Crap nails after removal of gel

[DelilahDaffodil]

I don’t usually get my nails done but did for Christmas. I’ve now had the gel removed and my nails feel really rough and dry. Any ideas for how to fix this? Or is this totally normal and I just need to get my nails done again!

This OPI nail repair stuff is good:

https://www.opi.com/en-GB/products/treatments-strengtheners-repair-mode-bond-building-nail-serum?srsltid=AfmBOorcXn5vKMqEVITGZv0X5Zk89ayh82xSNbbcxu-y94U-wl7AXaU5

I had gels once and my nails were pitted when it came off. Never again.

You need lots and lots of nail oil.

How did they remove the gel? I had my toenails done for my autumn holiday and they filed off the gel, despite me warning them that I have crappy nails, and I ended up with dry, splitting, noticeably thinner and very very sore/sensitive toe nails. I've since read that it's better for gel to be soaked off after filing only the very top layer to allow the remover to penetrate.

Dot of Vaseline rubbed in at bedtime. I’ve been doing this for over fifty years and my nails are supple and strong.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

They filed off the nails with some kind of slightly terrifying electric filing tool! Then soaked them. my daughters assure me this is normal and I’m just making a fuss…

This is quite normal for one-off gel nails. When I was sporadically getting them done, they would be like this. I have gels constantly now so no idea what’s going on under there, but I get structure gel now so they are very strong!

It might well be normal but that doesn't mean it's good for your nails!

Those e-files are fairly standard now but lots of places rush and/or don't know how to use them and damage the nail.

I agree with pp - OPI Repair Mode is fantastic and lots of nail oil whilst they recover.

I have naturally really strong nice nails but I had them done occasionally with gel for holidays etc. every time I get them done it ruins my nails when they are removed. It takes at least 6 weeks for the breaking to stop. It’s definitely the removal that has the lasting effect and not the gels themselves. I blame the file.

You're not making a fuss

That will ruin your nails. It needs to be soaked off. You can do that yourself. Just Google. Never ever let them use those electric filing tools. Actually, I wouldn't manually file them off either. Just do a soak.

I never get gels for this reason. Mine just split and flake after removal until they grow out. It's not that the removal has been done incorrectly, I've had them soaked and done by extremely experienced/knowledgeable nail techs but my nails just don't handle the process. I think if you just reapply your next gels it hold the nails together iyswim but if you have them as a one off then the natural nails show the damage. Not everyone I'm sure but I don't think it's uncommon either.

I had gel done about 6 weeks apart and my nails are awful. But they are growing out very quickly.

I stopped getting gels done for this reason. I’ve switched to pre-cured gel wraps now that I do myself. I took my Christmas set off today and my nails are in brilliant condition. No damage at all :D I’m really pleased as I love how long gels last and am awful at regular nail varnish.

Jojoba oil is your best friend here.