Gel manicures are loved for their long-lasting, chip-resistant finish and high-gloss shine. This makes them a go-to choice for many beauty enthusiasts. But, over time, frequent gel manicures can leave your nails weakened, brittle, and prone to damage.
If you’ve noticed your nails suffering after regular gel applications, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to help reverse the damage. You can also restore your nails to a healthy state.
Signs Of Damage From Gel Manicures
While gel manicures offer many benefits, they also come with potential downsides. Over time, certain signs of damage become visible:
- Brittle Nails: Constant exposure to the UV or LED light used during gel applications can dry out the nail bed. This leads to brittleness and breakage.
- Peeling or Flaking: Removing gel polish incorrectly can cause the top layer of your nails to peel off. This leaves the nail plate thin and weak.
- Nail Discoloration: Some individuals notice yellowing or discolouration of their nails. This is particularly common if gel polish is left on for extended periods. It can also happen if dark colours are often used without proper protection.
- White Spots: White patches develop on the surface of the nails. This can be due to dehydration. Trauma caused by improper removal techniques can also cause them.
- Pain or Sensitivity: Prolonged use of gel manicures without breaks leaves the nails more sensitive. They become more sensitive to touch or temperature changes.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms after getting frequent gel manicures, it’s time to focus. You need to start reversing the damage. Allow your nails to recover. You should also allow your nails to recover.
Steps To Reverse Gel Manicure Damage
Nail damage is frustrating. The good news is that you can take several steps to restore your nails to health. Here are some effective ways to heal your nails after a gel manicure:
1. Take A Break From Gel Manicures
The first and most important step is to allow your nails time to breathe and recover. Temporarily stopping gel manicures gives your nails a chance to repair themselves naturally. The break time allows the nail plates to regain moisture and strength, reducing the risk of further damage. It’s recommended to take at least a 1-2 month break between gel manicure sessions.
During this period, opt for a simple, nourishing nail routine without polish. Alternatively, use a non-toxic, breathable polish. This polish gives your nails extra protection without the harshness of traditional gels.
2. Moisturize And Hydrate
One of the key reasons nails become brittle and damaged after gel manicures is dehydration. Regularly moisturizing your nails and cuticles can help restore lost moisture and improve nail strength. Here are a few moisturizing tips:
- Cuticle Oil: Applying cuticle oil daily helps keep your nail bed hydrated and promotes healthy nail growth. Look for oils rich in vitamins E and A, which help repair and strengthen damaged nails.
- Nail Creams: Hydrating nail creams or balms can protect your nails and cuticles from further drying out. Choose creams that contain natural oils, shea butter, or glycerin for best results.
Drinking plenty of water also plays an essential role in maintaining overall nail health. Staying hydrated from within will improve the appearance and flexibility of your nails.
3. Avoid Aggressive Nail Buffing
It is tempting to buff away imperfections caused by gel damage. But, excessive buffing can further weaken the nail surface. If your nails have become thin or uneven after gel manicures, be gentle when shaping or buffing them. Use a fine-grit buffer and avoid applying too much pressure. Over-buffing can thin out the nail plate, making it more prone to breakage.
4. Use A Nail Strengthener
Incorporating a nail strengthener into your routine is an excellent way to protect fragile nails and encourage regrowth. Strengthening formulas often contain proteins like keratin, which can help rebuild the structure of damaged nails. Look for treatments labelled as “formaldehyde-free” to avoid unnecessary chemicals. Apply the nail strengthener as directed (usually once or twice a week) to keep your nails strong while they heal.
5. Wear Gloves For Protection
Your nails are more vulnerable when they’re already damaged, so it’s important to protect them from environmental stressors. Frequent exposure to water, cleaning chemicals, and other harsh substances can exacerbate nail weakness. When doing household chores such as washing dishes or cleaning, always wear gloves to minimize contact with moisture and chemicals.
6. Take Biotin Supplements
Biotin, a B-vitamin, is well-known for its role in supporting healthy hair, skin, and nails. Adding a biotin supplement to your diet can help accelerate nail growth and reduce brittleness. Some studies suggest that biotin supplements may improve the strength and thickness of nails, making them less prone to breakage. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine.
7. Practice Gentle Nail Care
A crucial aspect of reversing gel manicure damage is being gentle with your nails during the healing process. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or peel labels, as this can further damage the nail bed. Additionally, avoid biting your nails, as this habit can weaken them and delay recovery.
Long-Term Nail Care After Gel Manicures
Once your nails have healed, maintaining a consistent nail care routine will help prevent future damage from gel manicures. Here’s how to keep your nails in top shape:
- Opt for Gel-Free Alternatives: Consider switching to regular nail polish. Alternatively, try long-lasting polishes that don’t require UV curing. This will give your nails a break from gel.
- Use Non-Toxic Gel Polish: If you want to continue with gel manicures, look for non-toxic, 5-free, or 10-free gel polishes. These polishes omit harmful chemicals. Always have your gel polish removed by a professional who knows how to remove it safely without damaging the nails.
- Continue Moisturizing: Even after your nails have recovered, keep moisturizing your nails and cuticles to maintain hydration and prevent breakage.
- Limit Gel Manicures: Space out your gel manicures to allow your nails to recover between applications. Aim for no more than one gel manicure every 4-6 weeks to give your nails a rest.
While gel manicures offer long-lasting beauty, they can also lead to nail damage if used too frequently. Take a break from manicures. Nourish your nails. Adopt healthier nail care practices. You can reverse the damage and enjoy strong, healthy nails once again. With the right approach, you can still enjoy beautiful manicures without sacrificing nail health in the long run.