Gel polish and similar manicure solutions like dip powder manicures certainly changed the game when it comes to lasting colour on your tips.
But having back to back manicures every two or three weeks can really do a number on your nails.
Weak, thin, dry and peeling nails can be a sign they have become dehydrated from having gel polish on too long, you’ve not paid enough attention to their health, or the manicurist has been too aggressive with your service. This includes excessive cuticle cutting, as the cuticle is a naturally protective mechanism that helps grow long and strong nails.
Damage can also happen with incorrect or rough filing and prep before polish is applied, or removal of gel polish with too much scraping, filing or the use of power drills to file down gel and colour.
Using acetone polish remover to break down polish for removal can also contribute to drying out nail beds.
Of course, if you’ve committed the cardinal sin of gel manicures by picking off your own polish, it may be you’re your own worst enemy. Picking off polish can pull off essential layers of your natural nail.
Daily practices like hand-washing, dry weather, and exposure to drying ingredients can also make the condition of your natural nails worse.
Nail care is a new frontier of beauty and as such, there are plenty of new products designed to help strengthen and care for your damaged tips. But to return nails to a good condition, there are a few key steps to take first:
Trim
Remove polish correctly and trim nails down to a manageable length, leaving natural nails without polish. This removes as much of the damaged tip as possible.
Oil
Use a quality cuticle oil and apply across each nail several times a day massaging it around your nails and cuticles to soften them and stimulate blood flow to the area. This helps nourish with essential oils and vitamins and rehydrate your nail beds as well as care for cuticles.
Care
At night, apply a hand mask (Paume does a great one) or hand cream for extra care and to help lock moisture in.
Serum or mask
Like a serum does for your skin, a dedicated nail treatment or mask (Kester Black and OPI make great ones) gives your nails a concentrated dose of nutrients that penetrate the nail bed and help improve nail health.
Supplement
Ensure your diet is well balanced to ensure your nails have what they need to recover. You can consider taking a supplement designed to supply them with beneficial ingredients. These often include biotin, collagen or silica.
Take a break
Hold off on your next manicure appointment for a while (at least 3-4 weeks) to give nails time to grow a little and benefit from the care and nourishment you are providing.
