Noah Sinclair
Gel manicures can leave nails damaged after removal. The damage is often caused by improper removal, with many salons removing gel roughly to expedite the process. Genetics, medical conditions, age, and daily habits such as hand-washing and exposure to drying ingredients can also affect nail strength. To restore nail health, experts recommend using cuticle oil, wearing gloves, and taking vitamins. Other suggestions include keeping nails short, applying nail strengtheners with hydrolyzed keratin protein, and using collagen and biotin supplements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for nails to recover | Nails take about three months to grow out from root to tip |
| Use of nail strengtheners | Applying a nail strengthener that contains hydrolyzed keratin protein helps heal and harden damaged nails |
| Nail length | Keep nails short to prevent breakage |
| Use of cuticle oil | Applying cuticle oil delivers vitamins and nourishment to the nails |
| Use of hand cream | Applying hand cream after cuticle oil locks in moisture |
| Soaking nails | Soak nails in olive oil for 10-15 minutes daily to prevent moisture loss |
| Use of gloves | Wear gloves to protect nails |
| Vitamins | Take vitamins and supplements such as biotin and collagen to strengthen nails from the inside out |
| Filing | File nails every two to four days to prevent breakage and snags |
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What You'll Learn
Use a nail strengthener
Using a nail strengthener is an effective way to restore the health of your nails after removing gel polish. A nail strengthener is a type of base coat that deeply heals and hardens damaged nails. It can be used once or twice a day, and it is best to apply it before using any coloured polish.
There are many products on the market that can help with this, and some contain hydrolyzed keratin protein, which is naturally found in nails and hair. Applying this creates a protective barrier for nails, helping to make them strong and resilient over time. Nailtiques Formula 2 is a gentle option recommended by manicurist Holly Falcone.
You may also want to consider nail serums, which are conditioning treatments for your nails. These contain hydrating ingredients, strengtheners like collagen and keratin, and exfoliating acids to remove surface damage.
In addition to nail strengtheners, you can also use a keratin treatment to help strengthen your nails and prevent them from peeling, splitting, or breaking. This is because keratin is a natural protein that forms the building blocks of nails, and using a keratin treatment will encourage healthy nail growth.
While using nail strengtheners and keratin treatments, it is important to remember that nails take three months to grow out from root to tip, so be persistent and you will see stronger nails over time.
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Take supplements
While external factors such as improper removal of gel nails can contribute to nail damage, it's important to also consider the role of internal factors, such as vitamin deficiencies. Taking supplements can be a great way to support nail health from within, but it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
One supplement that is often recommended for nail health is biotin, a B vitamin. Biotin is known for helping nails grow longer and stronger, and it can be particularly effective for brittle nails. It is also said to have benefits for hair and skin.
Collagen is another popular supplement for nail health. Collagen is an essential protein for hair, skin, and nails, and ingestible collagen peptides can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Collagen supplements have been shown to promote nail strength and faster nail growth, with noticeable results within a few months of continued use.
In addition to biotin and collagen, other supplements that may support nail health include solubilized keratin MSM, choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid, and zinc. These supplements have been associated with improved nail strength, brittleness, and overall appearance. However, it's important to remember that supplements may only make a noticeable difference if your nail health issues are related to vitamin deficiencies.
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Apply cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. Cuticle oil is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, avocado, coconut, or vitamin E oil, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.
Cuticle oil helps to soften and hydrate the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged. It is also important to note that cuticle oil alone cannot make your nails grow faster – a balanced diet and proper nail care practices are also important factors in promoting nail growth.
- 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: Take a drop or two of cuticle oil onto the brush or applicator. You can also use a cuticle oil pen or a roll-on applicator. Gently dab the oil onto each cuticle, starting from the base of the nail and working your way towards the tip. Use a small amount to avoid excess oiliness.
- Massage the oil into the cuticles: Using your fingertips, gently massage the cuticle oil into each nail and cuticle in circular motions. This helps to stimulate blood circulation and aids in the absorption of the oil.
- Allow the oil to absorb: Let the cuticle oil sit on your nails for a few minutes to allow it to fully absorb into the cuticles. This will provide maximum hydration and nourishment.
By regularly incorporating cuticle oil into your nail care routine, you can experience a multitude of benefits, including hydrated and nourished cuticles, stronger and more resilient nails, improved nail appearance, and protection against environmental damage.
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Keep nails short
Keeping your nails short is a good way to prevent breakage and snags. Nails that are left long are more likely to hit against surfaces and break. This is especially true if your nails are in a weakened state after gel removal.
To keep your nails short, use a nail clipper to trim them down to the desired length. You can then use a glass nail file to smooth and seal the edges, reducing their susceptibility to splits and breakages. Glass nail files are inexpensive and seal the keratin layers at the edge of the nail together, preventing peeling and chipping. They are also more efficient than emery boards or steel nail files because they file and smooth the nails in one quick motion. They can also be washed and sterilized, making them more hygienic.
If you are keeping your nails short to allow them to recover from gel manicures, it is important to give them the support they need until they grow out stronger. This can be done by using a nail strengthener, which is a type of base coat that deeply heals and hardens damaged nails. You can also use cuticle oil to deliver vitamins and nourishment to your nails, followed by hand cream to lock in moisture.
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Use a glass nail file
Using a glass nail file is an inexpensive and efficient way to restore your nails after gel removal. Glass nail files smooth and seal the edges of your nails, reducing their susceptibility to splits and breakages. They are more effective than emery boards or steel nail files because they file and smooth the nails in one quick motion.
Glass nail files seal the keratin layers at the edge of the nail together, preventing peeling and chipping. They do not wear down, corrode, dull or rot over time, and can be washed and sterilised, making them more hygienic.
To use a glass nail file, file your nails every two to four days to prevent breakage and snags. Keep your nails short and give them a chance to grow out stronger and healthier. You can also use a very low grit buffer to smooth them, but be careful not to overdo it as this can lead to snagging and tearing.
Using a glass nail file in conjunction with other treatments such as cuticle oil, nail strengtheners, and supplements like biotin and collagen, can help to further strengthen your nails and promote healthy nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
One of the easiest ways to repair damaged nails is to apply cuticle oil, followed by a hand cream. Nails take three months to grow out from root to tip, so be persistent and you'll see stronger nails over time.
Nail serums are conditioning treatments for your nails. They contain hydrating ingredients, strengtheners like collagen and keratin, and exfoliating acids to remove surface damage. You can also use a nail strengthener, which is a type of base coat that deeply heals and hardens damaged nails.
Yes, consider taking collagen and biotin supplements. Collagen is an essential protein for hair, skin, and nails, and biotin is a B vitamin that helps strengthen nails.
