One of the best outcomes of gel manicures is being able to give the wearer a bright, chip-resistant polish which lasts all day and all week long. Though the results are breathtaking and long-lasting, gel manicures often cause some unpleasant aftereffects. The frequently-occurring problem with dry, thin and peeling nails after removing gel polish is why so many clients report the occurrence. Knowing what causes this damage, we can select more productive methods for the future to shape and keep our nails in the right condition.
The type of removal of gel polish – soaking or filing – usually causes severe damage to the nail. The steps required to remove gel manicures soaking or filing can strip nails of their essential oils. If any of the gel nails is stripped or pulled off too fast, it may take parts of the nail plate and do harm to the nails as well as the likelihood of cracking. The proper removal methods are essential to prevent damage, but we can’t always have the time for soaking and wrapping.
During the application of gel coats, the use of lighting such as UV or LED is very important. Although modern lamps try to reduce the exposure to UV light, constant use can make nails to dry and become weaker. This, coupled with possibly irritating chemicals in some gel nails will frequently make nails brittle and prone to break.
Another issue that is usually ignored is the fact that our nails need hydration to maintain their health. Like the skin, our nails rely on the moisture intake to remain firm. Regular gel nail services may lead to a built up layer that prevents the nails from taking up the necessary oils and hydration. The continuous process develops brittle fingernails and makes their snapping or peeling more likely.
It is also worth mentioning that the shape and the length of your nails can as well affect how your nails act after receiving gel treatments. One common problem associated with gel manicures on the long nails comes from the additional weight of the polish that may cause cracks if the nails are already weakened. Although shorter nails bears up better, it cannot escape the drying effect of constantly applying gel polishes.
Upon removing the gel, what appears to be a very delicate, brittle nail condition conveys that keratin layers in your nails are not in good condition. The most important protein in the building of nails strength and structure is Keratin, and if it is removed improperly, it makes nails vulnerable and weak. This is why many people are bound to grow ridges, splits, and white spots on their nails after several gel manicures.
One of the biggest concerns with gel manicures is that there is a likelihood of getting infections. Weak nails are also more likely to facilitate bacterial or fungal infections, particularly when the nail-plate is lifted, or there are cuts or scrapes around the cuticles. Failure to clean tools correctly or not taking aftercare measures adds an extra risk on your nails emphasizing the need to keep a good hygiene and a good clean status.
The situation is not entirely bleak although there are obstacles. The harm gel nail treatments do is not permanent and can be undone with sprucing of care for your nails. Understanding the cause of your nail problems is the secret to taking practical measures to save your nails from further damage. Each nail challenge associated with gel manicures can be handled with such easy tips as hydrating your nails or developing a better lifestyle.
Remember that the quality of gel polishes varies greatly. Some polishes contain mild ingredients that are beneficial to the nail, whereas others depend on harsh chemicals that can be very drying. Picking desirably best quality gel polishes and having them done by professionals goes a long way in protecting your nails.
Although there are significant benefits of using gel manicures (duration and visuals), the improper application/removal can lead to a set of nail health problems. Working on the cause of the nail damage, and ensuring early action against such causes, is the first step to recovery. Just a small amount of attention and the proper approach will enable you to preserve both good looks and healthy nails.
Revolutionizing nails after gel damage requires attention, a bit of care, and plenty of soft support. If your nails start to indicate signs of distress, don’t panic – there are ridiculously effective methods that can help your nails to regain strength and health. Your first step will be to form nail care practices that promote hydration and protection since they are crucial in bringing your nails back after gel use.
Start by focusing on hydration. Proper hydration plays an important role in your nails and skin. Choosing a hydrating cuticle oil and using it on a daily basis is necessary. Rub the cuticle oil into your nail beds and cuticles, lightly, in order to increase circulation and promote more absorption. A good hand lotion is another hydration hero. A rich moisturizing formula, applied often, particularly after washing your hands, helps keep your nails and skin in good shape. Keep a small bottle handy in your handbag or beside your bed as an agreeable reminder to use it daily.
Product on Amazon: Onsen Nail & Cuticle Cream Treatment w/Japanese Tsubaki, Jojoba & Lavender Oil, Shea Butter – Strengthens Nails, Softens Cuticles – Daily Repair Care (1 Count/15 ml)
Brand: Onsen
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 9542
Shopping on Amazon >>
For extra hydration, you might try using a good hand cream in the course of a day. Applying a highly moisturizing hand cream regularly, especially after hand wash–protects nails and the skin around it from drying. A nightly treatment is possible by massaging your hands generously with a cream and putting on soft cotton gloves. This method also locks in hydration, giving your nails a soft and well hydrated feeling.
Combination of hydration with bio-in supplementing is a supported dermatology practice for healthy and resilient nails. Under vitamin B7, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in keratin synthesis, the protein forming the basis of your nails. Many skin and nail specialists recommend taking a biotin supplement daily to treat nail brittleness, especially if you have had dry, weak nails, following getting gel manicures.
Using a nail strengthener makes it easy to strengthen nails, so feel free to add it to your beauty routine. Since the application is similar to a standard clear polish, it provides a protective layer that minimizes the risk to get subsequent breaks of nails. Search for chemical free nail strengtheners and especially avoid formaldehyde, as this substance may escalate dryness and weaken nails. Seek those nail strengtheners with keratin, calcium, or proteins to promote development and repair of the nail plate.
Under the products, your routine also affects nail health. Healthy nail habits are also equally important. However, if you’ve been getting gel manicures too often, you can even give yourself a break from your nails. Heal your nails by taking a simple and natural look. The practice of exposing your nails without polish during the break gives a tasteful style and helps them return to their natural equilibrium.
Avoid picking and peeling, or even filing your nails too much. Such actions can remove important parts of your nails, which increases the proclivity to damage and breakage. Salon visit is recommended for tough-to-remove gel; there, experts will delicately remove it without damaging your nails. Claims for professional nail care specialists can manage the process of the gel polish removal with tenderness and won’t put any more stress to your nails.
Your diet significantly affects your nails’ state. The health and durability of your nails depend heavily upon your dietary choices. Make sure that your nutrition incorporates enough proteins, vitamins and minerals by eating a variety of foods. Nails grow well when supplied with nutrients they get in foods such as eggs, spinach, salmon, almonds, and sweet potatoes, making them a critical part of healthy nails diet. A diet with a high content of fish and seeds, which contain a high number of omega-3 fatty acids, can help your nails by keeping them hydrated and making the structure of your nails stronger.
If you would like to keep the gleam of polished nails, but also reduce the damage from gel manicures, there are gentler options currently available. We can shift to water-based or breathable nail polishes, which allow water and oxygen to reach underneath the nail. Such polishes reduce dryness and are easily removed with little use of harsh chemicals.
If one day you are going to get gel manicures, get them with conditioning ingredients to help maintain your nails. Choose nail polishes that are free from those dangerous chemicals, like toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate. More and more gel polish products come with nourishing additives that will be supposed to take care of nails and avoid possible adverse effects. Add a UV-blocker top coat to your regime to prevent your nails and skin from the injurious effects of UV ray.
Product on Amazon: RC Red Carpet Manicure Fortify & Protect LED Gel Base Coat – Strengthens Nails with Vitamin A & Biotin, Prevents Brittleness, Long-Lasting Gel Nail Protection for Healthier, Stronger Nails (0.3 Fl Oz)
Brand: RC Red Carpet Manicure
Price: 10.99 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 169
Shopping on Amazon >>
Do not be afraid of picking carefully which salons you patronize. It is advisable to seek out a salon that values hygiene and uses state of the art products offerings. You are free to ask questions about the tools and methods of the salon, and the composition of their nail polishes. Be sure to ask the salon practices to help ensure that you get a hygienic and satisfied manicure.
Although it may seem difficult to restore gel nail damage, following a regimen of appropriate maintenance and care will enable your nails to heal and be normal again. Caring for hydration, protecting your nails, and making healthy decisions will ensure you are in a winning situation. All you need to do is take good care of your nails and they can be as good as any you want them to be.
Related posts:
10 May Nail Colors to Instantly Put You In a Good Mood
48 Best Nail Designs To Inspire Your Next Manicure in 2025
I tried this double reverse french nail trend — my spring manicure looks 70% more elegant without extensions
