Noah Sinclair
Getting gel manicures can be addictive because they are long-lasting, require minimal preparation, and have a perpetually glossy shine. However, the removal process can be damaging to your nails, causing them to become thin, brittle, and prone to breaking. To restore your nails' natural health and strength, it's important to take a break from polish and focus on nourishing and protecting your nails. This can be done by using a nail strengthener or a base coat with nourishing ingredients, keeping your nails short, and deeply hydrating your nails and cuticles with oils or moisturisers. Additionally, incorporating supplements like collagen and biotin into your diet can help strengthen your nails from the inside out. With consistent care and the right products, you can get your nails back to their strong and healthy state.
How to strengthen nails after gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal of gel nails | Gels should be removed by a professional to prevent damage. Soaking nails in acetone is also recommended. |
| Nail health after gel removal | Nails may be paper-thin, bendy, brittle, flaky, and peeling. |
| Nail care after gel removal | Nails should be kept short and moisturized with oils or creams. |
| Nail strengthening products | Nail strengtheners, base coats, and nail polishes with strengthening ingredients can be used. |
| Supplements | Collagen and biotin supplements can help strengthen nails from the inside out. |
| Diet | A diet rich in collagen-synthesizing and biotin-rich foods like salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds can help. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a nail strengthener or base coat with nourishing ingredients
If you're looking to strengthen your nails after removing gel nails, a great option is to use a nail strengthener or base coat with nourishing ingredients. This will help to restore your nails to their natural health and keep them strong and protected.
One product to try is the Dual Base & Top Coat with Celery Seed & Camellia Oil. This product helps to smooth the nail's ridged surface and prevent peeling. It contains Pro-Vitamin B5 and a natural nail hardener, Celery Seed, which helps to eliminate discolouration and protect the nails. You can also try the Kokoist Megastick Base Coat, a soft gel that will flex and bend with your natural nail, providing strength and protection.
Alternatively, you can use straight-up jojoba oil, which can strengthen nail beds and boost healthy nail growth. Apply it three times a day for five days, keeping your nails otherwise bare, for the best results.
It's also important to keep your nails moisturized. Dr Idriss suggests massaging upwards from the cuticle in a very gentle fashion. Wearing gloves when doing the dishes and hydrating your nails after washing and sanitizing can also help protect them from becoming more brittle and broken.
In addition to external care, you can also take supplements to strengthen your nails from the inside out. Collagen and biotin are both great options that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
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Keep nails short
Keeping your nails short is a good way to prevent breakage and splitting after removing gel nails. This is because your nails are in a weakened state after gel removal, and are more prone to breaking and bending under pressure.
To keep your nails short, you can either cut or file them down. If you choose to cut them, be sure to use a nail clipper and trim them straight across to avoid ingrown nails. You can then use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges. If your nails are weak, it is recommended to just file them down gently, as cutting them can cause strain and lead to breakage. File your nails in one direction only, and not back and forth, to prevent tearing.
It is also important to use a low-grit buffer to smooth the surface of your nails. This will prevent them from snagging on things and causing further tearing. You can then apply a restoring clear coat or use a good cuticle or vitamin E oil to nourish your nails.
Keeping your nails short will help you manage their health and prevent further damage as they recover from the gel manicure.
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Apply cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is an essential part of nail care. It is designed to keep your cuticles hydrated and nourished, which in turn keeps your nails strong and healthy. Cuticle oils are packed with moisturisers that prevent dryness and keep your nails looking salon-fresh.
To apply cuticle oil, start by pushing your cuticles back with a metal or wooden cuticle pusher. This will prevent the gel polish from lifting off your nail plate. Having nourished and softened cuticles will make it easier to push them back.
Next, apply the cuticle oil. You can use a dropper or a rollerball pen for on-the-go hydration. Apply the oil directly onto your nails and give yourself a little massage. This will stimulate circulation, which encourages nail growth. Make sure to get the oil into the corners of your nails.
It is recommended to apply cuticle oil right out of the shower while your skin is still damp to encourage deeper absorption. You can also apply it in the morning or at night, but consistency is key. Apply the oil daily and your nails will become more flexible and less prone to cracks and peels.
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Keep nails polish-free for a few days
Keeping your nails polish-free for a few days after removing gel nails is recommended by manicurists and nail experts. This is because your nails get accustomed to the gel coating, and removing it can cause them to become dry, fragile, and prone to breaking and snapping. By taking a break from nail polish, you allow your nails to breathe and regain their natural strength.
While there is no scientific evidence that keeping your nails polish-free improves their health, many manicurists have noticed a difference in the strength and condition of their clients' nails when they take a break from polish. This break gives your nails a chance to recover from the potential damage caused by the coating removal process. Improper removal methods, such as peeling or soaking for an insufficient amount of time, can harm the nail plate and lead to long-term issues like thinning nails, irregularities, and changes in growth patterns.
During this polish-free period, it is essential to keep your nails hydrated. Gels tend to dehydrate your nails, making them brittle and flaky. Apply moisturizer or oil, such as jojoba oil or vitamin E oil, to your cuticles and nails to deeply nourish them. Cuticle oils can also help strengthen nail beds and promote healthy nail growth. Additionally, consider using hand creams to moisturize your hands and nails daily, massaging gently upwards from the cuticle to avoid any trauma to the cuticle area.
If you feel self-conscious about having bare nails, you can opt for a simple nail strengthener or a base coat with nourishing ingredients. Look for products containing vitamins or natural nail hardeners like celery seed, which help eliminate discoloration and protect your nails. Applying a base coat can also help prevent issues like lifting and peeling, which are common after gel manicures.
Taking a break from nail polish after gel manicures is a great way to give your nails some much-needed TLC. It allows them to recover from the potential damage caused by the removal process and helps them regain their natural strength and health. During this time, focus on hydration and gentle care to promote the growth of strong, shiny, natural nails.
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Take supplements, such as collagen or biotin
Collagen and biotin are among the most popular dietary supplements for improving the health of hair, skin, and nails. Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced in the body and provides the building blocks for skin, hair, nails, bones, ligaments, and many other organs. As the body's collagen production decreases with age, it is beneficial to supplement it with collagen-rich foods or supplements. Collagen provides structure to the skin and helps reduce signs of skin ageing. It is also responsible for keeping nails strong.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a vitamin that can only be derived from food or supplements. It helps boost energy levels, supports nerve function, and maintains the health of hair, skin, and mucous membranes. Biotin is essential for keratin production, and its deficiency can lead to hair loss and brittle nails. Therefore, biotin supplementation may be beneficial for those with a biotin deficiency.
When combined, collagen and biotin create a powerful team for beauty and health. Collagen provides the structure and support, while biotin ensures the body effectively utilises collagen. Studies have found that daily biotin supplementation for around five months helped strengthen brittle or broken nails. Participants in the study reported firmer and harder nails, with 91% noticing a difference after taking collagen.
It is important to note that collagen is typically derived from animal sources, which may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Biotin, on the other hand, is found in a wide range of foods, including eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, spinach, and organ meats, making it easier to incorporate into various diets. Additionally, biotin supplements are generally more affordable due to simpler production processes.
To protect the collagen in your body, Dr. Berson recommends using sun protection, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, avoiding cigarette smoke, and getting sufficient sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
First, it's important to note that the damage to your nails is likely caused by improper removal of the gel nails. To strengthen your nails, you should keep them short, use a nail strengthener or base coat with nourishing ingredients, and apply moisturizer or oil to your cuticles and nails.
You can try a simple nail strengthener or base coat with nourishing ingredients such as Pro-Vitamin B5 and a natural nail hardener like celery seed. You can also try CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner, or straight-up jojoba oil, which can strengthen nail beds and boost healthy nail growth.
Nails take up to 6 months to fully grow out, so it will take some time and patience to see improvements. In the meantime, you can keep your nails short and maintain a regular skincare routine for your hands and nails.
Yes, supplements such as collagen and biotin can help strengthen your nails from the inside out. You can also incorporate biotin-rich and collagen-synthesizing foods into your diet, such as salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.
