How to get natural nails to recover after gel nails

[Whatliesbeneath707]

I’ve been having gel nails done for over a year. They helped to keep my nails strong & long whilst I was having them but now I’ve had them removed, my natural nails are like tissue paper! They’re so thin, weak & fragile that I just can’t grow them. My actual nails felt bruised initially when the gels were removed. That pain is reducing now after a few weeks.
What can I do to strengthen my own nails & encourage growth? I’m using multi vitamins/supplements & I’m applying a nail hardening varnish.
I’m almost tempted to go back to gels to just get the strength & length back but know that it will need to be a constant thing then.
Any suggestions please?

Oh, taking Biotin was another thing that really seemed to help on a different occasion.

I had shellac done for a wedding in July and my nails are still shit from it.
It's really not good for them

It doesn't make sense to go back to gel nails since they are what's made your nails so weak in the first place.

I just put moisturiser on them and keep trimming until the crap bits have gone.
Healthy diet will keep your nails strong.

Also since giving birth 2 years ago I have kept my nails pretty short which was a big change for me as I hated short nails before.

Now I absolutely love them. I cannot stand the feeling of long nails. I think they look quite silly now and I don't trust people are washing under their nails enough to get rid of all the dirt and yuck.

So I'm a total short nail convert and think painted short nails look sleek and sophisticated. Not that I have time to paint them often though!

Another one here who will never nails done again. Did it for my DC's wedding and after three months they're still not good. And they chipped anyway (I wasn't going to stop gardening). Will still go to have the occasional (six monthly) proper manicure to keep nails in shape but never ever have them painted.

Thanks everyone for your replies & advice.
I’ve got an under active thyroid which results in my nail & hair texture being dreadful.
I’m really torn about what to do! When I had the gels on, my nails & surrounding skin were both strong & healthy. My nails now feel so weak that I can’t grow them at all. They keep splitting & breaking off. It’s a vicious cycle!

But maybe your nails weren't strong? I suspect that's why you had gel polish put on initially.
There are definitely vitamins you can take for hair and nails.
I don't get the logic of putting gel on your nails to make then strong when they actually make them weak.

For my nails I rub in coconut oil ( not everyday - just when I remember) and eat nuts - with breakfast, with almond milk too. Eating well everyday has made so much difference. I have never had long, strong nails and for the first time in my life I have to cut them.

My nails have never been better.