Liam Carter
Gel manicures are a popular choice for women due to their long-lasting, chip-free, and glossy finish. However, the removal process can be damaging to nails, leaving them weak, brittle, and thin. To strengthen nails after gel manicures, it is important to address both external and internal factors. Externally, nail strengtheners, ridge-filling base coats, and nail serums with collagen and keratin can be applied to heal and harden nails. Internally, supplements such as collagen and biotin, as well as collagen-synthesizing foods like salmon, avocados, and leafy greens, can promote nail health. With the right combination of treatments, gentle ingredients, and care, it is possible to restore and improve the health of your nails naturally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of nail damage | Manicures, genetics, medical conditions, age, daily habits |
| Daily habits that can cause nail damage | Hand-washing, dry weather, exposure to drying ingredients |
| How to prevent nail damage | Avoid using an electric file, don't peel nails, use acetone and nourish with oil to remove |
| How to strengthen nails | Use nail strengtheners, nail serums, supplements, collagen, biotin, nail repair/health base coat, ridge-filling base coat, moisturiser, natural oils |
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What You'll Learn
Take a break from nail polish
Taking a break from nail polish can be a great way to give your nails some much-needed breathing space and allow them to recover, especially if you've been a regular user of gel manicures.
Gel manicures can be appealing due to their long-lasting, chip-free, and glossy appearance, but they can weaken your nails over time, particularly if they are removed improperly. The removal process can be tricky, and if not done correctly, it can cause damage, leaving nails rough, thin, and bendy. This is because the coating removal process involves filing and soaking nails in acetone, which can be very drying.
By taking a break from nail polish, you give your nails a chance to restore their natural health. This means no base coats, coloured polishes, or topcoats. Instead, focus on keeping your nails and cuticles well-hydrated and nourished. Use natural oils such as jojoba or coconut oil, or a specially formulated cuticle balm, and massage this into your nails and cuticles daily. You can also apply a generous amount of your favourite hand cream, which will help keep the area moisturised.
It is also important to be mindful of other factors that can impact nail health. For example, hand-washing, dry weather, and exposure to harsh, drying ingredients can all weaken the nail bed. So, while taking a break from nail polish, try to minimise these factors as much as possible, and continue to keep your nails and hands well-hydrated to support their recovery.
Remember, it may take a few months for your nails to fully recover, so be patient and consistent with your nail care routine during this time.
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Use nail strengtheners
Using nail strengtheners is a great way to restore the health of your nails after removing gel manicures. The prep and removal processes of gel manicures can weaken nail beds, leaving your nails brittle and thin. Nail artist Miss Pop swears by a strengthening base coat, which acts as a protective barrier for nails, helping to make them strong and resilient over time.
There are many different types of nail strengtheners to choose from, with some containing hydrolyzed keratin protein, which is naturally found in nails and hair. Nailtiques Formula 2 is a popular choice, with cosmetic chemist Ginger King noting that it contains hydrolyzed keratin protein. It is a gentle option that provides a protective barrier for nails, helping to make them strong and resilient. You can also opt for nail serums, which are conditioning treatments containing hydrating ingredients, strengtheners like collagen and keratin, and exfoliating acids to remove surface damage.
If you are looking for a product that strengthens and supports nail growth while masking imperfections, try ORLY Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment. This nail strengthener is designed for daily application and has a subtle shimmery finish. It is enriched with strengthening calcium, antioxidant green tea extract, and hydrating cannabis seed oil. Another option is the keratin-enriched Lights Lacquer Magic Strengthener, which is applied once a week and provides a high-shine finish.
For those with chronically weak nails, a keratin-replenishing formula can help. While it may take a while to dry (around four minutes), it has a smooth, glossy finish and can last up to a week without chipping. After removal, you may notice that your nails feel stronger and are in better condition.
If you are looking for a gentle option, celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein recommends a nail-renew system that includes a Deep Hydrating Formula and a Glycolic Prep pen. The glycolic pen 'opens' up the pores of the nails to deliver hydration and protein peptides, making this strengthener unique. Gerstein applies Dr. Dana's nail hydrator, which fills in damage from gels and nourishes cuticles.
Other popular nail strengtheners include Blue Cross's multitasking wonder, which leaves a super-sheer pink tint on your nails, and Sally Hansen's strengthener, recommended by celebrity nail artist Reed.
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Consume nail-friendly supplements
Consuming supplements is a great way to strengthen your nails from the inside out. While there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of nail supplements, they can still be beneficial if your diet is lacking certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
One supplement that comes highly recommended is biotin, a B vitamin that can help strengthen brittle nails and promote their growth. Biotin is also available in food sources such as salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. Other B vitamins that are important for nail health include vitamin B12, which aids in iron absorption and red blood cell development, and folate (vitamin B9), which is necessary for red blood cell formation and new cell development. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to blue nails with wavy longitudinal dark streaks, while a folate deficiency can cause nail pigmentation changes and make nails rigid and brittle.
Collagen is another supplement that can be beneficial for nail health. As an essential protein for hair, skin, and nails, collagen can be easily incorporated into your daily routine through ingestible collagen peptides. It helps promote healthy, resilient, and stronger nails.
In addition to supplements, consuming a balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods is crucial for achieving strong and healthy nails. This includes incorporating various fruits, vegetables, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. By ensuring your body receives all the necessary nutrients, you can support the overall health of your nails, hair, and skin.
It is important to remember that supplements are not always necessary and can be costly. If you are already consuming a balanced diet, you may not need additional supplements. However, if you choose to take supplements, opt for a multivitamin that provides 100% of the essential vitamins and minerals to avoid consuming too much of any single vitamin.
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Keep nails short
Keeping your nails short is a good way to restore their health after gel manicures. Gels, acrylics, and dip powder manicures can cause significant damage to nails, especially if they are removed improperly. This damage can leave nails thin, bendy, brittle, and rough, with spots and white lines that can take months to grow out.
To keep your nails short, you can cut or file them down. If you use a file, start by removing the topcoat, then soak your nails in acetone to soften the powder before filing off the leftover residue. You can also use a low-grit buffer to smooth your nails, but be careful not to overdo it, or they will snag on everything and keep tearing.
It is important to note that the keratin in your nails hasn't been exposed to oxygen underneath the gel, so they will harden slightly in the days after removal, but not by much. Keeping your nails short will help prevent breakage while they heal.
In addition to keeping your nails short, you can also use a nail strengthener or ridge-filling base coat to protect and heal your nails.
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Hydrate nails with oils and moisturisers
To strengthen your nails after a gel manicure, it's important to keep them hydrated. One way to do this is by using oils and moisturisers. Oils such as olive, coconut, jojoba, avocado, and cactus flower oil are all great options for hydrating and strengthening your nails. You can soak your nails in oil for 20 minutes or massage the oil into your nail plates and cuticles. Vitamin E oil is also a good option, and you can extract this from a capsule and rub it onto your nails.
There are also many nail oils and serums on the market that can help strengthen your nails. For example, Olive & June's Cuticle Serum is an award-winning product that delivers moisture to your nails and cuticles. It has a non-greasy formula and includes hydrating ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil, and cactus flower extract.
In addition to using oils, you can also apply a moisturising cream or ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to your hands, cuticles, and nail plates. This will help protect your nails from the air and water that can cause damage.
It's also important to address nail hydration from the inside out. Ingestible collagen peptides are a great way to promote healthy nails and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. You can also incorporate biotin-rich and collagen-synthesizing foods into your diet, such as salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel manicures can damage your nails, especially if they are removed improperly. To strengthen your nails after a gel manicure, you should deeply hydrate your nails with a moisturiser or natural oils such as jojoba or coconut oil.
You can also use a nail strengthener, which is a type of base coat that helps to heal and harden the damaged nail.
Yes, celery juice is a good natural health booster for your nails. Celery seed extract improves thickness and minimises the look of ridges.
It can take up to three or four months for nails to recover from gel manicures.
To prevent damage to your nails, ensure your manicurist isn't using an electric file and don't peel nails. If you must remove them, use acetone and nourish with an oil afterward.
