Too Many Gel Manis? Here's How to Repair Damaged Nails

Use a Cuticle Cream or Oil

Remark notes that one of the easiest ways to repair damaged nails is to apply a cuticle oil followed by a hand cream. "Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment and the cream will lock moisture. Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage," Remark says. Lippman adds, "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, therefore preventing infections. Keeping your cuticle moisturized helps to keep it healthy and healthy cuticles are key to healthy nail growth. Using a cuticle oil such as Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil softens and hydrates your cuticles. Every drop softens cuticles with jojoba and coconut oils while protecting 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. Simply 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. 

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 absolutely works, 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 in three months."

Use a Keratin Treatment

You might have thought that keratin treatments are only for your hair‚ but you can use it 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 from my line, which is a protein-enriched base and topcoat designed to strengthen nails will encourage healthy, strong nail growth. Hard Rock is especially beneficial for weak nails or for use 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 regime of Essie's Treat Love and Color line, 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."

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."

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 really strong nails, you can use an acetone remover with treatment properties. I don’t recommend ever using just acetone without something to soften it. I really love using the remover in my collection, The Stripper. 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 drying the nail," says Lippmann.

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 you're 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. Avoid using the tips of your nails as tools and always wear gloves when doing the dishes or other housework in order to protect the luster and wear of your manicure."

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. The Cure - Cuticle Repair Cream ($24) promises to deeply condition and soothe dry, cracked cuticles. The award-winning formula is infused with raspberry stem cell extract, red algae, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamins A, C, and E meant to help repair the look of damaged cuticles. Other Byrdie favorites include Glossier's iconic Hand Cream ($18) and Aesop's Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm ($31).