Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a great way to get long-lasting, chip-free, glossy nails. However, they can also damage your nails, especially if they are removed improperly. Gels can cause nails to become dehydrated, brittle, and fragile, and the removal process can weaken the nail bed. To strengthen your nails after a gel manicure, it is recommended to use cuticle oil and hand cream to restore moisture, and to take a break from polish for a few days to let your nails recover. You can also use nail-strengthening treatments, such as ridge fillers, and make sure to follow proper removal techniques to prevent damage. Additionally, a healthy diet and supplements can help strengthen nails from the inside out.
How to Strengthen Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Avoid using an electric file during manicures |
| Do not pick or peel off gel nails | |
| File nails every 2-4 days to prevent breakage and snagging | |
| Keep nails short to prevent breakage | |
| Use gloves when doing chores or working with chemicals to protect nails | |
| Treatment | Apply cuticle oil to nails and massage into the skin around them |
| Use hand cream to lock in moisture | |
| Soak nails in olive oil for 10-15 minutes daily | |
| Use nail strengtheners with protein-enriched bases and topcoats | |
| Use keratin treatments to strengthen nails and prevent peeling, splitting, or breaking | |
| Use collagen and biotin supplements to strengthen nails from the inside out | |
| Eat a balanced diet with protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B, iron, and fatty acids | |
| Use nail hardeners or strengthening serums | |
| Use ridge fillers to smooth the appearance of nails | |
| Use Builder Gel to create an overlay that shields nails and allows them to grow strong | |
| Use Hard Gel as a nail strengthener under gel polish or on its own | |
| Take a break from polish for a few weeks to let nails recover |
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What You'll Learn
Use cuticle oil and hand cream
Using cuticle oil and hand cream is one of the least expensive ways to strengthen your nails after a gel manicure. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, and the cream locks in moisture. Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage.
Manicurist Rita Remark recommends applying cuticle oil followed by a hand cream. She suggests spending a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle. "Less is more when applying cuticle oil," she says. "Don't wash your hands for 20 minutes after applying cuticle oil to allow for absorption."
Cuticle oils can extend the life of a manicure, whether it's gel or polish. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec explains: "A moisturising cuticle oil keeps the nails flexible so they bend but don't break. It also prevents hangnails and the outer layers of the nail from peeling, and if you wear enhancements, like gel or acrylic, it stops the appliques from curling and lifting, which allows bacteria to get between the nail and enhancement."
Gregory Littley, co-founder of natural nail care brand Pärdē Beauty, agrees, noting that even manicure minimalists will reap the strengthening, nourishing benefits of using cuticle oil regularly.
There are many different cuticle oils on the market, so it can be tricky to know which one to choose. Dior Huile Abricot is a luxurious option, formulated with apricot, camellia, and argan oils, plus a dose of vitamin E. OPI's cuticle oil is another good choice, formulated with avocado, grapeseed, and sunflower oils.
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File nails regularly
Filing your nails regularly is an important step in maintaining their strength, especially if you have gel nails. Here are some detailed instructions on how to file your nails effectively to promote strength and maintain their health:
Start by investing in a good-quality nail file. Look for a glass nail file or a high-grit emery board. These types of files are gentler on your nails and will help prevent damage during the filing process. Avoid metal files, as they can be too harsh and lead to nail weakening and breakage.
When filing your nails, always file in one direction only. Sawing the file back and forth can cause nail splitting and weakening. Gently move the file in a single direction across the nail, taking off small amounts at a time. This will help ensure a smooth finish and prevent damage.
Focus on shaping the sides of your nails and gently rounding the tips. Filing your nails regularly will help prevent them from becoming too long and prone to breakage. The ideal shape for strong nails is a soft square or oval. This will help prevent breakage and splitting, especially for gel nails.
Be careful not to over-file your nails. Filing too much can weaken the nail and lead to peeling and breakage. File your nails once every week or two, depending on how quickly your nails grow. If you notice your nails becoming thin or weak, reduce the frequency of filing and focus on gentle maintenance instead.
Always file your nails when they are dry. Wet nails can be softer and more prone to damage. Filing dry nails will give you more control and help prevent over-filing or accidental nail tearing.
Finally, after filing, remember to moisturize your nails and cuticles. Nail filing can dry out your nails, so be sure to apply a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream to keep them hydrated and strong. This will also help soften your cuticles, preventing them from tearing and affecting the overall health of your nail bed.
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Take supplements
Taking supplements is one way to strengthen your nails from the inside out. However, it is important to note that scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of supplements is lacking. In addition, if you are already consuming a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods, you may not need to take supplements at all.
If you are considering taking supplements, opt for a multivitamin that provides 100% of the essential vitamins and minerals. Be careful not to consume too much of one vitamin or take unnecessary supplements, as this can lead to money wasted on unneeded nutrients. In addition, taking too much of one vitamin or mineral may deplete another. For example, research shows that taking extra zinc often leads to a loss of copper, a mineral important for bone health.
If you are looking for specific supplements to support nail health, consider the following:
- Collagen: An essential protein for hair, skin, and nails, ingestible collagen peptides are easily incorporated into your daily routine and can help promote healthy nails.
- Biotin: A vitamin B deficiency can lead to brittle nails and changes in pigmentation. Consuming biotin through foods or supplements may help strengthen nails and improve their growth.
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and the development of red blood cells, both of which are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy.
- Folate: Also known as vitamin B9, folate contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. A deficiency can cause changes in nail pigmentation and make nails rigid and brittle.
In addition to taking supplements, it is important to consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
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Wear gloves for chores
Wearing gloves while doing chores is a great way to protect your gel nails from damage. This is especially important if your chores involve exposure to harsh chemicals or manual labour that could cause chipping or peeling.
Nitrile gloves are a popular choice for protecting the hands and nails. They are durable, resistant to many chemicals, and offer a comfortable fit. They are also less likely to cause allergic reactions than latex gloves, which can be problematic for some people. Nitrile gloves are efficient at guarding against bloodborne diseases and infections and are recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States Department of Labor.
If you are unable to find nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves are another option. They are less durable and resistant than nitrile gloves, but they offer better resistance to acetone. It is important to note that powder-free gloves are generally recommended, as the powder can contaminate the nail bed or nail polish and may cause allergic reactions.
Wearing gloves can help extend the life of your gel nails and keep them looking their best. However, it is still important to properly care for your nails and practice good hand hygiene, even when wearing gloves. This includes properly washing your hands before and after glove use and ensuring your nails are properly filed down and prepped for removal if needed.
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Use nail hardener
Using a nail hardener is an effective way to strengthen your nails after gel manicures. Nail hardeners create a protective barrier on the nail, preventing breakage, shedding, and anti-osmosis.
There are many different types of nail hardeners available on the market, including polishes, creams, and gels. Some popular nail hardener polishes include Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat, which is made with rapeseed oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin, and ONYX Professional's Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream, which is formulated with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil.
If you're looking for a gel nail hardener, Hard Gel by Bluesky Cosmetics is a popular option. It is slightly thicker than normal gel polish, providing additional strength to the nail and protecting it from breaking or snagging. It can be used as a base coat underneath your gel polish or on its own for a natural-looking manicure.
When choosing a nail hardener, look for products that contain ingredients like wheat protein, keratin, and biotin, which are proven to promote healthy nail growth. You should also ensure that the product is free from harmful ingredients like formaldehyde or formalin, which can weaken the nails over time.
In addition to using a nail hardener, it is important to keep your nails moisturized to promote healthy nail growth. Cuticle oils and hand creams can help to deliver vitamins and nourishment to your nails, keeping them hydrated and strong.
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Frequently asked questions
First, it's important to note that gel manicures can damage your nails, especially if they aren't removed properly. To prevent damage, ensure your manicurist isn't using an electric file and don't peel or pick the polish off. After removing gel polish, it's recommended to keep your nails natural for a few days. You can then use a nail strengthener as a base coat before applying colour.
You can use nail hardeners or strengthening serums to help strengthen your nails. Some specific products include Bluesky's Hard Gel and 5-in-1 Builder Gel, and OPI's nail-strengthening treatment.
Yes, you can soak your nails in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes daily. You can also use jojoba oil, which can strengthen nail beds and boost healthy nail growth.
To prevent breakage, it's recommended to keep your nails short. You can also try using rounded tips instead of pointy or square ones.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B, iron, and fatty acids can help promote nail growth and health.
