Proper nail care after gel nails is a crucial step. The chemical treatment can leave your natural nails brittle and weak, so nourishing remedies are essential in order for your natural nails to stay healthy and strong.
Taking Care of Nails after Gel: Guide
Once you’ve bid farewell to your gel nails, your natural nails might not be in the best shape. The rough filing, acetone-filled treatments, and other chemical substances can cause significant damage, which you’ll need to counteract with some TLC:
- Trimming: Start by cutting your natural nails, following the 90-10 rule. That means you trim 90 percent of the nails and shape the remaining 10 percent with a file. File in one direction to avoid further damage to those hardworking nails.
- Push Back Cuticles: Gently push back your cuticles. The best way to do this is by soaking your hands in warm water first.
- Nail Oil: To help your nails recover, give them some moisture. Begin by massaging a natural nail oil into them. Options like jojoba, olive, or lavender oil work well for this purpose. This works great for dry cuticles too. Here is a simple recipe that we love!
- Coconut oil is another great choice. Let the oil soak in for about ten minutes, then wipe off the excess with a cosmetic tissue. Repeat this daily to ensure your nails receive the nourishment they need.
- Cream: Apply a rich nail and hand cream before bedtime to provide your nails with optimal moisture. Rub the cream into your nails before sleep. Consider wearing special gloves overnight to allow the cream to penetrate thoroughly, aiding your nails’ regeneration.
The Right Diet Helps Your Nails
To speed up the recovery of your natural nails, it’s not just about the right manicure; proper nutrition plays a vital role too.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This helps your natural nails recover more quickly, making them appear less dry and brittle. You can read more about the right food in the post “How to strengthen brittle nails“.
- Vitamins and Oils: The right vitamins, nutrients, and oils from your diet can aid in the faster regeneration of your nails.
Fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains all contain essential nutrients for healthy nails, skin, and hair.
What Not to Do After Gel Nails
Once you’ve bid adieu to your gel nails, it’s crucial to avoid certain practices for an extended period:
- After saying goodbye to your gel nails, give your natural nails a break for the next three to four weeks. They need this time to recuperate.
- For the first two weeks, avoid applying nail polish. Painting them too soon could cause damage. Let your nails breathe for proper regeneration.
- Additionally, steer clear of using a coarse buffer as it can harm your nails, making them brittle.