Shellac, gel nail polishes, and other resistant coatings dried with an ultraviolet lamp caused a stir at first: finally, we would get resistant manicure that lasts 2-3 weeks! However, after removing it, many girls notice that the nails look horrible: they exfoliate, break, and get thinner…
We figured out why this happens and how to make your nails healthy again! Every girl who has decided on a stunning manicure should know this.
Nail gel is a complex chemical compound based on collagen, which is “fused” into the top layer of the nail plate by means of ultraviolet light. When the coating is removed, the top layer of the nail plate comes off, as well.
Therefore, the invention of the new manicure method provoked hot discussions about its safety among professionals.
In fact, the dispute is still going on, so the first tip, unanimously voiced by leading experts in manicure is that resistant coating cannot be applied consistently. Recommended mode: 2 resistant manicures followed by a 3-month break (usual nail polish or no coating at all).
However, there are some things that you should know before you decide.
Ultraviolet light used during the procedure is very aggressive to skin cells. If you have moles on your hands, be especially careful. Besides, those who have sensitive skin can be even burnt by UV!
Resistant coating completely deprives the nail plate of oxygen and moisture, which is an additional factor causing its over-drying, fragility, and stratification.
The coating is removed using an aggressive solution, which is applied to the nails under a special foil or impermeable material for at least 20 minutes. It also damages the nail.
If you still think that a lasting manicure is worth it, make sure you properly restore your nails after removing the coating:
1. Nutrition
You’d be surprised, but this is the most important factor, not healing nail polishes or masks. Before removing the resistant manicure, eat more oily fish, eggs and cheese. The calcium, which they contain, is the building material for the nail, and the thicker the nail plate – the less noticeable the damage caused by resistant coatings.
2. Trace nutrients
Supplements or vitamin complexes with high levels of iron and zinc can be a great help to nails, these elements make them flexible, elastic, and smooth and return a healthy pink tone.
3. Vitamins
Vitamin C is known for its bleaching effect, so a couple of citrus fruits a day can make a positive effect on the nail condition. We are talking about nail masks: pound the pulp of a lemon, an orange or a grapefruit into a soggy mass, apply it on your nails and put on a pair of gloves for half an hour.
And now – what to do when the coating is removed:
1. Cut your nails short
The shorter the plate – the less it exfoliates and breaks.
2. Polish
Regular polishing nail file removes the remnants of the damaged layer and gives air access to the undamaged sections of the plate. Let the nail breathe!
3. Buy a pair of gloves
In the next 2-3 weeks, wear gloves while doing all housework that requires water. Give your nails some rest from chemicals!
4. Treat the cuticle
In the morning and in the evening, massage the cuticle (and nail at the same time) with jojoba, apricot or olive oil. Oil restores the nail structure and reduces its brittleness.
5. Use restorative treatment nail polishes
Especially good are the products with a protein complex.
6. Make a gelatin mask
Dissolve a tablespoon of gelatin in a glass of hot water and dip your nails into the solution as soon as the temperature is comfortable. Keep for 20 minutes, dab with a napkin.
7. Try iodine bath
Do not worry: if you do it in the evening, iodine will evaporate by the morning, leaving the nail color unaffected. So, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt and 1/2 tablespoon of iodine in 200 ml of water. Dip your hands in the water for 15 minutes, then rinse under running water, apply the cream and go to bed. This bath will stimulate nail growth and improve its structure.
8. Prepare a paraffin wrap
Melt a paraffin candle, let the wax cool down to a comfortable temperature, soak your nails in the viscous mass and allow it to cool completely on the hands.
