Having beautiful, healthy looking nails is important to many women. Gel manicures are a popular option because the gel polish is durable, chip-resistant and can last 2-3 weeks without chipping or peeling. However, the removal process and formulations used in gel manicures can cause nail dehydration and damage over time. Using proper aftercare and hydration techniques is key to keeping gel nails looking their best.
How do gel manicures damage nails?
During a gel manicure, the natural nails are filed and prepped to remove shine and prepare the nail bed. Acid primers may be used to further rough up the nail surface so the gel adheres properly. The gel polish is then applied and cured under UV or LED lamps. The lamps emit UV rays that harden and set the gel polish.
While helpful for creating a durable manicure, the UV rays can also weaken natural nails over time, causing dryness, peeling and breakage. Frequent gel removal can also be harsh on nails. Gel polish is soaked off using acetone or other chemical removers. Acetone is very drying to nails and strips away layers of keratin each time. Without proper aftercare, nails become dry, brittle and damaged.
Moisturize nails regularly
The key is to add moisture back into nails and cuticles between gel manicures. Using hydrating oils helps replace some of the natural oils that are stripped away during the removal process. Here are some tips for moisturizing gel nails:
- Apply cuticle oil 1-2 times per day. Look for formulas with jojoba, vitamin E or olive oil. Gently push back cuticles and work oil around the nail and skin.
- Use a hydrating hand cream daily, focusing on the nail bed and cuticles.
- Apply an intensive nail and cuticle treatment 1-2 times per week. Choose products with shea butter, glycerin or dimethicone for added hydration.
- Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect nails from excess water exposure.
- Avoid other drying products like alcohol-based sanitizers.
Protect nails during gel removal
It’s also important to safeguard nails during the removal process. Here are some tips:
- Look for gel polishes that can be soaked off in 15 minutes or less. Extended soaking dries out nails.
- Alternate nail treatments – get a regular polish manicure occasionally to give nails a break from gels.
- Ask your technician to use foil wraps during removal instead of soaking whole hands. This protects skin from over-exposure.
- Apply cuticle oil immediately after removal while nails are still porous and will absorb the moisture.
- Avoid back-to-back gel manicures. Allow 2-4 weeks between applications whenever possible.
Strengthen nails with vitamins
What you eat also impacts nail health and hydration. Make sure to get enough of these key vitamins and nutrients:
| Vitamin/Nutrient | Benefits for Nails | Food Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Biotin | Supports keratin production for strong nails | Eggs, fish, nuts, seeds |
| Calcium | Strengthens nails | Dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods |
| Zinc | Prevents white spots and peeling | Seafood, meat, nuts, legumes |
| Iron | Promotes healthy nail growth | Meat, eggs, leafy greens, fortified cereal |
| Omega-3s | Helps retain moisture | Salmon, walnuts, chia seeds |
You can also try a targeted nail supplement that contains biotin, keratin, silica and other hydrating ingredients. Use as directed on the packaging.
Avoid picking at your gel polish
As tempting as it is, avoid peeling off pieces of chipped gel polish. This can remove layers of the natural nail, causing thinning and peeling. It also opens up nails to infection. If your manicure begins chipping before your next appointment, try these temporary fixes:
- Apply a clear topcoat over the polish to smooth out small chips.
- Fill in chips with regular nail polish that matches gel color.
- Place tea bag, silk wrap or small bandage over chip.
- File down raised edges of chips carefully to prevent snagging.
See a professional for damaged nails
If your nails become extremely dehydrated, brittle or damaged from gel manicures, see a qualified nail technician. They can assess your nails and provide professional treatments to restore health, such as:
- Nail protein treatments – Protein-rich formulas temporarily strengthen nails and reverse damage.
- IBX treatments – Nail strengthening system to repair weak, peeling nails.
- Paraffin wax treatments – Hydrates and moisturizes dry, brittle nails.
- Silk or bio-gel wraps – Natural overlays to reinforce thin or peeling nails.
Getting gel nails doesn’t mean sacrificing the health of your natural nails. With some TLC and hydration between salon visits, you can have strong, healthy nails that hold up to gel polish.
Conclusion
Gel manicures are damaging if not properly cared for, but with diligent hydration and nourishment, gel polished nails can retain their health and beauty. Moisturize frequently, protect during removal, get proper nutrients, and avoid picking. See a professional if nails become extremely damaged. With proper aftercare, gel polish can look fabulous without compromising the integrity of your natural nails.