strengthen and repair.
When choosing a nail repair system, it is important to select products that are suitable for your specific nail concerns and needs. For instance, if you have nail fungus, you should opt for special nail polish or serum designed to treat the infection. Additionally, if your nails are thin and damaged, consider investing in specific nail treatments to restore their strength and health before applying gel polish.
To maintain nail health during the use of gel polish, it is recommended to apply cuticle oil and hand cream regularly. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, while hand cream locks in moisture, preventing moisture loss, which is a common symptom of gel nail damage.
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Frequently asked questions
To keep your nails strong, it is important to care for them properly. You can do this by using the correct application and removal techniques, practising good nail care, and choosing the right products. For example, you should avoid using an electric file and never peel nails. Instead, use acetone and nourish with an oil afterward.
You can use a variety of products to keep your nails strong under gel polish. This includes using a base coat, builder gel, colour coat, and top coat. You can also use a gel nail lamp to cure your nails.
To prevent damage, it is important to have good-quality manicures performed with clean tools and good gel polish by a knowledgeable nail technician. You should also avoid back-to-back gel manicures and incorporate treatments, gentle ingredients, and nail care into your routine.
There are various ways to repair damaged nails after using gel polish. This includes using specific nail strengtheners, such as the Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System, or applying thin coats of nail polish designed for gel and acrylic-damaged nails, such as the ZOYA Naked Manicure Gelie Cure System.
