Ava Monroe
Transitioning from gel nails to natural nails can be challenging, especially if you're unsure about the process and how to maintain your nails' health. The first step is to remove the gel nails safely, which can be tricky and time-consuming. The next step is to assess the health of your natural nails and take steps to strengthen and nourish them. This could include using nail strengtheners, cuticle oils, creams, and lotions. It's also important to keep your nails short and shaped to prevent breakage and chipping. Additionally, you might consider getting regular manicures to maintain the health and appearance of your nails.
Transitioning from Gel Nails to Natural Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Remove Gel Nails | Use a nail file to remove the top coat, then soak nails in acetone |
| Strengthen Nails | Apply nail strengthener with hydrolyzed keratin protein once or twice a day |
| Maintain Nails | Use cuticle oil and thick hand cream or salve several times a day |
| Protect Nails | Wear gloves when doing household chores that involve water or harsh chemicals |
| Nail Growth | Keep nails short and rounded to prevent breaking |
| Natural Nail Manicure | Buff and dehydrate nails, then apply a base coat and clear UV polish |
| Removal Service | Offer simple remove-and-manicure appointments or creative options like a 12-Step Recovery Program |
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What You'll Learn
Take a break from gel nails for a few weeks
Taking a break from gel nails for a few weeks is a great way to give your nails some time to breathe and recover. Gel manicures can weaken the nail bed during the prep and removal process, so it's important to let your nails recover and strengthen.
Firstly, it's important to remove your gel nails properly. Do not pick or peel off the gel, as this can cause damage to your nails. Instead, file off the top shiny layer of your gel nails to create a dull surface. Then, soak your nails in acetone to soften the gel and file off any leftover residue. This process may take some time, so be patient and gentle with your nails.
Once you've removed the gel, it's now time to focus on nourishing and strengthening your nails. Apply a nail strengthener or ridge filler to help smooth out any unevenness and create a protective barrier. You can also use cuticle oil several times a day and seal it in with a thick hand cream or salve. Oils absorb better into the nail beds, while creams create an occlusive barrier to lock in moisture.
Keep your nails short during this recovery period to prevent them from snagging and breaking. You can also file your nails into a rounded shape to keep them strong and reduce the chances of breaking.
If you want to conceal the appearance of grown-out gel nails, you can opt for a French manicure. Start by applying a sheer pink or nude polish over your entire nail, blending in with your natural nail colour. Then, paint a white tip along the edge of your nail to highlight the elongated appearance and draw attention away from any visible gaps.
Finally, remember to keep your nails moisturized and protected. Wear gloves when doing household chores that involve water or harsh chemicals to prevent further damage and dryness.
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Use a nail-strengthening treatment
It is important to take a break from gel manicures and let your nails breathe. During this time, you can use a nail-strengthening treatment to heal and strengthen your nails.
Nail-strengthening treatments are a type of base coat that helps to deeply heal and harden damaged nails. They create a protective barrier for nails, helping to make them strong and resilient over time. You can apply a nail strengthener once or twice a day. There are many different types of nail strengtheners, but it is important to choose one that suits your nails' needs. For example, Nailtiques Formula 2 is a gentle option that contains hydrolyzed keratin protein, a protein naturally found in nails and hair.
In addition to using a nail-strengthening treatment, you can also try a dip powder manicure. This involves layering a base and powder, and then sealing it with a gel topcoat. This can help to conceal your natural nails as they heal and strengthen.
It is also important to keep your nails moisturized during this time. Cuticle oils, creams, and lotions can help to keep your nails conditioned and prevent them from becoming brittle and dry. Wearing gloves while doing household chores that involve water or harsh chemicals can also help protect your nails.
Finally, it is recommended to keep your nails short and shaped with rounded tips while they heal. This will help prevent them from snagging and breaking.
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File nails and cuticles
Filing your nails is a good way to maintain a uniform length and shape. However, incorrect filing can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage. Therefore, it is important to follow the correct technique.
Firstly, decide on the nail shape you want. Short nails are best suited to square and round shapes, whereas longer nails are better for the almond and more pointed styles. If you want to stick to something classic, round nails are a safe bet as they are similar to the natural shape of fingernails.
Next, thoroughly wash and dry your hands with soap and warm water. This will ensure that any oil or debris that might interfere with the filing process is removed.
Now, you can begin filing your nails. If your nails are on the longer side, cut them short before filing. As you file, hold the file parallel to the side of your nail and file from the side to the centre. Repeat the motion on both sides, rather than sawing back and forth with the file, as this can damage the nail. To finish, hold the file parallel to the opposite side of the nail from where you started.
Finally, get rid of any filings attached to your nails by flicking the nail file upwards from under your nail tips. Then, apply cuticle oil and moisturiser.
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Moisturise nails and cuticles
It is important to keep your nails and cuticles moisturised to ensure they are healthy and strong. Nails are prone to damage during the application and removal of gel nails, so keeping them moisturised can help to prevent this.
There are many different products you can use to moisturise your nails and cuticles. Cuticle oils are a great way to keep your nails and the skin around them moisturised and healthy. You can also use creams and lotions to keep your nails conditioned. Creams create an occlusive barrier so that moisture doesn't escape. Oils absorb better into the nail beds, so are a good option for deep hydration.
You can also use a nail strengthener, which is a type of base coat that deeply heals and hardens damaged nails. This can be applied once or twice a day. If you are looking for a gentle option, try Nailtiques Formula 2, which contains hydrolyzed keratin protein. This protein is naturally found in nails and hair and applying it creates a protective barrier for nails, helping to make them strong and resilient over time.
Another way to keep your nails and cuticles moisturised is to wear gloves when doing household chores that involve water or harsh chemicals. This will help to protect your nails and prevent them from becoming brittle and broken.
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Remove gel nails properly
If you are removing gel nails at home, it is important to follow the correct steps to prevent nail damage. Firstly, remove the topcoat with a nail file. Then, soak your nails in acetone to soften the powder. File off any leftover residue. You can also use a 180g sponge buffer to blend the old hard gel material into the natural nail and remove the shine and cuticle from the exposed natural nail growth. Remember to brush off all the dust and dehydrate the nail with an alcohol solution.
It is recommended to let your nails grow out as much as possible before removing gel nails. You can then lightly file the top shiny layer to create a dull surface. Do this to your natural nail too, very gently. You can then add gel to your natural nail to fill in any gaps and seal everything with a gel top coat.
To ensure healthy nails and help them grow, it is important to take regular breaks from wearing gel polish. Give your nails at least two weeks of rest in between each gel application cycle. During this time, you can use nourishing cuticle oils, creams, or lotions to keep your nails conditioned.
If you are removing the gel nails as part of a transition to natural nails, you can offer your clients a removal service, such as a simple remove-and-manicure appointment or a more creative option like a 12-step recovery program. This could be a series of manicures or an at-home care kit.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to take a break from gel nails to let your natural nails breathe and stay strong. You can do this by removing the gel and applying a nail-strengthening treatment.
Gel nails should be removed by a skilled technician to avoid nail damage. If you are removing them at home, do not pick or peel off the gel. Instead, file off the top shiny layer, soak your nails in acetone, and then file off the leftover residue.
You can disguise visible gaps at the base of your nails by applying a sheer pink or nude polish over your entire nail and then painting a white tip along the edge.
To keep your natural nails strong, use a nail strengthener that contains hydrolyzed keratin protein. You can also use cuticle oils or creams to keep them conditioned.
