12 Ways to Repair Nails After Gel Manicure Damage

Moisturize Religiously

Getting into the habit of moisturizing your hands can be a fantastic way to habitually repair damaged nails. Keep a bottle of lotion beside every sink in your house to experience the difference. Lippmann recommends using her hand cream after applying cuticle oil. Lippmann's The Cure Cuticle Repair Cream ($25) promises to condition and soothe dry, cracked cuticles deeply. The award-winning formula is infused with raspberry stem cell extract, red algae, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamins A, C, and E to help repair damaged cuticles. Other Byrdie favorites include Glossier's iconic Hand Cream ($20) and Aesop's Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm ($33).

Use a Cuticle Cream or Oil

Manicurist Rita Remark says that one of the easiest ways to repair damaged nails is to apply cuticle oil, followed by a hand cream. "Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment; the cream will lock moisture. Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage."

Lippmann concurs: "Using a cuticle oil such as Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil ($22) softens and hydrates your cuticles. Every drop softens cuticles with jojoba and coconut oils while protecting them with vitamin E. Spend a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle. Less is more when applying cuticle oil. Don't wash hands for 20 minutes after applying cuticle oil to allow for absorption."

Soak Nails in Olive Oil

This is one of the least expensive methods for potential DIY nail repair. Soak your nails in olive oil for about 10 to 15 minutes daily. If you suffer from dry skin, soaking your feet (or hands during dry winter months) can be a luxurious treatment for both nails and skin. 

"Your cuticle is the end of your skin and is meant to be a barrier to keep bacteria and free radicals from entering the body, preventing infections," says Lippmann. "Keeping your cuticle moisturized helps to keep it healthy and healthy cuticles are key to healthy nail growth."

Massage Your Fingertips

Who doesn't love a hand massage? Now you can add repairing damaged nails to the list of reasons why. "Do this every time you apply cuticle oil for added benefit. I'd also recommend filing your nails every three days to stimulate blood flow (which can increase the delivery of vital nutrients and improve circulation)," Remark says. "Think of it as the same technique you use to grow your hair: getting a trim every couple of months to manage dead ends and stimulate growth."

Grab the Hyaluronic Acid

Cuticle oils may have their merits, but they often come with greasy results. If oily fingerprints keep you from pampering your nails, consider hyaluronic acid instead. The skincare hero offers the same hydrating superpowers to parched cuticles and nail beds as it does for the face. Plus, if it's already a staple in your beauty routine, you can eliminate a step by rubbing any remaining serum into your fingertips.

Try Slugging

If you're familiar with face slugging, you already know it's a surefire way to beat dry skin by locking in moisture. But those benefits don't need to stop at the neckline. Nail slugging is a thing and the technique is pretty much exactly the same. Grab your occlusive product of choice (petroleum jelly is the standard go-to) and slather it over your hands, preferably layered over a cuticle oil. The longer you leave it on, the better the results.

Up Your Biotin Intake

One of the most popular nutrients for hair, skin, and nails is biotin. Aim to consume 30 micrograms daily, and consider incorporating a multivitamin into your daily wellness regimen. "This can work, but don't expect instant results," says Remark. "Nails take three months to grow out from root to tip, so be persistent and you'll see fundamentally stronger nails over time."

Use a Keratin Treatment

You might have thought keratin treatments are only for your hair‚ but you can use them for your nails, too, especially after removing acrylics or gels.

"Keratin is a natural protein that forms the building blocks for our skin, hair, and nails. A keratin treatment can help strengthen the nail and help prevent the nail from peeling, splitting, or breaking. Using a nail strengthener such as Hard Rock ($22) from my line, a protein-enriched base and topcoat designed to strengthen nails will encourage healthy nail growth. Hard Rock is especially beneficial for weak nails or after gel or artificial nail removal," explains Lippmann.

Strengthen With Collagen and Camellia Extract

In addition to a keratin option, Remark highly recommends a steady regimen of Essie's Treat Love and Color line ($8), which includes ingredients such as collagen and camellia extract. "It's strong enough to heal your nails, not just shield them. It also comes in plenty of colors to cover any physical evidence of nail damage on the surface of your nail."

Change Your Polish Removal Routine

One of the best ways to repair damaged nails is to minimize your exposure to chemical-heavy products. "If you have solid nails, you can use an acetone remover with treatment properties," says Lippmann. "I don't recommend ever using acetone without something to soften it. I love using the remover in my collection, The Stripper ($22). It's a hydrating remover that won't strip nails of their essential moisture and doesn't leave a chalky residue on the nail. Plus, it's infused with lavender, essential oils, and aloe vera extract to prevent nail drying."

Wear Gloves

Our hands come into contact with a variety of harsh substances each day. Opt for gentle soaps and cleansers, and wear gloves when performing tasks that might be rough on your skin and nails. Lippmann adds, "Keeping hands and nails, including the cuticles, cared for is essential to maintaining the health of your hands and extending the life of your manicure. Always wear gloves when doing the dishes or other housework to protect the luster and wear of your manicure."

Don't Treat Your Nails Like Tools

While long, gorgeous nails are fun to drum on a table, you should avoid using them to pry anything open—that can cause damage to the nail bed and surrounding areas, including the cuticle. "Avoid using the tips of your nails as tools," echoes Lippmann.