Gel manicures: Tips for healthy nails (2024)

FAQs

Gel manicures: Tips for healthy nails? ›

While people can safely have gel nails every few weeks, dermatologists recommend keeping the nails bare for at least 1–2 weeks in between manicures. This helps to strengthen, repair, and rehydrate the nails.

While people can safely have gel nails every few weeks, dermatologists recommend keeping the nails bare for at least 1–2 weeks in between manicures. This helps to strengthen, repair, and rehydrate the nails.

Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!

The short answer: yes. Gel manicures can help your nails grow. Generally, they can provide extra strength and protection to your nails. You can even get specific gel nail polish designed for brittle nails.

But, if you're someone who doesn't love the bulkiness and process of getting an acrylic set and you're worried about the chance of ruining your natural nails with a gel manicure, then polygel nails are your answer.

Moisturize your hands and nails and apply cuticle oil every day. That will help keep the nail strong underneath the gel and reduce the risk of your nail peeling when the polish is removed.

Paper-thin nails after acrylics are another common issue. Gel and acrylics cause the nails to lose moisture and become brittle, flaky and peeling. This can also be caused by improperly peeling the gel and removing the nail plate.

The good news is: Damage is often reversible. Incorporating a combination of the right treatments, gentle ingredients, and a little TLC can go a long way in gradually nursing brittle nails back to life.

Dip powder is harder and more durable than gel. As such, it's a great option for those with weak nails or people who do a lot of labor with their hands.

Biotin (vitamin B7) is crucial to nail health as it helps form keratin, the main protein that makes up nails. It helps to keep nails strong and prevents brittleness. It can also help to speed up nail growth and enhance nail strength. Sources of biotin include eggs, nuts, salmon, avocados, and dark leafy greens.

Can vaseline strengthen nails? ›

"It helps your cuticles, keeps your hands and nails hydrated, and works better than callus removal if you put it on your feet and wear socks overnight," says Nguyen. "The best part is that it's affordable and probably already in your medicine cabinet!" she adds. It can even help prevent pesky broken nails.

You should wait about two to three weeks between getting gel manicures. This time is important because the process of putting on and taking off gel polish can be hard on your nails. If you do gel manicures too often, your nails might become thin and weak. Taking a break helps your nails get stronger again.

In our experience a break for a week every eight weeks will be the perfect length of time to let your natural nails breathe. During the break period, make sure to keep your nails moisturised and hydrated.

However, if you crave a more natural look and prioritize nail health, then a gel manicure might be better. Gel polish offers a high-shine finish and may be less damaging, but it can sometimes chip more easily than acrylics. Consider your lifestyle and nail goals to make the best pick. Ultimately, you can try them both.

Acrylics tend to be more damaging because they're hard and inflexible, which makes them more likely to catch on surfaces and chip or break. Additionally, acrylic nails are more difficult to remove than gel nails, which means that they may be more likely to damage the natural nails.