Gel manicures and pedicures always seem like a great idea in the moment: you get a polished look that lasts, your nails seem to be indestructible, and it cuts salon visits down by at least half (versus when you get a traditional manicure/pedicure). All appears well until the removal process—which when done in most salons, calls for a long soak in pure acetone followed by an intensive peel-poke-and-prod process to remove the remaining gel. Inevitably, your nails are left worse for wear. They’re soft, weak, peeling, and textured, completely unsuitable for a fresh set or even a simple manicure.  

Here are some of our best tips that can help you care for your nails after gels:  

1. Choose healthier alternatives to traditional gel polishes.  

The care starts before the removal process. Where possible, choose salons that offer healthier alternatives to the box-standard gel polish. (Or bring your own solvent-free gel lakurs).

Apply Nourishing Cuticle Oil daily to help keep your cuticles, skin, and nails as healthy-looking as possible throughout the duration of your mani.

2. The same goes for your gel polish remover, too.

For effective, damage-free gel removal, try Prep & Remove Lacquer Remover. It dissolves away polish without dehydrating skin or nails as aggressively as traditional acetone polishes tend to do.

3. Revive your skin and nails.

After a set of gels and an intensive gel removal process, it’s imperative you focus on caring for your skin and nails. Apply a generous amount of Restorative Nail Cream, an antioxidant-rich dream cream formulated to nourish, condition, and revive the look of damaged, cracked, or brittle nails. It’s infused with our proprietary Florium Complex and a host of conditioning, nutrient-rich ingredients to replenish and re-balance natural oils.

4. Give your hands the TLC it needs.

Nails in post-gel recovery need all the love and kur care they can get. Remember to keep up (or up the ante, depending on the state of your nails) on your nail care regimen. Make applying cuticle oil and hand cream non-negotiable steps in your daily routine. 

If you’re able to bear going bare (at least for a few days), use Beauty Sleep Nail Mask as a transformative, overnight treat. This moisture-intensive formula sinks seamlessly to help restore a healthy, natural glow to even the most depleted of nails.

5. Fortify and protect your nails.

The key here is to look for effective, nail-loving polishes that combine breathability and restoration:

• Start with a thin, even layer of Fortifying Ridge Filler to help smooth and nourish the nail plate.

• Once that layer has dried, follow with Nail Hardener & Base Coat to help fortify your nails and give them a healthy shine.

• Finish off with a Protective Top Coat if you want to maintain a simple, natural look. If you prefer a bit of color to hide imperfections, use Londontown lakurs, which are breathable, clean formulas that deliver a plush look and long wear shine.

6. Be patient.

Our final tip isn't always what you want to hear - but it is the best tip we can give. Simply care for your hands and nails as much as you can. With the proper attention and the right products, you can get your nails back to their original state.

Or even better than they were already beautiful before.

With love,

The LT Team