How to Repair Nails After a Gel Manicure

Co-authored by Mia Rubie

Last Updated: June 2, 2020 References

Gel manicures can be a fun look, but they can also cause dry, brittle nails. You want to make sure you protect your nails from damage if you get a gel manicure. Treat them with products like moisturizers after the manicure. Keep your nails strong by practicing healthy habits, like eating right. Avoid bad habits, like peeling off the polish and cutting your cuticles.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Treating Your Nails with Products

1
Moisturize your nails. Moisture will help your nails recover after a gel manicure, which strips them of a lot of their natural moisture. You can buy nail moisturizer at a local beauty supply store or department store. You should apply a nail moisturizer each day. Apply it to your nails and the skin around them.^{[1]
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- Look for a fortifying nail and cuticle cream that contains peptide, which hydrates and strengthens nails.
- Try using a hand lotion for all-over moisture, then apply a cuticle oil to the skin around your nails.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mia Rubie
  Nail Artist
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
- As washing your hands dries out your nails, apply moisturizer each time you wash your hands. Be sure to dry them thoroughly after washing, too as this minimizes how dry your nail can get.
2
Soak your nails once a week. Once a week, soak your nails in warm milk. Milk will whiten your nails, removing color residue.^{[3]
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- Warm your milk in a bowl, using enough milk to submerge your nails. You can microwave your milk or warm it over the stove. Your milk should be warm to the touch, but not so hot that you can't comfortably rest your fingers in it.
- Soak your nails for five minutes. Then rinse them and dry them thoroughly.
- Moisturize your nails when you're done.
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3
Buff your nails. After nails have a gel manicure, they may have ridges and other uneven edges. It's important to use a nail buffer to smooth out nails, focusing particularly on ridges. Do so every other day until your nails have healed.^{[5]
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- Buffing also promotes blood circulation, which can strengthen nails.
4
Use keratin gloves. You can buy keratin gloves at a beauty supply store or online. They are an excellent means to strengthen nails after a gel manicure. Use the gloves for the time recommended on the package. The gloves can be worn during leisurely activities, like reading and watching television.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Keeping Your Nails Strong

1
Use a nail strengthener. This works well if you don't prefer polished nails. Instead of going for colorful nails, or more gel products, apply a clear, strengthening product after your gel manicure. You can find many clear strengtheners or colored polishes with strengthening formulas at drug and beauty stores. Look for strengtheners labeled "for problem nails."^{[7]
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2
Keep your nails short. If you let your nails grow out immediately after a gel manicure, they will be more prone to breaking or snagging. Trim your nails short while recovering from a gel manicure.^{[8]
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- Round your nails as well, as this is the strongest shape. Do not use sawing gestures when filing. Instead, use gentle swipes to file in one direction.
3
Protect your nails. If your nails are not recovering as fast as you want, have another manicure done. Tell the manicurist you're looking to protect your nails from damage. They will able to give you the right treatment to keep your nails strong while they recover from a gel manicure.^{[9]
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4
Eat a healthy diet. Your eating habits can actually affect nail strength, so healthy eating after a manicure is key. Make sure to get sufficient amounts of protein, biotin, and calcium.^{[10]
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- Dairy foods can be a great source of protein and calcium. Leafy green like spinach and kale are also calcium-rich foods.
- Some evidence indicates Jell-O makes nails grow faster, so stock up on Jell-O if you like it.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Bad Habits

1
Do not peel off your manicure. If your manicure is beginning to peel and crack, it can be tempting to pull it off. However, this will cause more damage to your nails. If you want to remove your manicure, either make a new appointment or carefully remove the manicure, yourself.
- When you peel off your polish, you can peel away the top layer of your nails, as well. This is what causes them to become dry and brittle.^{[11]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mia Rubie
  Nail Artist
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
2
Take a break from gel polish on occasion. Gel polish can be fun, but when used too much it can seriously affect nail health. Take a break on the gel polish once in awhile so your nails can adequately heal.^{[12]
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- Think about getting a keratin manicure between gel manicures.
3
Do not cut your cuticles. Push back your cuticles after a gel manicure instead of cutting them. Your cuticles protect new nails that are growing, so they're vital for recovery after a gel manicure.^{[13]
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- You should also treat your cuticles to cuticle creams and gels during the recovery process.^{[14]
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4
Remove your manicure safely. Proper removal will help keep your nails strong. Before you remove your polish, buff your nails with a nail file to remove the shine on top so you just barely see the natural nail beneath them. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone-based polish remove and secure to your nail using an adhesive like tape. Leave the ball in place for 15 minutes. Do this for each finger.^{[15]
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- If there's any remaining nail polish, push it off using a cuticle pusher.
- Acetone is extremely drying to your nails, so don't leave it on longer than 15 minutes. Also, be sure to moisturize your nails afterward.^{[16]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mia Rubie
  Nail Artist
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}

Expert Q&A
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Question

Do gel nails damage natural nails?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

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They can make your nails thinner and more brittle, especially if you are using hard gels (instead of soft gels) or if they are removed improperly.
Question

Can shellac damage nails?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

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CND Shellac is less damaging than other types of gels, but it can still cause some thinning of the nail.
Question

How long do you soak your nails in acetone to remove gel?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

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It should take 10-20 minutes. When the gel is ready it should peel off easily in a solid piece. Start with 10 minutes. If it is difficult to remove, resoak and check every 5 minutes until it's ready.