Caleb Foster
Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those wanting a long-lasting manicure, but they can take a toll on the health of your natural nails. The removal process can be particularly damaging, leaving nails weak, soft, and susceptible to breakage. So, what can you do to strengthen your nails after removing acrylics? Firstly, it's important to cut your nails short and allow them to grow out healthier. You can also use a nail hardener to help restore strength and prevent breakage. Keeping nails and cuticles hydrated is essential, as the nail application and removal process can be dehydrating. Additionally, taking breaks between acrylic applications and opting for gels can be kinder to your nails. Eating a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals and collagen-boosting foods can also support nail health from within.
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What You'll Learn
Cut your nails short
Cutting your nails short is a crucial step in the rehabilitation process for your nails after removing acrylic nails. Acrylic nails can leave your natural nails weak and susceptible to breakage, so cutting them down allows you to start fresh and build them back up.
When cutting your nails short, it is essential to have the right tools and a steady hand. Start by removing any nail polish or nail art with a cotton ball soaked in acetone. Then, use a clean pair of nail clippers to cut your nails straight across, avoiding the temptation to cut them all in one go like you would with natural nails, as this can cause the acrylic to crack. Instead, cut towards the middle from both sides, and gently pull off the cut tip. Ensure you do not cut into the skin or cuticles, as this can lead to infection.
Round off the corners of your nails so they are not sharp, and then file them in one direction only, using a fine-grit nail file. Avoid filing back and forth, as this can damage the edges of your nails. You can also use a motorized nail grinder or a regular nail file to thin out your nails and smooth any jagged edges. Be patient during the filing process, as acrylic nails are thicker than natural nails and may take longer to shape.
It is important to note that if you have a gel manicure on your acrylics, cutting them yourself is not recommended. Cutting into the gel polish can allow water to get between the polish and your nail, causing the gel to lift and ruin your manicure. In this case, it is best to visit a nail salon or seek professional help.
Additionally, if you feel that your nails are splitting vertically while cutting them, stop and consult a nail technician for a repair. Cutting your nails short is just the first step in rehabilitating your nails after acrylics. It is also essential to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated, use a nail hardener, and maintain a healthy diet to support nail health.
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Use a nail hardener
Acrylic nails can leave your natural nails thin, brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. To combat this, nail technicians and experts recommend using nail hardeners to restore strength and shape to your nails.
Nail hardeners create a strengthening coat on your bare nails to prevent splitting, cracking, and breakage. One of the most popular nail hardeners on the market is the OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener. As per the experts, you should reapply nail hardeners weekly to ensure maximum efficacy.
Sunshine, a celebrity nail technician, recommends Rejuvacote from Duri. She advises applying it every day for two weeks, after which you can reduce application to once a week. You can also use nail polish over it and continue to use it as a top coat.
Scout Active Beauty offers a Dual Base & Top Coat with Celery Seed & Camellia Oil, which helps to smooth the nail's ridged surface and prevent peeling. It contains Pro-Vitamin B5 and a natural nail hardener, Celery Seed, which helps to eliminate discolouration and protect the nails.
It's important to remember that your natural nails will feel slightly softer for 24 hours after removing acrylics, but this doesn't mean they're damaged. Give your nails time to restore their natural structure before applying any products.
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Keep your hands and nails hydrated
Keeping your hands and nails hydrated is essential after removing acrylic nails, as the process can leave your nails weak and susceptible to breakage. Here are some tips to ensure your hands and nails stay hydrated:
Moisturise your hands regularly: Use a moisturising lotion or hand cream to keep your hands and cuticles hydrated. Apply it multiple times a day, especially after washing your hands, to lock in moisture. Look for lotions with hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, or vitamin E, which can help nourish and repair your skin and cuticles.
Drink plenty of water: Hydration starts from within. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day will not only benefit your overall health but also contribute to hydrated and healthy-looking nails and skin.
Use cuticle oil: Cuticle oils are excellent for nourishing and hydrating your nails and the surrounding skin. Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to your nails and massage it into the nail bed and cuticle area. This will help to replenish the moisture lost during the acrylic removal process. Look for cuticle oils containing vitamin E or aloe vera, which are known for their hydrating and healing properties.
Choose a gentle nail polish remover: When removing nail polish, opt for a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover. Acetone can be very drying to the nails and cuticles, so choosing a remover that is hydrating and nourishing will help keep your nails and hands moisturised.
Exfoliate and moisturise your hands: Exfoliate your hands once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal. Follow this with a rich hand cream to lock in moisture. You can also apply a thick layer of hand cream or petroleum jelly before bed and wear cotton gloves to wake up to softer, smoother hands.
By incorporating these steps into your hand and nail care routine after removing acrylic nails, you will help to keep your hands and nails hydrated, healthy, and nourished.
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Buff your nails
Buffing your nails is an important step in the process of nail care after removing acrylic nails. It helps to smooth out any ridges or uneven surfaces on your nails, giving them a more polished and healthy appearance. Here are some detailed instructions on how to buff your nails effectively:
Step 1: Prepare Your Nails
Before you begin buffing, ensure that your nails are clean and dry. If you have applied any oils, creams, or lotions to your nails, remove them first. You can use acetone, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar to wipe your nails and ensure they are free of any residue. This step is important because buffing works best on dry nails, and it helps prevent the buffer from slipping, which could cause accidental damage to your nails or the surrounding skin.
Step 2: Choose the Right Buffer
Select a suitable nail buffer for your natural nails. It is recommended to use a fine-grit buffer or a four-step buffer kit that is designed for natural nails. Avoid using a coarse-grit buffer, as it may be too harsh for your nails, especially if they are already weakened from the acrylics. Look for a buffer that has multiple grit sizes, as this will allow you to start with a softer grit and gradually increase it as needed.
Step 3: Start Buffing
Begin buffing your nails gently and slowly. Follow a consistent direction, moving the buffer from one side of your nail to the other in a smooth, unidirectional motion. Avoid using back-and-forth or circular motions, as these can create uneven results and may damage your nails. Apply light pressure and gradually increase it as needed, but be careful not to overdo it, especially if your nails are weak.
Step 4: Focus on Problem Areas
Pay extra attention to any areas of your nails that may be more damaged or ridged. Gently buff these areas with a softer grit first and then gradually increase the grit size as needed. Be cautious not to over-buff any particular area, as this can thin your nails and cause further damage. Remember to always follow the natural shape of your nail and avoid buffing the sides or cuticle area excessively.
Step 5: Finish with a Smooth Surface
Once you have addressed the problem areas, finish buffing your nails until you achieve a smooth and even surface. Your nails should feel soft and look shiny. Avoid over-buffing to the point of generating heat, as this could weaken your nails further. After buffing, you may also want to apply a nail hardener or a breathable nail polish to help protect your nails and promote their recovery.
Remember, it is important to be gentle and patient throughout the process. Buff your nails once a week, and always ensure they are clean and dry before starting. With consistent care and the right techniques, your natural nails will gradually recover their strength and healthy appearance after the removal of acrylics.
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Take a break between acrylics
Taking a break between acrylic nail applications is a good idea, as it gives your nails time to strengthen and recover. Continuous use of acrylics can cause damage, so it is recommended to wait at least a week before applying a new set. During this time, you can take several steps to repair and strengthen your nails:
Firstly, trim your nails with clean nail clippers or manicure scissors, cutting them straight across and rounding off the corners to avoid sharp edges. You can then shape and file your nails, but it is important to only file in one direction, using a fine-grit nail file, to avoid damaging the edges.
To keep your nails strong and healthy, you can apply a nail hardener, such as Rejuvacote from Duri, which can be used as a base coat under polish or on its own. You should also keep your hands and nails hydrated with cuticle oil, Vitamin E, or aloe vera, as well as hand lotion, and drinking plenty of water.
It is also important to be mindful of your nail health before applying acrylics. Avoid using your nails as tools, such as for opening cans or scraping stickers, as this can lead to breakage and chipping. Additionally, protect your nails when using harsh cleaning products, as these can cause brittleness, flaking, and discolouration. Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning with bleach or other harsh chemicals, and be aware that frequent use of hand sanitiser can also affect nail strength.
If you notice any abnormal lifting or detachment of the nail from the nail bed, or any signs of infection, it is important to seek advice from a doctor or a professional nail technician. They may recommend treatment with antibiotics or antifungal cream, or suggest giving your nails a break from acrylics to allow them to recover.
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Frequently asked questions
If your nails are weak, it's likely they will break, which can be painful and result in jagged edges. Cut your nails straight across with clean nail clippers and round off the corners so they're not sharp. You can also use manicure scissors to trim your nails. File your nails in one direction only with a fine-grit nail file. Start from one outside edge on your nail and move across.
Keep your hands and nails hydrated by keeping your cuticles moistened with cuticle oil, Vitamin E or aloe vera. Hydrate your hands with lotion and drink lots of water.
Use a nail hardener like Rejuvacote from Duri. Apply it every day for two weeks and then reduce application to once a week for a couple of months. You can also use CND Essentials SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner on your cuticles to combat dryness from the use of acetone.
