If you are looking for some honest not sponsored tips on how to strengthen nails after using acrylic, dip and gel manicures this post is for you.
I’ve been doing acrylics, dip powder, and gel manicures for over 5 years. Every time I tried to take a break, I couldn’t resist for more than a couple of days because my nails were always brittle, weak, and breaking. Can you relate? But finally, I’ve said goodbye to acrylics, dip, and gel manicures, and I’m here to share everything I did that actually works.
How to Strengthen Nails
If you search online for how to strengthen nails after acrylics or how to strengthen nails after gel, you’ll find a lot of responses, which can honestly be overwhelming-especially when you’re just trying to strengthen your nails fast because it really hurts and is uncomfortable to have bare nails that are so brittle, thin, and weak.
Here are the best products and tips for strengthening nails after gel, acrylics, dip, and even press-ons.
1. Safely Remove Acrylic, Dip, or Gel:
Removing acrylics, dip, and gel can be damaging to your natural nails if not done carefully. At many nail salons the technicians file the nail bed too aggressively or use harsh chemicals to remove them, which really affects your natural nails.
I decided not to go to a nail salon to remove my gel because I know it can be expensive, and I really don’t trust the nail salons anymore. Instead, I tried this gel nail polish remover, and the results were AMAZING! I was able to remove not only the gel but also dip powder in less than 10 minutes, all without damaging my nails.
How to use the gel/dip nail polish remover:
- Very gently file the top coat of the gel or dip.
- Apply a coat of the gel nail polish remover and wait a couple of minutes. You will start to see the gel and dip begin to break down. Be careful not to let this product touch your skin!
- Remove the product from your nail using a cotton ball and nail polish remover.
- Use a cuticle pusher to gently remove any remaining gel or dip from your nails.
- Repeat the process if necessary, applying the product only to the remaining gel or dip.
2. Use OPI Nail Strengthener
You might have heard about OPI nail strengthener before. I had it at home, so I decided to give it a try, and I’m happy to report that it definitely works!
On the first night, apply two coats of OPI nail strengthener after properly cleaning your nails. For the following days, apply one coat each day along with cuticle oil. Do this for seven days, then remove it and repeat the process.
I kept my nails bare for about three days before using regular polish. I promise each day, your nails will feel a little stronger and look shinier. Just remember to keep them short and clean!
The only downside of this product is that you need to apply it on bare nails. If you decide to use regular polish in between, you’ll have to remove the polish before starting the process again like I did.
AMAZON
OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
AMAZON
Blossom Hydrating Cuticle Oil Infused with Flowers
3. Apply cuticle oil daily to hydrate nails and cuticles.
In addition to using the OPI nail strengthener, another tip to make your natural nails look great even without polish is to keep your cuticles clean and hydrated. I recommend using a cuticle remover—I use the one from Sally Hansen, and it works very well, especially if you use it with a cuticle pusher.
Here’s my best tip for cleaning your cuticles without a trimmer: after using the cuticle pusher to gently remove dead skin, use a nail buffer with a grit of 100/180 instead of a trimmer and buff your cuticles very gently with it; this will quickly remove any residue and clean your nails safely. Afterward, apply cuticle oil. I love the one from The Blossom Store, which you can also find at Target.
DO NOT use a trimmer if you don’t have experience; it can do more harm than good. TRUST ME!
AMAZON
OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
AMAZON
Blossom Hydrating Cuticle Oil Infused with Flowers
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
Avoid harsh chemicals like 100% acetone; instead, opt for a non-acetone nail polish remover. The Olive & June acetone-free nail polish remover is a great alternative. Additionally, stay away from any type of gel, dip, press-ons, or artificial nails.
5. Keep your nails short
Trust the process—short nails can look beautiful if you take care of them properly and keep them clean.
Keeping your nails short during this time will help prevent breakage, injury, and getting caught on things, which can be quite painful, especially since your nails are very weak right now.
Always keep a nail file with you; you’ll find it very useful!
I keep nail files all around my house, and I have the cuticle oil along with the OPI strengthener on my nightstand.
6. Give Your Nails a Break:
I used to believe that getting gels or dips would magically make my nails stronger, but that didn’t happen for me. The best advice I can give you is to give your nails a break and embrace your natural nails. Learn to love your natural nails again!
7. Use Good Quality Regular Nail Polishes
I have a new hobby: painting my nails every week!
There’s nothing more satisfying than buying new nail polishes and trying out different colors while watching a movie or a true crime documentary—lol!
I’ve experimented with a few nail polish brands, and my all-time favorite is Essie. I’ve never been great at painting my own nails, but with Essie, I’ve become quite the expert.
As I write this, I just painted my nails with the color “Wicked,” and it’s stunning! Essie also has a new long wear line called Gel Couture, which you can see reviewed in many TikTok videos.
It stays strong like gel without the need for UV lights, and it’s a regular nail polish that removes easily with regular nail polish remover. Plus, the colors are just gorgeous!
I have many colors now, but here are my favorites: Essie Gel Couture in “Fairy Taylor” for a sheer nude, Essie Gel Couture in “Matter of Fiction” for a baby pink finish, Essie “Wicked” for a dark red-brown color, and Essie Nail Art Studio.
8. Be Patient
Last but not least, be patient. I know you’re probably looking for ways to strengthen your nails quickly, but give them at least two weeks. I promise that if you follow the tips I mentioned, you’ll start noticing changes. Your nails will grow, and you’ll be able to recover and strengthen your natural nails.
This post was all about How to Strengthen Nails After Acrylics, Dip and Gel Manicures
