AIBU to ask for your nail rescue top tips

[Nailrescue]

After having gels (builder gel, if that matters) done about 3-4 times over the space of 2 months, my nails are completely and utterly ruined. I mean RUINED. So thin that it feels like I don’t have nails any more, splitting in half all the way down, dented, weak… I’m not sure if it’s because the gels were filed off rather than soaked, but suffice to say I will NEVER have them done again.

So far I am using cuticle oil at least 2x a day, and painting my nails with OPI nail envy. I also take a multivitamin every day with vit C, selenium and zinc (Wellwoman).

I know it will take time (it’s been about 3 weeks) and there’s no miracle cure, but if you have recovered from this type of nail trauma, what helped?

Just eat a good diet with plenty of liquid and leave your nails alone.

its the same as hair the more you leave it alone the better.

Time is the only thing that will really help. They just need to grow out.

Keep your nails short and neat. Keep up with moisturising your nails. Don't use your nails as tools; no picking labels etc that just caused ragged bits that get caught on thing.

If you want to take supplements to encourage growths biotin is the one to use.

Op that sounds awful! That shouldn't happen with gels if done well, I have my done every 3 weeks (and have done for years) and my nails are fine (I discovered this in lockdown when salons closed!)

Could you try supplements specifically designed for nails & hair? Keep up with the cuticle oil too.

That's horrendous - definitely shouldn't happen!! I've been having BIAB gel for years and my nails have never been stronger. I'd be concerned about them fully filing them off - my nail tech filed the top later then soaks them off.

Definitely hair / nail vitamins, try not to pick at them / use your nails as tools (don't open cans with your nails etc!), I used to use a nail strength polish too so that OPI will help!

Thanks. I suspected it wasn’t supposed to be this bad - I guess maybe she should have filed the top off and soaked the rest.

They’re actually too thin and weak to use as tools at the moment. Will keep up the oil, nail envy and look into some extra supplements. Thankfully they do grow quickly.

Vaseline. My nails were awful after gel a while ago, tried all sorts, spent a small fortune, until someone told me Vaseline. Just rub a little into the cuticle and nail. They grew quickly and healthily.

I had the same problem just before Christmas. I used to have nice nils but after gels ( had then done twice....First time ever) they were horrendously weak, kept splitting etc. Apart from various strengthener and cuticle oil I haven't done anything and just left them. They are better now than they were....
Not that I've used this (much) but I used to have Filipino ladies do my nails and they suggested digging nails in a clove of garlic to help strengthen them....)

I take prescription medication that is known for causing hair loss due to depleting vitamins, particularly vitamin B. I take a high dose vitamin B, also selenium, zinc & magnesium (due to my illness & to combat the vitamin depletion problems). My nails are really good. I also apply hand cream every night before bed. I used to use thin cotton moisturising gloves but they got lost in the wash, I need some more.

And, stop using the gels entirely, it's clearly not suitable for your nails. Ideally don't use anything but hand lotion, cuticle oil, or nail oil until they're considerably stronger. If you want to use something in future, you need to look into alternative options.

Rub vaseline into them 3x a day,I've found that better than expensive nail treatments.

I have always had the same problem after gel nails, I recently had powder nails done twice which makes them super strong while its on but after having them removed, (mostly soaked off with a little filing) my nails are again trashed.
I have many friends this doesn't happen to, and put it down to my nails somehow.
My dilemma now is that I can either have powder nails forever or grow them out and stay natural.

I loved how they look but its a bit high maintenance for me in terms of both time and money, both of which I can spare but don't want to). I'm undecided so far

CND solar oil is a miracle worker

Switch to shellac in future as it's better for your nails than traditional gel nails.

Interesting those saying I’m just not suited to it. I assumed it was just done badly, but it’s entirely possible it’s me as I am sensitive to all sorts of weird things. Liking the affordable Vaseline tip, thanks.

An overnight oil every so often is supposed to be good - just wear rubber gloves with cuticle oil in overnight. I tried a few times but ended up with oil dripping down my arm so think I need smaller gloves or something.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails is great - it's like a clear polish and really helps strengthen them when they're in that horrible bendy phase.

Not sure if you can just be unsuitable for gels or if that was a bad manicure - I have gels on always or I bite mine, but mine have always been shit and weak anyway so the gel polish helps!

Essie TLC (stands for True love and colour I think) is brilliant - I used it (and still do) after years of shellac - you could see the line across the nail as the strong nail grew up and the weak nail grew out.

My manicurist was dubious at first because you apply it without a basecoat, but seriously impressed with the results.

Been there and done that.

Time heals.

Let your nails dry out and breathe for a while. Then try Sally Hanson Hard as Nails or Miracle Growth.

But mostly it just takes time.