Gel nail polishes are quite popular because they allow to get a flawless manicure that lasts for two or even three weeks. However, if you don’t give your nails a break every now and then, or if your nail technician isn’t very professional, regular gel manicures might make your nails thin and brittle. Here are a few tips on repairing your nails after a gel manicure gone wrong.
Why can your nails suffer after removing gel polish? There are several main causes, and most of them have to do with the unprofessionalism of a nail technician. Nails can get damaged if a nail technician buffs the surface of the nail too much before applying polish, uses a poor quality base coat, or uses too coarse a nail file or too much acetone-based nail polish remover to remove the polish.
The negative effects of regular gel manicures are not always immediately noticeable. Some people aren’t aware that their nails have been damaged for months or even years, and when they finally decide to take a break from gel polish, they’re in for an unpleasant surprise: thin, brittle, yellowish nails that have started to peel.
What can you do in such a situation? Of course, you can just wait until your nails grow out, cutting the damaged part off little by little. However, it might take a lot of time, and your nails will peel and break in the process, which will cause discomfort or even pain. Therefore, the second option is to try to repair your nails.
Beauty salons often offer nail restoration as one of their services, and it can be quite expensive. Because of this, a lot of people are wondering how to repair their nails after a gel manicure at home. If you’re one of them, here are a few tips that may come in handy.
Cut Your Nails Short
If your nails are thin and weak, they will inevitably break if they are too long. Therefore, it is recommended that you cut them short until they recover. Trim your nails and gently file them to a round shape, as this shape is considered the strongest. Make sure that your nails are no more 5 mm beyond your fingertips at any given time.
Protect Your Nails
You won’t be able to restore the already damaged nail plate because the hard part of the nail consists of dead cells. However, you can prevent further damage by using a special protective coat that helps to lock in moisture and protects the surface of the nails from the environment.
Take Care of the Nail Base
As we’ve already mentioned above, the nail plate consists of dead cells. However, the root of the nail contains the so-called matrix, which is responsible for producing cells that become the nail plate. Proper care for the base of your nails, including the cuticle, helps to stimulate the nail matrix and facilitates the growth of strong and healthy nails.
Most home remedies for damaged nails are designed to take care of the growth zone and ensure that the nail matrix gets enough moisture and nutrients to function properly. As a result, at-home nail remedies usually include DIY strengthening nail soaks with sea salt and various oils, as well as store bought products such as hand creams, balms and serums, cuticle oils, nail strengtheners, etc.
For example, you can try this salt-based nail soak. Dissolve 1 tbsp sea salt in a cup of warm water and soak your nails for 15–20 minutes. If your nails have acquired a yellowish colour due to all the gel manicures they’ve endured, add several drops of lemon oil to the water; this essential oil has pronounced lightening properties.
Soak your nails every day until they get better, preferably before bedtime. After soaking, gently wipe your hands dry and apply a cuticle oil (or any carrier oil you like, really) and a nourishing hand cream. To enhance the effect of these products, put on a pair of cotton gloves.
If your hands need a more intensive treatment, try an oil nail soak. Warm up some oil in a bowl of hot water (olive oil from your pantry will do) and soak your nails in the oil for 10 minutes. Use a tissue to wipe off the excess oil and let the rest absorb naturally. You can also gently massage the base of your nails to stimulate blood circulation and make it easier for the nail matrix to absorb nutrients from the oil.
If you routinely take good care of your nails, you will restore their health and beauty in no time. In our online shop Organic Store, you will find a wide range of nail care products that will help you to repair your nails after a gel manicure as quickly as possible. We have sea salt and natural oils for nails soaks, nail and hand creams, cuticle oils, and nail strengtheners produced by trustworthy manufacturers.
