Liam Carter
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting fast-drying, long-lasting nails with an incredible shine. However, to keep them looking their best, it is important to follow some simple aftercare guidelines. Firstly, it is crucial to keep gel nails dry and clean as water and chemicals can weaken the gel and cause it to lift or chip. Therefore, it is recommended to wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes. Additionally, while it is important to keep the nails hydrated, this should be done by moisturising the surrounding skin and cuticle area, avoiding the nail surface itself. Other advice includes being gentle with your nails, avoiding using them as tools, and giving them a break between applications to keep them healthy and strong.
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What You'll Learn
Keep nails dry and clean
Keeping your nails dry and clean is one of the most important aspects of gel nail maintenance. Water and chemicals are the "arch-nemeses" of gel nails, so it's important to wear gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or gardening.
When it comes to cleaning your hands, avoid overusing hand sanitiser as this can dry out your nails and cause lifting. Minimise exposure to excessive heat, such as hot water in showers or when doing dishes, as this can weaken the gel's bond to your nail.
To keep your nails and cuticles hydrated, apply a moisturising product such as petroleum jelly several times a day. This will help prevent brittleness and chipping. However, when applying lotion or oil, avoid the nail surface and only apply it to the surrounding skin and cuticle area.
If you notice any lifting, do not pick or pull at the nail. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have it repaired or removed.
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Avoid harsh chemicals
To maintain the health and appearance of your gel nails, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Firstly, it is important to understand the chemicals involved in the gel nail process. Gel nail polish contains various chemicals, including methacrylates and acrylates, which can cause skin irritation such as hives and contact dermatitis. The curing process, which dries and hardens the polish, involves exposure to ultraviolet radiation or UV light, which is a known cause of cellular damage, skin ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. While the short exposure time during the curing process lowers the risk of adverse effects, it is still important to take precautions.
Before your gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to protect your skin from UV radiation. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off during the curing process to shield your hands from the light. Additionally, consider wearing gloves during everyday activities that involve harsh chemicals, such as cleaning or gardening, to protect your gel nails from potential damage.
When removing gel nail polish, it is crucial to do so carefully to avoid damaging your nails. Acetone is a common chemical used for this process, but it can be harsh and drying. To minimise nail plate, skin, and cuticle damage, reduce the contact time with acetone. You can either soak your fingertips in acetone for a short period or wrap aluminium foil around acetone-soaked cotton balls placed on your fingertips. Always wash your hands thoroughly after removal and moisturise your nails, cuticles, and hands to rehydrate and nourish them.
Finally, give your nails a break between gel manicures. Allow your nails to breathe and repair by going polish-free for at least one to two weeks before your next gel application. During this break, apply moisturising products, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
By following these tips and avoiding harsh chemicals, you can maintain the health and appearance of your gel nails while minimising potential damage.
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Moisturise cuticles
To maintain gel nails, it is important to keep your nails and cuticles moisturised and hydrated. This helps to prevent them from turning brittle and keeps them strong.
There are many products available to help moisturise your cuticles, such as cuticle oil, wax or oil-based balms, and standard hand cream. Cuticle oil can help to strengthen nails, protect them from damage, and improve the health and appearance of the cuticles. It can also help to stimulate nail growth and promote stronger nails. It is recommended to apply cuticle oil right out of the shower when your skin is still damp to encourage deeper absorption. You can also apply it after washing your hands, doing the dishes, or taking a shower, and then put on a thicker ointment or cream at night.
Some popular cuticle oils include Jinsoon Honeysuckle + Primrose Cuticle Oil and Aimeili Cuticle Oil Nail Moisturizer. These products typically come in small bottles with an applicator brush, making it easy to apply the correct amount without any drips or mess.
In addition to using cuticle oil, it is also important to keep your nails dry and clean when you don't have access to moisturiser. Water and chemicals can weaken the gel and cause it to lift, so it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.
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Don't use nails as tools
Maintaining gel nails requires care and attention. One of the most important things to remember is to not use your nails as tools. This means avoiding the temptation to use your nails for tasks such as prying or pulling things open. Your nails may look strong, but they are not indestructible. Using them as tools can cause chipping, lifting, or even splitting, which can ruin your manicure and weaken your nails.
It is important to be mindful of this at all times, especially when doing activities that could potentially damage your nails. For example, when removing staples, it is better to use a staple remover and not your nails, even if the staple is already mostly removed. Similarly, when dealing with keys, it is advisable to use another tool to avoid potential damage to your nails.
When your nails are gelled, it is best to treat them with care and avoid any activities that could put pressure on them. This may include opening cans or packages, picking at things, or even gardening. These activities can cause chipping or lifting, which can not only ruin the appearance of your nails but can also lead to further issues such as infections.
To avoid using your nails as tools, it is helpful to have alternative tools readily available. For example, keep a pair of scissors or a box cutter in your desk drawer to open packages, and a small screwdriver in your kitchen for opening cans or prying out staples. By being prepared, you can avoid the temptation to use your nails and keep them looking their best. Remember, it's all about treating your nails with the care and respect they deserve!
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Remove gel nails properly
Removing gel nails properly is essential to avoid damaging your natural nails. Here are some detailed steps to safely remove gel nails at home:
Prepare the necessary supplies:
Firstly, gather the required supplies: acetone, cotton balls or pads, plastic food wrap or aluminium foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Cuticle oil, a nail buffer, and petroleum jelly are also recommended for nourishing and protecting your nails and cuticles.
Protect your work area and hands:
Line your work area with a cloth or plastic wrap to avoid stains and protect surfaces from acetone damage. You can also apply petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect it from the acetone. Work in a well-ventilated area due to the strong smell of acetone.
Soak your nails in acetone:
Soak cotton balls or pads in a bowl of acetone until saturated. Place each cotton piece on top of your nail, ensuring it covers the entire nail. Then, wrap your nail with plastic food wrap or foil to create a tight seal. Leave this on for around 10 minutes.
Remove the gel nail polish:
After 10 minutes, most or all of the gel nail polish should come off with the cotton and wrap. Gently remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth soaked in warm water. Be careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin.
Wash and nourish your hands:
Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone. Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and rub it in well. You can also use a moisturising hand cream to hydrate your hands and nails.
It is important to note that you should not pick, peel, or lift the gel nail polish off as this can damage your natural nails. Filing your nails before applying a new gel manicure is also preferable to clipping them to avoid fine cracks and splits.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to remove your gel nails, it is best to go to a salon to get them professionally removed. You can also remove the gel yourself, but it is important to be careful and not to peel off the gel, as this can cause damage.
To maintain your gel nails for longer, it is recommended to stick to lighter or nude shades. As the nail grows, the extra growth won't be as noticeable with lighter colours. It is also important to keep your nails dry and clean, as water and dirt can weaken the gel.
To protect your gel nails, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals, as they can affect the shine of your gel nails. It is also important to wear gloves when cleaning or doing any other activities that involve harsh chemicals, to avoid drying out your hands and nails.
If your gel nail starts to lift or chip, do not pick or peel at it, as this can cause further damage. Instead, book an appointment with a professional to get it fixed or removed.
