Sophia Delgado
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting, chip-free nails with a high-shine finish. While gels are stronger and less prone to damage than regular nail polish, they can be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking if not properly cared for. To maintain the health and appearance of your gel nails, it is important to follow a few simple aftercare habits. This includes keeping nails dry and clean, protecting them from harsh chemicals and moisture, and providing regular nourishment with cuticle oil or moisturisers. Additionally, it is recommended to give your nails a break between gel applications and to avoid using them as tools. With proper care, you can enjoy the benefits of gel nails while keeping them looking salon-fresh for weeks.
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail removal
Firstly, work on one hand at a time in a well-ventilated area, as acetone has a strong smell. Protect your work area with a cloth to avoid acetone stains, and if possible, use plastic food wrap to protect your skin from the acetone.
Next, use a coarse nail file to gently buff away and file down the shiny top coat layer. Be careful not to use a back-and-forth motion and avoid filing the same spot repeatedly. This step will rough up the top layer, making it easier to remove the polish with acetone.
Now, soak cotton balls or pads in 100% pure acetone. Cut the cotton to fit each nail, reducing the risk of getting acetone on your skin. Place the soaked cotton on your nails and wrap them with aluminium foil or plastic food wrap to hold them in place.
Let the acetone work for 7-20 minutes. Check a nail after 10 minutes, and if the polish is flaking off, you are ready for the next step. Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push off the softened gel. If the polish resists, rewrap the nail and wait a few more minutes.
Finally, use a nail buffer to smooth the surface of your nails. Finish with cuticle oil and a rich hand cream to rehydrate and moisturise your nails and skin.
Alternatively, you can use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster and requires fewer tools. This option is also less damaging to your nails and skin.
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Repairing damage
Gel manicures are known for their longevity and glossiness, but they can damage your nails, especially if they are not removed properly. The improper removal of gel nail polish is a major cause of temporary damage to natural nails. Picking off or peeling the gel can cause nail peeling, lifting, and thinning.
Cut and File
If your nails are paper-thin and bendy, it is recommended to cut or file them down to a super short length. This will prevent them from breaking and bending at the slightest pressure.
Buff
Use a very low grit buffer to smooth your nails. If you don't do this, your nails will snag on things and keep tearing.
Nail Repair Treatment
Apply a nail repair or health base coat to strengthen your nails. You can also use a restoring clear coat.
Cuticle Oil
Using cuticle oil is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to repair damaged nails. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment to your nails. Spend a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle and don't wash your hands for 20 minutes afterward to allow for absorption. You can also soak your nails in olive oil for about 10 to 15 minutes daily.
Hand Cream
Follow up the cuticle oil with a good hand cream to lock in the moisture. Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage.
Nail Strengthener
Use a nail strengthener, a protein-enriched base, and a topcoat designed to strengthen nails to encourage healthy nail growth.
Vitamins and Supplements
Take biotin supplements or skin, hair, and nail gummies to support the growth of healthy nails from within.
Avoid Gel or Acrylic Nails
Resist the urge to get gel or acrylic nails again until your natural nails have recovered.
Wear Gloves
When doing household chores like cleaning or gardening, wear gloves to protect your nails and keep them from drying out.
Keep Nails Moisturized
Keep your hands and nails moisturized to prevent them from becoming brittle.
Avoid Peeling
Do not peel or pick at your nail polish as this can cause damage to your nails.
Proper Removal
Always remove your gel nail polish correctly or have it done by a professional to protect the integrity of your nail plate. Ensure your manicurist isn't using an electric file and don't peel or pick at your nails. If you must remove them yourself, use acetone and nourish your nails with oil afterward.
Give Your Nails a Break
Give your nails a few days' break before reapplying gel nail polish to keep them healthy and happy.
Choose Shorter Nails
Opt for shorter nails as they are less prone to damage and allow you to do more activities without worrying about your nails.
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Protection and aftercare
Gel manicures are a great option for long-lasting, fast-drying, and chip-free nails. While they are less prone to damage than traditional nail polish, there are still some important aftercare tips to keep in mind to ensure the health and longevity of your gel manicure.
- Nail Length: Opt for a comfortable nail length that you can maintain. Longer nails are more prone to damage, and a shorter length allows you to do a variety of activities without worry.
- Nail Moisturizer: Keep your hands and nails moisturized, as the gels can extract moisture from your nails, making them brittle. Use a nail moisturizer or cuticle oil to maintain nail health and prevent dryness and brittleness.
- Hand Creams: After removing or peeling off gel nails, use hand creams designed for nail recovery to rejuvenate the skin, increase moisture, and strengthen the nail bed.
- Nail Soak: Soak your nails in warm oil and water or coconut oil, which contains vitamin E, to nurture your cuticles, making them smooth and soft.
- Healthy Diet: Maintain healthy nails by consuming foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as eggs, as well as foods high in fatty acids and vitamin B.
- Gloves: Wear gloves when doing household chores, such as cleaning or gardening, to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and physical damage.
- Avoid Nail-damaging Products: Stay away from products that contain solvent oils, such as certain sun tan oils and insect repellents, as they can cause damage to the colour of your gel manicure.
- Chlorine and Sun Exposure: After swimming, ensure you wash off any chlorine from your hands and dry your nails before sun exposure to prevent colour fading.
- Avoid Picking and Filing: Avoid the temptation to pick at the edges of your gel nails, as this can cause the colour to peel off and make the nail surface prone to tearing and breaking. Do not file your nails unless necessary, and if you must, file gently and always finish in a downward direction.
- Proper Removal: Improper removal of gel nail polish can cause temporary damage to natural nails, leading to peeling, lifting, and thinning. It is recommended to remove gel polish correctly or have it removed by a professional. Follow manufacturer instructions for proper removal.
- Nail Health: Focus on maintaining overall nail health by keeping your nails strong and healthy. This will provide a good foundation for your gel manicure to last longer.
- Consistent Manicures: Stick to gel manicures consistently rather than frequently changing the type of manicure you get. Changing manicure types can damage your nails, especially if you are sensitive to other types of manicures.
- Gentle Products: Avoid using soaps and hand sanitizers with harsh fragrances and alcohol, as these can cause your nails to dry out and crack. Opt for gentle soap and avoid hand sanitizer when possible.
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Choosing a salon
- Reputation and Reviews: Research the salons in your area and read their reviews. Look for salons with consistently positive feedback regarding the quality of their gel nail services. Websites and social media platforms can be great sources of information, as well as word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family.
- Technician's Expertise: Choose a salon with experienced and well-trained technicians. Ask about their qualifications, certifications, and how long they have been specialising in gel nails. A skilled technician will be knowledgeable about the latest techniques, products, and safety procedures. They should also be able to advise you on aftercare to ensure the longevity and health of your gel nails.
- Sanitation and Safety: Ensure that the salon you choose maintains high standards of sanitation and safety. Check that they use sterilised tools, clean equipment, and follow proper hygiene protocols. This is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria and infections. Ask about their procedures for disinfecting tools, such as the use of autoclaves or disposable tools, to ensure your safety.
- Products and Quality: Inquire about the products the salon uses for their gel nail services. Reputable salons will use high-quality, professional-grade gel nail polishes and equipment. Ask about the brands they carry and whether they offer a wide range of colour options and designs to suit your preferences. Quality products will help ensure the durability and aesthetic appeal of your gel manicure.
- Customer Service and Comfort: Choose a salon that values customer satisfaction and provides a comfortable, relaxing environment. Consider the salon's atmosphere, cleanliness, and the friendliness of the staff. Your experience should be enjoyable, and you should feel at ease communicating your preferences and asking questions. Good customer service also includes timely appointments, attentive technicians, and a willingness to address any concerns you may have.
- Pricing and Value: Compare the prices of different salons, but remember that the cheapest option might not always be the best. Consider the value you are getting for the price. A higher price may reflect the use of premium products, skilled labour, and a more luxurious experience. Additionally, some salons may offer package deals or discounts for regular customers, so be sure to inquire about any promotions or loyalty programs they may have.
Taking these factors into consideration will help you make an informed decision when choosing a salon for your gel nails. Remember, your nail health and satisfaction are paramount, so select a salon that meets your specific needs and expectations.
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Application at home
If you want to apply gel nails at home, there are several steps you should follow. Firstly, you should cut, file, and shape your nails to the desired length and shape. It is important to ensure your nails are completely clean and dry before applying the gel polish. You can use a PH Bond to help dry out your nails.
Next, you will need to apply the gel polish. Unlike classic nail polish, gel polish is composed of molecules that bond together when placed under a UV (ultraviolet) or LED (light-emitting diode) light. With each coat, the nails should be cured or dried under the light for between 30 seconds and two minutes. This will leave the gel polish sealed and hardened.
To remove the gel polish at home, you can use acetone. Soak a cotton ball in acetone until it is damp, then wrap the tip of your finger in a small piece of aluminium foil to hold the cotton ball in place. Allow the acetone to soak for about 10 minutes, then gently push the paint off each nail with a wooden stick or metal cuticle pusher. You can also use a cuticle remover and scraper to remove any remaining polish.
It is important to note that gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use may increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing on the hands. Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks between gel applications and to nourish your nails and cuticles with oil regularly. Additionally, wearing gloves while doing chores, especially those involving water or harsh chemicals, can help protect your gel manicure and prevent chips and breaks.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails are known to last much longer than regular nail polish. A gel manicure can last up to two weeks without chipping, dulling, cracking or peeling.
Improper removal of gel nail polish is a major cause of temporary damage to natural nails. While you can use acetone, it dries out the nail and the nail bed, making your nail more prone to cracks and splits. Instead, file your gel polish down to remove some of the layers, then use a non-acetone-based gel polish solution to further remove the layers. Soak your nails in warm oil and water, then peel off any remaining gel.
Keep your hands and nails moisturised, as gels can extract moisture from your nails. This will make them less brittle and healthier. Wear gloves when doing household cleaning and gardening to avoid damage to your nails.
With a strong, healthy nail surface, the colour will last longer. The simplest way to care for your nail surface is with a nail moisturiser. If you have oily nails, a skilled nail technician will gently remove the excess oil using a soft buffing foam and a nail wipe.
