Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-free, glossy nails. However, the removal process can be damaging to the nail, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking. To prevent this, it is important to take care of your nails before, during, and after gel manicures. This includes ensuring your manicurist is using sterile tools, not picking or peeling the gel off, and nourishing your nails with oil or a moisturising product after removal. Additionally, making adjustments to your daily diet, such as ensuring adequate intake of protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin A, can help strengthen nails and improve their appearance.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Avoid | Gel manicures, electric files, and nail polish removers with acetone |
| Use | Nail strengtheners, cuticle oils, moisturizers, and gloves |
| Eat | Protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin A, iron, and vitamin B12 |
| Take | Biotin supplements |
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What You'll Learn
Take a break from manicures
Taking a break from manicures can give your nails a chance to recover from the damage caused by the prep and removal process. During this break, you can focus on strengthening your nails and improving their appearance through various treatments and adjustments to your daily routine.
One of the most important things you can do is to keep your nails and cuticles well-hydrated. Moisturize your hands and nails regularly, especially after washing them, and consider using a cuticle oil to deeply hydrate your nails and protect them from bacteria and free radicals. You can also try soaking your nails in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes daily. Additionally, wear gloves when doing household chores or going out in cold, dry weather to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and prevent moisture loss.
It is also recommended to keep your nails short during this time, as longer nails are more prone to splitting, cracking, and breaking. Filing your nails every two to four days can help prevent breakage and snags. If you must keep them polished, use a nail strengthener as a base coat, or opt for a clear polish that is formaldehyde-free.
In addition to external care, making adjustments to your diet can also help strengthen your nails. Ensure that you are getting enough protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamins A and B12, as deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to brittle nails and pigmentation changes. Consider taking a biotin supplement, as oral biotin can prevent nail splitting and breakage. However, it is always best to consult your doctor before making any significant dietary changes or starting new supplements.
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Use cuticle oil
Using cuticle oil is an effective way to prevent nails from becoming brittle after a gel manicure. Cuticle oil is designed to nourish and moisturise the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails, known as the cuticles. When the cuticles become dehydrated, it can cause the nails to become dry and brittle, leading to long-term damage.
Cuticle oil is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, avocado, grapeseed, sesame, kukui, and sunflower oils, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. By massaging a small amount of cuticle oil into the cuticles, you can prevent them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged. It is important to avoid applying excessive amounts of oil, as it may cause lifting or loosening of artificial nails.
Regular use of cuticle oil promotes healthy nail growth, improves the overall appearance of nails, and protects them from breakage and infection. The vitamins and nutrients in cuticle oil nourish the nails, promoting their strength and resilience. This helps prevent breakage and splitting, allowing your nails to grow longer and healthier.
Cuticle oil is an inexpensive and easy way to care for your nails at home. It can be applied daily or more frequently if your cuticles are particularly dry. It is also beneficial to use cuticle oil after removing gel nail polish, as gel manicures can weaken nail beds during the prep and removal process.
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Wear gloves for washing up
Wearing gloves while washing up is a great way to protect your nails from becoming brittle after a gel manicure. This is because hand-washing and exposure to water can weaken the nail bed and cause nails to dry out and become brittle. Gloves act as a protective barrier, keeping your hands and nails dry and safe from the harsh chemicals found in detergents and cleaning fluids.
It is also important to wear gloves when doing other household chores, as this can help to prevent nail damage. By minimising contact with water and chemicals, you can reduce the risk of your nails becoming dry, brittle, and fragile.
Additionally, the use of gloves can help to lock in moisture, further preventing nail brittleness. Moisturising your hands and nails after washing up is essential, and wearing gloves can enhance the effects of this by sealing in the hydration. Look for moisturising hand lotions that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids, and be sure to rub the lotion around and directly onto your nails.
Wearing gloves during the winter months is also recommended, as cold, dry weather can contribute to nail brittleness. By keeping your hands warm and covered, you can help to maintain nail health and prevent nails from drying out.
In summary, wearing gloves while washing up and performing other household tasks can be an effective way to protect your nails from becoming brittle after a gel manicure. This is because gloves keep your hands and nails dry, protect them from harsh chemicals, lock in moisture, and shield them from cold, dry weather. By combining glove use with proper nail care and moisturisation, you can help to maintain strong and healthy nails.
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Eat a healthy, nail-strengthening diet
Eating a healthy, well-rounded, and nail-strengthening diet is key to achieving strong and healthy nails. Nails are formed by dead cells, which your body sheds as new cells push up from underneath. Your nails are primarily made of keratin, a type of protein that is also present in the top layer of your skin and hair. Therefore, eating enough protein through your diet is essential for boosting keratin production and creating strong nails.
You can find protein in animal foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. If you follow a plant-based diet, you can get your protein fix from soy, legumes, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight per day. This equals approximately 55 grams of protein per day for a 150-pound (68-kg) person.
In addition to protein, you should also ensure you are getting enough iron and vitamin B12. These are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in blue nails with dark pigmentation. You can get vitamin B12 from sardines and other saltwater fish, as well as beef liver, clams, eggs, and dairy products. Iron can also be found in lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, and fish.
To summarise, eating a diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12 will help to strengthen your nails and improve their growth.
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Use a nail strengthener
Using a nail strengthener is a great way to help prevent nails from becoming brittle after a gel manicure. Nail artist Brittney Boyce and celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann recommend applying a nail strengthener once or twice a day. This will deeply heal and harden damaged nails.
Nail strengthener acts as a protective base coat, and it is best to look for a product that is protein-enriched. Nailtiques Formula 2 is a gentle option that contains hydrolyzed keratin protein. This protein is naturally found in nails and hair, and applying it will create a protective barrier to make nails strong and resilient over time.
If you are looking for a nail strengthener with added benefits, you can try a product that contains collagen and camellia extract. You can also look for a coloured nail polish that contains strengthening ingredients.
It is important to note that prevention is always better than cure. Before getting a gel manicure, it is advisable to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands. This will help protect your skin from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish. Additionally, try to avoid manicurists who use an electric file, as this can be damaging to the nail.
Overall, using a nail strengthener is an effective way to help prevent nails from becoming brittle after a gel manicure. By following the advice of experts and choosing the right products, you can give your nails the care they need to stay strong and healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent nail damage, ensure your manicurist isn't using an electric file and don't peel or pick at your nails. If you must remove them, use acetone and nourish your nails with a natural oil or moisturiser afterwards.
You can use a nail strengthener as a base coat. Look for products that contain ingredients like collagen, keratin, and camellia extract.
Experts recommend letting your nails breathe and repair for at least one to four weeks between manicures.
Keep your nails short and filed to prevent breakage and snags. You can also soak your nails in olive oil for about 10 to 15 minutes daily to deeply hydrate them.
Eating habits can impact nail strength. Include sufficient amounts of protein, biotin, and calcium in your diet through foods like dairy, leafy greens, salmon, nuts, and seeds.
