Sophia Delgado
Acrylic nails are a fun way to add length and experiment with nail art, but they can leave your natural nails thin, brittle, and prone to breakage. So, what should you do after removing acrylics to ensure your natural nails are healthy and strong? Firstly, it's important to give your nails time to restore themselves naturally and let them chill out for a week. Next, you'll want to file and buff your nails to minimize breakage and keep them smooth. Applying cuticle oil or serum will help strengthen the nail's base and promote healthy growth. You can also use a nail strengthener and repair broken nails with a kit. To avoid further damage, be gentle during the removal process and avoid ripping off the acrylics. With some patience and the right aftercare, you can have strong and healthy natural nails.
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What You'll Learn
Let nails restore naturally
Acrylic nails can be fun, but they can leave your natural nails thin, brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. The best way to care for your nails after removing acrylics is to let them restore naturally. Here's how:
Let your nails restore naturally
Firstly, it is important to remember that your nails may feel softer for 24 hours after removing acrylics. This is because water passes through the nail slower when they are covered with acrylics, so give your nails some time to return to their natural structure. During this time, avoid any harsh nail treatments or manicures.
After removing your acrylics, your cuticles may need some extra care. Apply cuticle oil or serum around the perimeter of your nail to help soften and nourish the nail bed. Cuticle oils and serums can strengthen the nail's base and promote healthy nail growth. Essie's Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil, which contains apricot kernel oil and jojoba oil, is a popular choice. If you prefer a lighter option, try a cuticle serum like the ONSEN Cuticle Conditioner Serum, which has a creamy texture similar to a lightweight hand cream.
It is also important to keep your hands and nails hydrated. Use a hydrating hand cream regularly, and consider switching to a hand soap that contains oils, such as Mrs. Meyer's hand soap. Additionally, you can apply natural oils like jojoba or coconut oil to your nails and cuticles to deeply hydrate and nourish them.
While your nails are restoring, avoid using regular nail files, as these can be damaging. Instead, opt for a glass or crystal nail file, which is safer and gentler on your nails. When filing your nails, always file in one direction, from the corners of the nail to the center, to minimize breakage and avoid a rough free edge that can lead to chipping.
Finally, remember to protect your hands from the sun by applying SPF. L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion is a lightweight option that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
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File and buff nails
After removing your acrylic nails, your natural nails may feel softer and more prone to breakage. To help strengthen them, you can file and buff your nails.
Firstly, use a coarse nail file to remove as much of the top coat and acrylic layer as possible. This will help the acetone penetrate faster during the removal process. If you have regular nail polish on top of your acrylics, you can remove it with acetone or regular nail polish remover. If you have gel polish, use the coarse 100-grit side of your file to file off the shiny topcoat.
Once you have removed the bulk of the acrylic, use a fine-grade buffer or a nail file to remove as much of the remaining product as possible. Use long strokes that run the length of the nail, filing in one direction only, until the product is removed and the shiny layer gives way to a more matte surface.
After removing the acrylic, buff your nails lightly with a fine-grade nail buffer to smooth out any rough spots and give them a nice, smooth sheen. Move from the base of the nail to the tip, and if the acrylic hardens, use a cotton ball soaked in acetone to dampen it.
Buffing is critical for post-acrylic nail care. You can use a three-way or four-way nail buffer to gently slough off flakes and allow for hydration and nutrients to flow evenly throughout your nail bed. Utilize the same one-direction approach as when filing, and buff the top of your nail bed and the nail's free edge.
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Apply cuticle oil
After removing acrylic nails, your natural nails may feel softer and more fragile. To help restore their health, it is important to care for your cuticles. Cuticle oil is a moisturising product that helps to hydrate and protect nails and cuticles from daily damage, promoting healthier growth.
To apply cuticle oil, start by removing any nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Then, wash your hands with warm water and mild soap to clean your nails and soften the cuticles. Take a small amount of cuticle oil onto the brush or applicator and gently dab the oil onto each cuticle, starting from the base of the nail and working towards the tip. Use a small amount to avoid excess oiliness.
Gently massage the oil into each nail and cuticle in circular motions, stimulating blood circulation and aiding in the absorption of the oil. Allow the oil to sit for a few minutes to fully absorb. If desired, use a cuticle pusher or a wooden orange stick to gently push back the softened cuticles, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Finally, use a clean tissue or cotton pad to gently wipe off any excess oil.
For best results, apply cuticle oil to your nails at least once a day or as needed. Consistency is key to maintaining healthy and nourished cuticles. Cuticle oil can also be applied after painting your nails as part of your post-manicure routine.
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Use a nail repair kit
Using a nail repair kit can be a great way to fix your nails after removing acrylics. There are many nail repair kits available on the market, and they are designed to be easy to use and apply. These kits are a quick fix solution to help restore your nails to their former glory.
A nail repair kit typically includes a brush-on glue gel, a nail buffer, a nail file, and a clear dip powder. The glue gel is used to repair broken and cracked nail tips, and it also helps to strengthen your natural nails. The glue works on silk and fiberglass wrap systems, and its non-yellowing formula offers maximum strength and flexibility.
- Step 1: Brush the glue evenly over the entire broken nail, being careful not to get any glue on your cuticles.
- Step 2: Immediately dip your entire nail or the cracked area into the powder, ensuring that it is evenly covered. Remove any excess powder.
- Step 3: Buff the nail or the repaired area lightly to smooth the surface and create a natural finish.
Some nail repair kits, like the Manucurist Rescue Kit, offer a 2-week routine designed to repair and regenerate nails as quickly as possible. This type of kit may include an SOS Nail Mask, an SOS Nail Strengthener, and a Green Oil to nourish your nails. The routine involves applying the products in a specific sequence over the course of two weeks to promote nail health and strength.
Using a nail repair kit can be an effective way to fix broken, cracked, or split nails after removing acrylics. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and allow your nails time to heal and strengthen.
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Moisturise hands and nails
After removing acrylic nails, your natural nails may feel softer and more prone to breakage. To combat this, it is important to moisturise your hands and nails regularly.
A daily regime of hydrating hand creams and oils can significantly improve nail flexibility and prevent brittleness. This routine helps repair the nail's natural barrier, making them less prone to damage and breakage. It is recommended to use a hydrating hand cream to show your hands some love. Cuticle oils and serums can also be used to strengthen the nail's base. Essie's Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil, which includes apricot kernel oil and jojoba oil, is a popular choice. If you don't like the feel of oil on your hands, you can opt for a cuticle serum instead, such as the ONSEN Cuticle Conditioner Serum, which has a creamy texture similar to a lightweight hand cream.
In addition to moisturising, it is important to be gentle with your nails after removing acrylics. Avoid ripping or picking at the acrylics, as this can damage your natural nails. Instead, soak your nails in acetone and use a cuticle pusher to gently remove the acrylic. It is also recommended to give your nails time to restore themselves naturally before filing and buffing them to minimise breakage.
By following these steps, you can help keep your hands and nails moisturised and healthy after removing acrylic nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Give your nails time to restore themselves naturally. They will feel softer for the first 24 hours, but this doesn't mean they're damaged. It's because water passes through the nail slower when they're covered with acrylics.
File your nails to minimize breakage. File them in one direction, from the corners of the nail to the centre, using a glass file. Then, use a three-way nail buffer to gently slough off flakes and allow for hydration and nutrients to flow throughout your nail bed.
Apply conditioning cuticle oils and serums to strengthen the nail's base. Essie's Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil is a popular choice. You can also use a nail strengthener like Ella + Mila’s First Aid Kiss nail strengthener.
