Ava Monroe
Gel manicures can be a fun way to switch up your look, but they can also cause dry, brittle nails. To repair your nails after a gel manicure, it's important to restore the natural moisture that the manicure removes. This can be done by applying a nail moisturiser to your nails and the skin around them every day. You can also soak your nails in warm milk once a week for five minutes to remove residue and strengthen them. If your nails have ridges, buff them every other day with a nail buffer to smooth them out. While your nails recover, try to keep them short, as nails are prone to breaking when they get too long.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Use a gel base coat underneath your gel polish to reduce damage |
| Avoid using an electric file | |
| Don't peel nails | |
| Use acetone to remove the gel | |
| Nourish nails with oil after removing the gel | |
| Treatment | Apply cuticle oil followed by hand cream |
| Keep nails short and softly shaped | |
| Use nail strengtheners | |
| Buff nails with a nail buffer to smooth them out | |
| Soak nails in warm milk once a week for 5 minutes | |
| Use keratin gloves |
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent nail damage when applying and removing gel nail polish
Gel manicures can damage your nails, especially if they are not applied or removed properly. Here are some tips to prevent nail damage when applying and removing gel nail polish:
During Application:
- Keep your nails short and softly shaped so the corners don't snap off.
- Use a gel base coat underneath your gel polish to help reduce damage.
- Do not use a traditional nail strengthener under gel polish.
- Ensure your manicurist is not using an electric file as this can cause damage.
- Find a reputable nail technician or salon that focuses on healthy natural nails.
During Removal:
- Do not pick, peel, or scrape off the gel nail polish as this can damage your nails.
- Use acetone to remove the gel nail polish. First, break the gel layer with a nail file, then apply acetone using a cotton ball and secure with a foil bandage.
- Do not use a metal cuticle pusher as the acetone soak softens the nail plates and can damage the outer layer.
- Protect your skin from the acetone by applying petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin.
- Use an oil-based remover to avoid the nails becoming dehydrated.
- Apply cuticle oil and hand cream to keep the nail plate conditioned and hydrated.
- Take a nail polish break for one to two weeks to allow your nails to repair.
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Using nail strengtheners to repair gel nail damage
Using nail strengtheners is an effective way to repair gel nail damage and restore your nails to full health.
Gel manicures can weaken your nails, especially if they are not removed properly. The removal process can be just as damaging as the application, and incorrect removal can lead to thin, weak nails that are vulnerable to splitting and peeling.
To repair this damage, you can use a nail strengthener. However, most nail strengtheners cannot be used under gel polish. If you want to strengthen your nails before a gel manicure, you should treat your nails for two weeks beforehand or opt for vitamins and other strengthening treatments.
If you are no longer planning to apply gel polish, you can use a nail strengthener to repair the damage. One option is to use a nail strengthener daily for a week, then remove it and start again. You can also apply cuticle oil and hand cream to keep your nails hydrated.
There are also nail repair kits available, such as the Dermelect Natural Nail Repair Strengthening Kit, which is a three-step system designed to restore, protect, and strengthen natural nails.
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Applying cuticle oil and hand cream to repair gel nail damage
To repair gel nail damage, you can apply cuticle oil and hand cream. Firstly, it is important to note that nail damage can be caused by daily activities such as hand washing, bathing, cleaning, and other manual tasks. It can also be caused by incorrect application and/or removal of gel nails.
To repair this damage, you can use cuticle oil to deliver vitamins and nourishment to your nails. Spend a full minute massaging the oil into your cuticles. After applying the oil, do not wash your hands for 20 minutes to allow for absorption. Cuticle oils can sometimes leave greasy results, so if you would prefer a non-oily alternative, you can use hyaluronic acid instead.
After applying cuticle oil, follow with a hand cream to lock in moisture. Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage, so it is important to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated. You can also try nail slugging by applying an occlusive product such as petroleum jelly over your hands, preferably layered over the cuticle oil.
Additionally, to maintain the strength of your nails, you can use a nail strengthener or a base coat under regular nail polish to protect against breaking, chipping, peeling, and splitting.
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Using biotin and multivitamin supplements to repair gel nail damage
While there are many supplements marketed for strengthening nails, scientific evidence is lacking. To date, biotin supplements are the only type shown to have a possible effect on nail health. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R, and vitamin H. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth.
A recent study from Switzerland demonstrated a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails who received biotin supplementation. Twenty-two of the thirty-five patients (63%) showed clinical improvement, indicating a positive response to biotin in the treatment of brittle nails in some patients.
In addition to biotin, other B vitamins are also important for nail health. 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. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in discolored nails, with bluish-black pigments and wavy longitudinal dark streaks. Similarly, folate, or vitamin B9, is important for nail growth and health by contributing to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. A deficiency in folate can cause a pigment change in your nails and make them rigid and brittle.
To prevent deficiencies, adults require 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 and 400 mcg of folate per day. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
In addition to taking biotin and multivitamin supplements, there are other ways to repair gel nail damage. One of the easiest ways to repair damaged nails is to apply cuticle oil, followed by a hand cream. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, while the cream locks in moisture. Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage, so it is important to keep nails and cuticles well-hydrated.
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Using nail buffers to repair gel nail damage
If you're looking to repair gel nail damage, one of the easiest ways to do so is by applying cuticle oil, followed by a hand cream. Manicurists recommend spending a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle. This delivers vitamins and nourishment to your nails, while the cream locks in moisture. You can also try soaking your nails in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes daily.
In addition to this, you can use a nail buffer to repair gel nail damage. Nail buffer blocks have multiple benefits: they smooth out ridges, make nails feel super smooth, and leave them looking shinier. If you're taking a break from polish or nail extensions, they can make your natural nails look glossy and healthy. However, it's important to note that if you plan on applying polish, you shouldn't buff your nails to a shine, as this will cause your polish to not last as long.
Nail buffers typically have four sides: file, buff, polish, and shine. If they're not numbered, start with the most coarse side first and finish with the smooth one. If you haven't filed your nails already, you can use the most coarse side of your nail buffer block to file the tops and sides of your nails to your desired length and shape. Remember to only file in one direction, as filing back and forth can damage your nails.
While nail buffers can be a great tool for repairing gel nail damage, it's important to use them in moderation. Stick to buffing your nails around once a month, as doing it more frequently can cause damage and make your nails brittle. When buffing, be sure to be gentle and avoid creating heat from friction. Don't press too hard on your nail matrix.
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Frequently asked questions
To repair nails after a gel manicure, apply a nail moisturiser to your nails and the skin around them every day, as a gel manicure removes a lot of their natural moisture.
To prevent nail damage from gel manicures, 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.
Soak your nails in olive oil for about 10 to 15 minutes daily. You can also try soaking your nails in warm milk once a week for 5 minutes, which will remove residue and strengthen them.
You can use products like CND Solar Oil, Jessica Phenomen Oil, or Leighton Denny Best Defence hand and nail cream. You can also try nail strengtheners like OPI’s Nail Envy or Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener Strengthener Polish Treatment.
Keep your nails short to prevent breaking, and use a nail buffer to smooth out any ridges. Apply cuticle oil to your nails and skin regularly, followed by a hand cream to lock in moisture.
