How to Repair Damaged Nails After Too Many Gel Manis

multicolord gel mani on almond shaped nails

@jessicawashick

If you're worried that your bi-weekly gel manicures or monthly acrylics have ruined your nails, there's no need to fret. The good news is: Damage is often reversible. By finding the right treatments and incorporating gentle ingredients into your routine, you can gradually nurse brittle nails back to life. 

So what's the best way to fix nails once the damage from gels is done? We chatted with nail experts Rita Remark, an editorial manicurist and Global Lead Educator at Essie, and Deborah Lippmann, a celebrity manicurist and founder of her eponymous nail care line, who gave us great insight. Read on for their tips. 

How To Repair Nails Damaged by Gel Manicures
Michela Buttignol / BYRDIE

Meet the Expert

  • Rita Remark is an editorial manicurist and Global Lead Educator at Essie.
  • Deborah Lippmann is a celebrity manicurist and founder of her eponymous nail care line.


Keep reading to learn how to repair damaged nails with 9 simple hacks.

01 of 10

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."

02 of 10

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."

03 of 10

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. Remark says, "This can work, but don't expect instant results. Nails take three months to grow out from root to tip, so be persistent and you'll see fundamentally stronger nails over time."

04 of 10

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.

05 of 10

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 ($9), 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."

06 of 10

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."

07 of 10

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."

08 of 10

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."

09 of 10

Moisturize Routinely

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 ($19) 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 ($18) and Aesop's Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm ($33).

10 of 10

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," advises Lippmann.

FAQ
  • How long does it take to heal damaged nails?

    Nails are notoriously slow to grow. Depending on how damaged your nails are, it can take around three months for your nails to grow completely back healthy.

  • Can you use a nail strengthener underneath gel polish?

    Using a gel base coat underneath your gel polish might help reduce damage. However, it's not recommended to use a traditional nail strengthener under gel polish.

  • Is it safe to wear gel polish long-term?

    Gel manicures offer a ton of benefits—they're long-lasting, they don't chip, and they stay glossy. However, getting gel manicures can damage your nails, especially if they aren't removed properly. To prevent damage, ensure your manicurist isn't using an electric file (damage central!), don't peel nails, and if you must remove them, use acetone and nourish with an oil afterward.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin fact sheet for health professionals. Updated January 10, 2022.

  2. Victoria State Government Better Health Channel. Nails - fingernail and toenail problems. Updated August 24, 2021.

  3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Gel manicures: tips for healthy nails.

  4. Bharathi RR, Bajantri B. Nail bed injuries and deformities of nailIndian J Plast Surg. 2011;44(2):197-202. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.85340

  5. Chen AF, Chimento SM, Hu S, Sanchez M, Zaiac M, Tosti A. Nail damage from gel polish manicureJ Cosmet Dermatol. 2012;11(1):27-29. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00595.x

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