Liam Carter
Gel nails are a great way to get long-lasting, glossy nails. However, they do require some aftercare to keep them looking their best. Whether you get your nails done at home or at a salon, there are several things you can do to maintain your gel nails and prevent them from chipping, cracking, or peeling. From using cuticle oil to wearing gloves when doing chores, there are many simple habits you can adopt to keep your gel nails looking sharp and lasting long.
How to Maintain Gel Nails at Home
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail length | Keep nails short to avoid damage |
| Colour | Use light colours to make the manicure last longer |
| Application | Apply thin layers of gel polish to avoid unevenness |
| Application | Cap the free edge to seal in the gel polish and prevent chips and cracks |
| Application | Avoid getting gel polish on your skin or cuticles |
| Application | Ensure nails are completely dry before application |
| Removal | Avoid picking or peeling off gel polish |
| Removal | Work carefully away from the cuticles to avoid harming the skin around them |
| Removal | Leave a layer of Builder Gel to maintain nail strength |
| Aftercare | Apply cuticle oil daily to keep nails hydrated |
| Aftercare | Wear gloves when doing chores, especially those involving water or harsh chemicals |
| Aftercare | Avoid using nails as tools |
| Aftercare | Avoid hand sanitiser as it dries out nails |
| Aftercare | Minimise exposure to heat |
| Aftercare | Block harmful UV rays with sunscreen |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail filing techniques
Before filing, ensure that your nails are dry. When nails are wet, they absorb water, and filing them in this state can make them more prone to breakage. It is also important to note that you should not file your nails back and forth in a 'saw-like' motion, as this can cause permanent damage to the connection between the nail and the nail plate, and can also cause the nail to split and tear. Instead, file your nails slowly and gently in one direction, taking your time to prevent over-filing.
When filing the sides of your nails, try to find the middle point of your cuticle and match it to the centre point of the free edge. This will be your guide to filing the sides towards that point. If you are using a board hand file, rather than placing the file on top of the nail, try putting it under the nail and bringing it in a bit. This way, you are not filing off the top coat, and you can use a regular top coat on your gel manicure because you are just reshaping.
If you are cutting your nails, ensure that you cut less than you think you need, as you can always file more if you want to. Cut the corners of the nail diagonally, and be careful not to cut too much.
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Avoiding chipping
To avoid chipping when maintaining gel nails at home, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, when applying the gel polish, ensure the layers are thin; thick layers may cause the polish to run and pool at the sides, creating an uneven layer that is more prone to chipping. Don't forget to cap the free edge to seal in the gel polish and prevent chips and cracks. Lighter or nude shades are also preferable if you want your manicure to last longer, as the extra nail growth won't be as noticeable.
It is also important to prepare your nails correctly before applying gel polish. Ensure your hands are thoroughly dried after washing them, as moisture will cause the gel polish to lift more quickly. Additionally, keep your natural nails moisturised, as gels can extract moisture, making them brittle and more prone to chipping.
To further reduce the risk of chipping, avoid using your nails as tools to open cans or remove staples. Wear gloves when doing chores, especially those involving water or harsh chemicals, as hot water can cause your natural nails to expand and contract, leading to cracking and lifting of the gel polish.
Finally, daily application of cuticle oil is recommended to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated, which will help prevent chips and breaks.
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Repairing damaged nails
If your nails are already damaged, there are several remedies you can try. One of the easiest ways to repair damaged nails is to apply cuticle oil, followed by a hand cream. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, while the cream will lock in moisture. You can also try soaking your nails in olive oil for about 10 to 15 minutes daily. This is a cost-effective method for potential DIY nail repair.
Additionally, you can use nail-strengthening treatments. Keratin treatments, for example, can help strengthen nails and prevent peeling, splitting, or breaking. You can also use a nail strengthener, a protein-enriched base, and a topcoat designed to strengthen nails. It is also recommended to minimise exposure to chemical-heavy products.
It is also advised to give your nails a break between gel applications and to let them breathe. This will help keep your nails healthy and strong.
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Moisturising for nail health
Moisturising is an important step in maintaining nail health, especially when you have gel nails. Gels can extract moisture from your natural nails, making them brittle and prone to damage. Therefore, it is essential to keep your nails and the surrounding skin moisturised and healthy.
There are various ways to moisturise your nails and cuticles. You can use any hand cream or opt for nail- and cuticle-specific creams and oils. Cuticle oil is particularly recommended for gel nails, as it helps to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated, preventing chips and breaks. Apply a few drops of cuticle oil daily to maintain healthy and moisturised nails. You can also try a cuticle formula to keep your cuticles soft and supple.
When applying moisturisers, it is important to massage them into your nails and cuticles, not just to reduce peeling and brittleness but also to stimulate blood circulation. This encourages healthy nail growth. Exfoliate your nail bed before applying a thick, occlusive agent to seal in moisture and improve absorption. After moisturising, coat each nail in a thick layer of ointment, such as Vaseline, and wear cotton gloves overnight to lock in the moisture.
In addition to moisturising, it is essential to protect your nails from external factors that can cause dryness and brittleness. Avoid harsh chemicals and hot water, as these can weaken the gel's bond to your nail and cause it to crack and lift. Give your nails a break between gel applications, and maintain a comfortable nail length to reduce the risk of damage.
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Removing gel nail polish safely
Maintaining gel nails at home is a simple process, but it's important to take care of your nails to keep them healthy and strong. To remove gel nail polish safely, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare your nails: Before starting the removal process, gather the necessary supplies, including acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil or plastic food wrap, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Cuticle oil and a nail buffer are optional but recommended to keep your nails healthy. Work on one hand at a time for easier management. Choose a well-ventilated area due to the strong smell of acetone, and cover your work area with a cloth to avoid stains.
- File the top coat: Use a coarse nail file to gently file down the top coat of the gel polish. File until the top coat loses its shine and smoothness, being careful not to over-file and damage your nails.
- Apply acetone: Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on your nails. Then, wrap your nails with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap. Plastic wrap creates a tighter seal, preventing dripping, and protecting your skin from the harsh effects of acetone.
- Wait and remove: Leave the acetone-soaked wraps on for about 10 minutes. The gel polish will soften and may appear bubbly or curled. Remove the foil and cotton, and use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel polish. If the polish is stubborn, re-soak a cotton ball with acetone and apply it to the nail for a few more minutes.
- Buff and wash: Gently buff your nails to smooth out ridges and remove any remaining gel polish. Be cautious not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails and make it difficult for gel polish to adhere in the future. Wash your hands with gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove any acetone residue.
- Moisturise: Apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the surrounding skin daily for at least a week. This helps to rehydrate and nourish your nails and skin, reducing any irritation caused by the acetone removal process.
An alternative method to remove gel nail polish is to simply let your nails grow out. Clipping your nails once a week will help remove the gel polish gradually and prevent catching on objects. However, this is a slower process, taking several months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails. It's important to resist the urge to pick or peel the gel polish, as this can damage your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your gel nails last longer, it is recommended to use a light or nude colour as your nail grows, the extra growth won’t be as noticeable with lighter colours. You should also avoid getting gel polish on your skin and always remember to cap the free edge to seal in the gel polish and help prevent chips and cracks.
When removing gel nails, it is important to work carefully away from the cuticles to avoid harming the delicate skin around them. Move in the direction of nail growth to protect your cuticles and maintain the health and appearance of your nails. Avoid peeling off your gel polish as this will damage your natural nails, leaving them thin, weak and prone to breakage.
After removing gel nails, it is important to give your nails a few days' break before reapplying. In the meantime, keep your hands and nails moisturised to prevent them from becoming dry and brittle.
