Liam Carter
Removing gel nail polish can be damaging to nails, leaving them thin, bendy, and prone to breakage. This damage is often caused by improper removal techniques, such as peeling or using a drill to remove the gel. To restore nail health, it is recommended to let nails breathe and grow out, and to use nail strengtheners, buffers, and hydrating cuticle oils and creams.
What to put on nails after removing gel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Strengthener | Fiote nail hardener, Nail Magic Hardener and Conditioner, CND Solar Oil, Jessica Phenomen Oil, Leighton Denny Best Defence hand and nail cream |
| Supplements | Collagen, Omega 7, Biotin, Multivitamins |
| Cuticle Oil | OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go, Sally Hansen VitaSurge Cuticle Gel, Julep Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum, Dermelect Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail & Cuticle Treatment |
| Nail Buffer | High-quality sponge buffer |
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What You'll Learn
Use a nail strengthener or hardener
After removing gel nails, your nails may feel thin and weak. This is because the gel removal process can be damaging to the nail, causing textural irregularities and white patches. To restore your nails to their natural health, you can use a nail strengthener or hardener.
Nail strengtheners and hardeners can help seal your natural nails and protect them from further damage. It is important to choose a high-quality product that will effectively strengthen your nails. One option is to use a nail hardener, such as the one recommended by a beauty supply store employee: Nail Magic Hardener and Conditioner. This product can be used as a base coat after the initial two weeks of sole use. Another option is the Fiote nail hardener, available at Zillabeau, which can be applied in two layers.
It is important to note that over-buffing your nails before applying a nail strengthener or hardener should be avoided, as this can thin the nails and buff off the strengthener. Instead, gently buff your nails to even out the nail plates and prevent further peeling. You can use a high-quality sponge buffer to smooth out any rough areas, being careful not to touch the new nail growth.
Additionally, keeping your nails short after gel removal can help them grow out healthier. This can be easily achieved by filing your nails regularly, such as every other day. Proper nutrition and supplements can also support nail health. Consuming collagen-rich foods, such as leafy greens, salmon, nuts, and seeds, can help thicken and strengthen your nails.
By using a nail strengthener or hardener, along with proper care and nutrition, you can help restore your nails to their natural strength and shine after gel removal.
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Buff your nails gently
Buffing your nails gently is an important step in the rehabilitation process after removing gel manicures. It helps to even out the nail plates and prevent further peeling. Here are some detailed instructions on how to buff your nails gently:
Start with a high-quality sponge buffer or a green buffer, which is very gentle and will only remove the shine from your nails. You can also use a buffer with a grid, such as a 400-grid buffer, which is also gentle and will not cause damage to your nails. Be sure to avoid over-buffing your nails, as this can thin them down and cause further damage.
Begin by buffing only the area where the gel was applied, avoiding any new nail growth. Use gentle pressure and focus on removing the shine from the nail. You can then use the less rough side of the buffer (180-grid) and add a little more pressure to smooth out the nail. Repeat this process on all ten fingers, being careful not to touch the new growth area.
After buffing, you can apply a nail strengthener or hardener to help protect and strengthen your nails. It is important to let your nails recover and breathe, so avoid applying any nail polish or treatments that cover them up. Instead, focus on moisturising your nails and the area around them with cuticle oil or cream to help the damaged cells stick together and improve the appearance of your nails.
In addition to buffing, there are other steps you can take to rehabilitate your nails after gel manicures. This includes cutting your nails short, massaging oil on the nail bed, taking supplements for hair and nails, and using nail hardeners or conditioners. It is also recommended to let your nails grow out and cut off any remaining damaged parts.
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Moisturise with cuticle oil or cream
After removing gel nails, it's important to give your nails some extra care and attention to restore them to their natural health. One crucial step is to moisturise your nails and the surrounding area with cuticle oil or cream. This will help to nourish and repair the damaged cells, improving the appearance and texture of your nails.
Cuticle oils and creams are designed to hydrate and strengthen your nails, as well as protect the new nails growing underneath. By massaging a small amount of cuticle oil or cream into your nails and cuticles daily, you can promote healthy nail growth and prevent dryness and ragged cuticles. It is recommended to push your cuticles back gently with an orange stick before applying the oil or cream, as cutting them can cause further damage.
There are several effective products on the market that are specifically formulated for this purpose. For example, manicurist Elle, whose clients include Blake Lively, recommends Dermelect Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail & Cuticle Treatment. This product contains a protein peptide that hydrates and strengthens the nails, while also keeping cuticles healthy. Other popular options include OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go, Sally Hansen VitaSurge Cuticle Gel, and Julep Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum.
In addition to using cuticle oil or cream, you may also want to consider taking supplements to support nail health from within. Collagen supplements, for instance, can help thicken and strengthen nails. Including collagen-rich foods in your diet, such as leafy greens, salmon, nuts, and seeds, can also promote healthier nails over time.
It is important to be gentle with your nails after gel removal and avoid any harsh treatments or polishes. Allow your nails to breathe and grow out, and refrain from picking or peeling any remaining gel residue. With patience and the right aftercare, your nails will gradually recover and regain their natural strength and shine.
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Take supplements for hair and nails
After removing gel nails, your natural nails may feel thin and bendy. This is because the keratin underneath the gel polish has not been exposed to oxygen and has been weakened by the removal process. While your nails will harden up slightly in the days following the removal, you can aid their recovery by using a nail strengthener or buffer to smooth out any ridges or line breaks. It is also advisable to keep your nails short and to let them breathe by refraining from applying any nail polish until they have regrown.
To strengthen your nails and promote their health, you can also take supplements specifically designed to support nail and hair health. These supplements often contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for nail and hair growth and strength, such as biotin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and collagen.
For example, Nature's Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails is a supplement that contains biotin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C, E, and A. Vitamin C and E contribute to skin health, while vitamin C is also involved in collagen production, which is essential for vibrant skin. Biotin helps to maintain healthy hair. Horbäach Hair Skin and Nails Vitamins is another supplement that contains biotin and collagen, which are both important for nail and hair health.
By taking these supplements, you can support your nail and hair health from the inside out, ensuring that your body has the nutrients it needs to promote strong and healthy nails and hair.
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Cut your nails short
Cutting your nails short is a great way to restore their health after removing gel manicures. While gel manicures are pretty, they can take a significant toll on your nails, and improper removal can cause further damage. Cutting your nails short helps them recover and grow healthier.
Firstly, it is important to note that most damage to the nail is caused during the coating removal process. If done incorrectly, using the wrong tools and techniques, your nails can be left with rough, with spots and white lines that take months to grow out. To avoid this, it is recommended to find a nail technician who knows how to remove gel polish properly.
Once the gel polish has been removed, your nails may feel thin and bendy, and this is when cutting them short can be beneficial. By giving them a file every other day, you can easily maintain their length and shape. Keeping your nails short can also prevent breakage, as long nails are more prone to breaking and chipping.
Additionally, you can use a nail strengthener or hardener to help restore your nails' health. Apply two layers of a product like Fiote nail hardener and let it dry. This will provide extra support to your nails as they recover.
Finally, it is crucial to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated. Moisturize your nails and the surrounding area with cuticle oil or cream to help damaged cells stick together and improve the appearance of your nails.
Remember, beauty comes from within, so consider taking supplements or including collagen-rich foods in your diet to support nail health from the inside out.
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Frequently asked questions
It is common for nails to be damaged after gel removal. To restore their health, you can try using a nail strengthener or hardener, such as Nail Magic Hardener and Conditioner, or the nail hardener by Fiote. You can also try gently buffing your nails to even out the nail plates and prevent further peeling.
To prevent nail damage, it is important to remove gel properly. Avoid peeling or picking at your gel manicure, as this can remove the top layers of delicate cells and result in white patches and textural irregularities. Instead, use nail polish remover and a gentle buffer to remove the gel.
It is important to moisturize your nails and the area around them after removing gel. You can use your favorite cuticle oil or cream, or try a fortifying nail and cuticle treatment such as Dermelect Rejuvenail. Other recommended products include CND Solar Oil, Jessica Phenomen Oil, and Leighton Denny Best Defence hand and nail cream.
Yes, taking supplements can help support nail health. Biotin, collagen, and multivitamin supplements are recommended for strengthening nails. Additionally, including collagen-rich foods such as leafy greens, salmon, nuts, and seeds in your diet can also help thicken your nails.
