How to care for nails after gel polish: useful tips
Gel polish really helps to create a durable and long-lasting manicure, protecting your nails and saving time. However, you have probably heard that long-term use of gel polish can negatively affect the condition of the nail plate, and that nails need a break to recover after removing the coating.
Let's figure out how true these statements are. If this is true, we will tell you how to continue to enjoy a perfect manicure without sacrificing the health of your nails. And if this is just a myth, we will explain why some women's nails become thin and brittle after using gel polish.
Let's clarify all these questions in our article!
Is gel polish harmful: myth or truth?
Gel nail polish is not dangerous for the nail plate - this is a common myth! It does not harm the nails by itself. However, many girls notice that after applying gel polish, their nails become more brittle and sensitive.
The main reason for such changes is often not the material itself, but errors in the technique of applying and removing gel polish, as well as wearing the coating for too long without breaks. Therefore, it is important to follow all the stages of nail care and regularly give them a break from artificial materials.
Unfortunately, this can lead to the following consequences:
- thinning of nails;
- delamination of the nail plate;
- injury to nails;
- pain when touching the nails;
- onycholysis;
- fungal infections of the nails.
Who is to blame for these problems? Sometimes it is the lack of qualification of the master, and sometimes it is the negligence of the client herself. But in any case, it is not the material itself that is to blame! The myth that gel polish spoils nails has no basis.
Why then do problems with nails arise after coating? How to restore their health after removing gel polish? Let's figure it out!
Brittle and peeling nails after gel polish: causes and treatment
The main reason for brittle and peeling nails is often an improperly performed manicure by an inexperienced specialist who either does not know or ignores the technique. For example, excessive polishing of the nail plate (especially when removing the cuticle) or damage to the root of the nail - the matrix - can lead to irreversible changes in the structure of the nail. Another common cause of nail damage is improper removal of the old coating. This stage requires special care and accuracy, since a careless approach can seriously harm the health of the nail plate.
When removing gel polish, it is important to remember two key rules:
Rule #1: Never remove gel polish from your nails yourself, as this can cause serious damage. If removed incorrectly, you can accidentally remove not only the artificial material, but also the top layer of the nail plate. This leads to its thinning and can cause painful sensations when in contact with water and various surfaces.
Rule #2: It is not recommended to use a file to remove the remains of gel polish, as this can damage the top layer of the nail plate.
. In addition to the complications mentioned, improper removal of old material can lead to other problems, such as:
- There is a risk of not only the gel polish peeling off from the nail, but also the nail plate itself peeling off from the nail bed;
- Each time you remove the old layer of material from your nail yourself, it becomes more fragile and thin;
- Owners of thin nails may experience discomfort when applying materials to the nails. The main reason may be a feeling of warmth in the nail bed, as well as a burning sensation of the nail plate. These unpleasant sensations can lead to onycholysis - separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Treatment of onycholysis usually takes a significant amount of time and requires patience;
- To protect the nail plate, additional time will be required for the manicure procedure;
- It will be necessary to purchase materials to protect the nail plate, such as acrylic powder, gel or polygel. This will require additional costs;
- Thin nails become more flexible and brittle, which can reduce the life of the material. It will take extra effort to prevent them from peeling and ensure the durability of the manicure.
We hope that these arguments will be enough to convince you to refuse to remove old material from the nail plate on your own. We strongly recommend doing this only in accordance with the established rules and using professional tools.
In addition, the removal process itself can be quite painful, and we are sure that you do not want to experience this discomfort!
Onycholysis is a common problem that occurs when old nail polish is not removed correctly. This condition is characterized by the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed and can be infectious or non-infectious. In non-infectious onycholysis, the nail plate retains its consistency and color without changing. In infectious onycholysis, it becomes cloudy and rough. Traumatic damage to the nail accounts for 60% of all cases of onycholysis, while 30% of cases are caused by a fungal infection.
Let's figure out how a manicure can be associated with the occurrence of onycholysis and what can cause this condition after applying gel polish.
- If the manicure is performed incorrectly, the technician may damage the nail plate with his instruments and cause burns;
- The use of unsterilized and undisinfected instruments during work can contribute to the development of infections;
- Excessive pressure on the nails can cause them to be injured. This often happens in podiatry when the technician uses a hard base instead of a more flexible one, or when the client wears tight and uncomfortable shoes.
Onycholysis can be caused not only by improper manicure, but also by other factors:
- dermatological diseases;
- endocrine disorders;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- allergic reactions.
Fungal infections can manifest themselves not only in onycholysis, but also in the form of changes in nail color, such as yellowing. In the context of manicures and pedicures, the main cause of such infections is often the use of unsterilized and unsanitized instruments. Regular sterilization of instruments and compliance with hygiene standards are key measures to prevent such problems and maintain healthy nails.
Choosing a nail technician or salon is an important decision that should be taken seriously. However, it is important to understand that infection is not always associated with shortcomings in the work of the technician. Infections can occur not only due to the carelessness of the professional, but also through contact with infected people or objects that may contain spores. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the cleanliness and sanitary conditions in the salon.
How long can you wear gel polish?
Surely you have asked yourself the question, how long can you wear gel polish? Experts recommend updating it every 2-3 weeks. Over time, nails begin to grow, and the manicure may look less neat. To maintain the perfect look and health of your nails, it is better not to exceed this period.
Many girls prefer to wear gel polish for a month or even longer. However, it is worth remembering that long-term use of gel polish can negatively affect the health of the nail plate.
When wearing artificial material for a long time, additional pressure occurs on the tip of the nail plate, which can negatively affect the root of the nail. This pressure leads to the risk of not only breakage and delamination of the nail, but also to deformation of the nail plate itself.
Let's start with onychomycosis and fungal nail diseases! Here are two simple and important rules that will help prevent nail infections:
- Don't let infections develop - they won't go away on their own and require treatment;
- Don't diagnose yourself. See a specialist and get tested for nail fungus to accurately determine the problem and get professional advice.
Some people are embarrassed by their nail problems and try to treat them at home. They also often try to hide changes in their nails with nail polish.
When we have a cold, we go to the therapist. If we have a stomach ache, we go to the gastroenterologist. However, diseases such as mycosis and onycholysis also require a specialized approach. In such cases, it is important to see a dermatologist or orthopedist to get appropriate treatment and recommendations.
What to do if there is no nail infection, but they are thin, peeling or have an uneven surface?
Here are 7 steps to help you properly care for your nails and keep them healthy after removing the old coating.
1. Shorten your nails
If your nails are damaged, it is best to shorten them. The free edge should not exceed 1 mm. This will help prevent cracks, peeling and speed up the nail restoration process.
The health of your nails depends directly on the condition of your cuticles. To keep them well-groomed and hydrated, it is important to take a bath every day and regularly use cuticle oil. These simple steps will help keep the skin around your nails soft and healthy, which in turn contributes to strong and beautiful nails.
Nail baths help soften the cuticles and prepare them for care. Fill a small bowl with water at a comfortable temperature and add sea salt, a few drops of essential oil or herbal infusion for extra care. After the bath, use a scrub to remove dead skin cells and make the cuticles softer and smoother.
Apply a drop of oil to each cuticle and gently massage. You can use either mineral or natural oil. Mineral oil forms a colorless film on the surface of the cuticle and can cause it to dry out if used daily. Therefore, it is best to have it applied by your technician when visiting the salon. At home, for daily care, you can use cuticle oil from Global Fashion, which effectively moisturizes and nourishes the skin around the nails.
Hand massage is a simple and accessible procedure that anyone can do. It does not require any special skills and can bring great pleasure and benefit.
Apply a small amount of oil or cream to your hands and gently massage them in a circular motion with light pressure until the product is completely absorbed.
Regular hand massage brings many benefits:
- improves blood circulation; - moisturizes the skin; - helps improve the condition of the cuticle;
- slows down the growth of skin around the nail plate; - accelerates nail growth.
Nail strengthening products available in pharmacies and stores often have an uncertain effect and can be potentially dangerous. They usually create a temporary protective layer on the surface of the nail, which does not solve the root problems. The best option for restoring and strengthening the nail plate is professional products.
Paraffin therapy is beneficial not only for the skin, but also for the nails. And if you think that this procedure can only be done in a salon, you are wrong! There are paraffin creams in stores that are ideal for home use.
The use of these creams is quite simple and convenient:
- Exfoliate your hands to remove dead skin cells;
- Massage thoroughly using moisturizer;
- Apply a generous layer of paraffin cream;
- Put on plastic gloves and leave them on for 15-20 minutes to achieve the best effect;
- Remove gloves and carefully remove excess paraffin cream with a tissue.
After the procedure, it is recommended not to wet your hands for 2 hours. This will allow the product to dry completely and set, ensuring the best result and durability.
6. Use gloves
When working with chemicals, including in the kitchen and bathroom, be sure to use gloves to protect your skin from harsh chemicals and water. This will help avoid irritation and keep your hands healthy.
7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat right
The health and appearance of your nails directly depend on your nutrition and overall health. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and include all the necessary vitamins and microelements in your diet. A balanced diet will help strengthen your nails, improve their growth and prevent problems.
. As you may have noticed from this article, when used correctly, gel polish does not pose a threat to nails. Problems arise when gel polish is removed incorrectly, manicure is done carelessly, or artificial materials remain on nails for too long. To avoid these troubles, follow our recommendations and take care of the health of your nails!
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