How to repair nails damaged by gel manicure? Top home remedies
We all love mani, don’t we? Gel nails in particular. It’s no wonder because gel nail polish looks elegant and flawless, plus it lasts even up to three weeks. Unfortunately, gel manicure causes damage to the nail plate in the long run. If you also suffer because of damaged, brittle, paper-thin nails, see my top treatments for fast nail repair after removing gel polish. Check the best conditioners and test the best home remedies. Start off your nail therapy now!
Why gel manicure causes damage to nails?
Even if gel manicure is done correctly, gel polish affects your own nails. That is why you are likely to see extremely thin, soft, brittle nails after gel mani. This means you need to take a break and concentrate on nail repair. Some girls say their nails even hurt – they are highly likely to be allergic to gel polish and should immediately give up on this kind of manicure or at least change the brand and turn to milder products.
Gel mani causes damage to the nail plate because it affects it both with a chemical-laden polish and UV radiation (unless you use safer LED lamps) – this duo worsens the condition of your nails.
Gel nail polish primers are made of substances that have a bad effect on the nails: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and toluene. They cause microdamage to the nail plate and the skin around it. To make things worse, toxic substances get inside the body too.
Nail plate infection is another problem caused by gel polish. In some cases the lamp hasn’t got enough power to cure the polish properly, which creates an ideal environment (warm and damp) for the development of microbes. Nail fungus is what comes along. Acetone used for removing gel polish also destroys the nails (extremely dry nails and cuticles), plus you cause mechanical damage while taking the polish off.
DIY: How to repair nails damaged by gel mani? Top home remedies
Oil-based conditioner for nails damaged by gel manicures
To be honest, nearly every oil works for nail repair after gel manicure because each oil is rich in beneficial flavonoids, vitamins and phytosterols. Castor oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil are top choices together with multi-purpose jewel – argan oil. DIY conditioner is very easy to make: mix chosen natural oils in the same proportions. If you’ve got just one oil, it’s more than enough to nourish the nails. Rub it into nails twice a day. After a few days they will be in a better shape – no more dry cuticles, no more brittle and split nails.
Gelatin conditioner for nails damaged by gel manicures
This home treatment is sometimes called nail lamination. This is a natural strengthener for nails damaged from gel. Gelatin is high in biotin, mineral salts and proteins, and that is why it effectively repairs and rebuilds the nails.
Making a gelatin nail treatment is easy too. Pour a small amount of warm water over two teaspoons of gelatin. Wait until the blend hardens slightly. After a few minutes, soak your nails for 10 minutes or so. Repeat every 2-3 days.
Vitamin conditioner for nails damaged by gel manicures
A homemade nail conditioner that you should try after removing gel polish is based on olive oil (or natural oil) blended with vitamin A+E and nail-whitening lemon juice.
Enrich (spoon of) olive oil with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of vitamins (available at drugstores). Rub the mixture into the nails every evening.
