Gel nails… what condition are your nails after the gels come off?

[sycamo]

Mine are always so brittle afterwards and liable to breaking easily. I cannot fault the nail technician so wondering if this is common with gels or if I need to be doing anything differently? She does always try to sell cuticle oil which I bought and used but hasn’t made a difference ??

Mines are always shit after they come off

Terrible - takes months to get better

Mine are brittle without the gel extensions, always have been. No worse than when I didn't have them between manicures

Mine were trashed after about 2 months of gels every 3 weeks. I think it’s more the process of removal? Mine used some kind of drill. It’s so harsh and an awful experience. Then they’ve been brittle and I’ve struggled to grow them afterwards. I’ve given up on gels. It’s as much as the upkeep and unpleasant removal as the trashing of the nails.

Yup trashed so now I just keep them on and keep backfilling 😂

I was reading up about this. Gels are really bad for nails.
My last removal just trashed my nails. So I’m going to save them for holiday. Such as shame as they look so nice when on

I keep recommending her and I promise I’m not affiliated in any way, but if you look at The Salon Life on YouTube she teaches so much about natural nail care. (For free).

She explains loads about how we can have sensitivities to gel ingredients though it’s unusual if used correctly.

My nails were wrecked and thin after gel polish and after following her advice, they’re fantastic now. I used to have peeling all the time and now nothing! She also recommends oils but says jojoba is the best as well as being able to use any you have in your cupboard! But you need to use it regularly.

She has loads of videos and they become quite addictive!

https://youtube.com/@TheSalonLife

Mine are awful and keep breaking off for about 4 months. I only have them done twice a year now.

Yes it takes a couple months for them to recover. CND Rescue Rxx really speeds this up if used a few times a day.
I just have my toe nails done now, they seem fine. My finger nails are very strong and grow really quickly, but it even trashes them.

It's the removal - mine are fine - super long after the gel was removed, still look great a week later

I had to stop getting gels, it ruined my nails and gave me awful issues with flakey skin underneath. They’re only just recovering now, six months on.

I’m a nail
tech and it is the removal. Acetone is not good and weakens the nail structure.

So what is a better option for the nails? Acrylics?

Gel nails from certain places really trash my nails. That isn’t always the case.
I keep hearing about Builder in a Bottle gel nails - apparently both give some extension to the nail and are really good for the condition. Not tried it myself yet but have an appointment in three weeks time to check it out (the place is fully booked until then!) so I will see if what I’ve heard is true!

A nail tech told me that BIAB contains an ingredient that some people are sensitive to. My nails were wrecked after it. But, to be fair, they probably got worse because I kept going with it and as the lady I linked to above points out, the thinner your nails are, the less likely anything will bond to it properly.

Obviosly not everyone reacts and on the other side, my sister, who has bitten her nails forever, now has longish ones after it.

Absolutely fucked, which is why I only do gels now for holidays or really special occasions. I stick to clear varnish / strengthener or occasionally an Essie colour otherwise.

I aim not to have them done back to back and also to let them grow out/come off by themselves the few times I do get them done. If I succeed with this, there is not much damage - slightly weaker but nothing significant.

If I have them taken off and replaced or I remove with acetone or pick them off, they’re destroyed and take months to recover.

Just to add, my SIL has had gels constantly back to back for about 6 years and I cannot understand how she still even has nails to paint it onto.

Mine were wrecked after constant gels every three weeks. Three months on and they are only now getting back to being healthy again. It's a shame as I'm a biter, and gels really stopped me doing it.

Mine are fine. I have BIAB every few weeks.
My nail technician doesn't use acetone to remove, but an electric drill/file, but she never takes the removal back to my own nail- always leaves a thin layer of builder on my nail before adding more.
My nails are protected and not being subjected to acetone or thinned by buffing/filing.

Terrible, but they look so lovely when they're done! Special occasions only!

I have no idea, I haven’t seen my own nails for years. I have back to back gels every 3 weeks and have done for years now, I love them. I imagine my nails might be pretty trashed underneath but have no idea.

I've found them to be awful. Had them regularly and my natural nails were in an awful state. Last had them done in December and they've finally recovered. It has taken that long though.

Mine are fine even after having back to back gels for a year. The only time they’re shit is if I peel them off myself. Then I have to have builder gel the next time.
I don’t like having long nails so keep them trimmed, don’t know if that makes a difference. I also don’t use a nail bar but go to a beautician.