At Pedicure.com we are not only committed to ensuring you stay on top of the latest nail trends, but also making sure your nails are in tip-top shape! So we are starting a three-part series on how to heal your nails after damage, nail biting and harmful gel/acrylic nail removal. Check back here soon for the next installment!
As we mentioned in our Nail Myths- Busted! article a few weeks ago, Gel and Acrylic manicures do not cause damage to your nails, unless you pick at them or tear them off. If you have bowed into the temptation of picking at your mani, resulting in damaged nails, read on for ways to heal the accidental damage this has caused.
NYC Dermatologist, Dana Stern, explained just how damaging peeling off your gel manicure is, “By peeling off a gel manicure, you are not only removing the gel, but also the top layers of these delicate cells. This can result in white patches and textural irregularities throughout the nails.” The first step to healing your nails is to gently, we repeat gently, buff your nails to even out the nail plate and prevent them from growing irregularly and peeling.
Keep your nails short while they are healing, if you clip them down they will be less likely to split and tear while they recover. If you can bear it, try taking a break from polish as well and they will repair themselves in just a few weeks. If you can’t bear having naked nails for a few weeks, try using a strengthening product, Editor Mette loves Sally Hansen Nail Rehab Treatment. This will leave a clear and glossy finish on your nails but help the healing process at the same time.
Manicurist Madeline Poole emphasises on the importance of keeping your nails moisturized, “Moisturizing with your favorite cuticle oil or cream will help damaged cells stick together, thus improving the appearance of the surface of the nail.” It will also prevent your cuticles from becoming dry and ragged, which is equally important as your cuticles play a huge role in protecting the new nails growing out.
Have any of you ever done this kind of damage to your nails? We are certainly guilty of having done it once or twice!
The Pedicure Team
xx
