Tips on fixing damaged nails

There’s no denying gel manicures have completely revolutionised the nail industry. These days, if you want to rock a colour for two straight weeks without worrying about chipping or getting acrylics (which can be costly and more taxing on nails), then it’s as easy as stepping into your nearest salon.
But what happens if you go from one gel manicure to the next (or even constantly have acrylics applied) without a break in between? Sure, your nails look glossy and healthy on the surface, but what’s happening underneath is something to worry about.
The constant process of applying gel polish, soaking your digits in acetone, scraping off the remnants and starting again can take a toll on your nails, and when you do take a break, you may notice things like peeling, flaking and a complete loss of nail strength.
Instead of trying to pretend like these issues don’t exist and covering the evidence with another pretty gel manicure, try these nail strengthening tips:
#1: TURN TO PRODUCTS THAT WORK
Nail strengthening treatments are formulated to completely transform weak, soft and split nails into something you can be proud of. And as skeptical as you may be, some nail strengtheners on the market do work. Revitanail Nail Strengthener, which beautyheaven members can vouch for, delivers serious results.
So how does it work? It’s no instant fix, but with a bit of patience, you’ll be pleased with the outcome. Simply apply two coats on clean nails on the first day of use, and then just one coat for the next five days. On the seventh day, clean your nails with nail polish remover and start again. Keep going for a 28-day period, making sure to give your nails a rest for 1-2 weeks in between programs.
#2: NOURISH AND MASSAGE
If you really want the best possible results, put Revitanail Nourishing Oil on your cuticles after you’ve applied the Nail Strengthener and allowed it to dry. Massage the nourishing formula into the cuticles and bases of your nails for approximately 1 minute – doing this will encourage nail growth and leave nails stronger. Nourishing Oil is also to be used during the 1-2 weeks rest period.
#3: AVOID HARSH NAIL POLISH REMOVERS
After seven days of using the Revitanail Nail Strengthener, you’ll have to take it off with some nail polish remover. It’s a clever idea to steer clear of acetone and harsh removers as they can undo all the effort you’ve put into caring for your nails. Instead, use something more gentle. Revitanail Nail Polish Remover is free from acetone and contains nourishing ingredients like vitamin B5 and pearl powder, so it won’t dry out your nails after it effectively removes any polish.
Do you go from gel manicure to gel manicure? How do you care for weak, soft nails?
Do you have weak, soft nails? Which of these nail strengtheners would work best for you?
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...
4 steps to a party-ready mani |
Nail colours every girl should own |
Which nail strengthener should you be using? |
The bizarrest fragrance we've ever heard of... |
Tried and tested: Revitnail Strengthening Serum |
5 steps to healthier, stronger nails |
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
92 Member Comments
The best recovery I have had after having acrylic nails is the RevitaNail strenghthener or the Sally Hansen Triple strong strengthener. Also soak them weekly in a warm olive oil bath-a few tablespoons of regular olive oil, warmed in the microwave for about 2o seconds, then soak your nails in for 20 mins, then wipe or rub in. Sally Hansen also has a gel nailpolish that is clear and thick and does keep nails from splitting.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've never had a gel manicure and I never thought getting them all the time would weaken nails. My nails are growing strong at the moment.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
never had problems, only when using paint for too long not letting my nails to have a break, they start to look a bit dull. I just stop wearing anything on them, and in no time they become superb
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have pretty good nails at the moment and pretty happy. I am always going back to using revitanail strengthening polish
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I Have never been a nail bitter, but have always had terrible brittle nails, they either just don't grow or always flake and split. Or even on the odd occasion they have grown long they brake as they a very weak and thin. I've tried nail treatment before but find its a constant process that I don't have the time to do every night. I have seen results with a good hand and nail cream in the past.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Revitanail nail strengthener doesn't seem to work on my nails, but moisturising oil might help....
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Interesting article :)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Great article :)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Nourish and eating seafood is key!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Oh that reminds, I must do my manicure today
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
As a teacher in the Nail Industry the info you have presented is not correct. Yes gel and acrylic services can affect the nail plate, but it really is up to the client to look for a good technician. As for Revitanail, it contains formaldehyde yes does harden the nail but is not good. When formaledehyde is used on the nail plate it actually draws out the oil and moisture from the nail plate and leave it no flexibility. The nail plate is hard, so when knocked snaps. A strong nail has strength and flexibility. When I remove a gel polish I always apply a good cuticule oil, to put back what oil the acetone has taken out of the nail plate surface. And Revitanail contains B5 and Pearl powder wow, never heard of this or documented in any journal as a bonus for nail plate health.Again this is all about pulling the wool over the public with adverising. If anyone at beautyhaven or public would like more info on just what is true in the nail industry. Look up Doug Schoon on the net he has a website with tutorials that are used worldwide in beauty school and he has a page on FB. On fb you can even put forward a question to him to answer especially about what ingredients work etc. He will even answer on anything on the beauty . He is a american Scientist who is THE EXPERT in the Nail and beauty industry and answers everthing generically not by brand. He will tell you if an ingredient in a product will do as it claimed or just advertising. I suggest BeautyHaven look him up. And yes any service is okay as long as the technician is educated and up with latest . And a good Cuticle Oil is usually what a nail needs to be healthy not formaledehyde.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
my nails need some break it's too weak
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Oh I need some of this, I will have to go Priceline
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I am pretty lucky, my nails are pretty strong and grow really quickly. I am not a fan of the shellac gel nails because of the damage that the removal can cause. I prefer the gel polish that cures with UV light, both the Revlon and Sally Hansen brands are terrific and the removal is easy and quick, no soaking in acetone.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've never tried gel nails. My nails go up and down depending on my health. I am always wearing a hardener nail polish to try and keep them hard. I am going to try the Sally Hansen or Revlon Gel nails asap though.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've found that my nails have looked better since I started taking multivitamins, but I could do with a protective topcoat.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
i have very weak soft nails, and i think it may be from my nail polish remover. I use acetone as it's so quick and effective in removing nail polish but never realised the damaging effect on my nails
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I need the strengther after having tips put on for a wedding. I only get them done occasionally but I'm too lazy to go in and get them removed properly so my nails are feral!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have healthy looking and very strong nails. But I still find that they break on the sides sometimes, I think it might be because I never wear gloves when I do cleaning. I moisturize religiously though, maybe I need some special moisturize for the nails at night time.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My nails became damaged after a period of using nail polish and harsh polish remover. I've never tried this brand Revitanail though.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have never tried any of these before and I'm hoping my nails won't get weak that I have to use them
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My fingernails aren't in too bad of shape but let's not even talk about toenails!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0