How to keep your nails healthy in between shellac

Our split ends have felt it. Our unruly eyebrows have felt it. And by God, our pale, un-spray-tanned bodies lifeless lashes have felt it.
But amongst all our beauty un-doings due to salons being closed, one member of the regularly pampered squad has come out cheering. And that is, our nails.
RELATED: How to remove gel nails at home
RELATED: Your questions on non-toxic natural nail polish answered
The unexpected hiatus from our beloved gel manis and pedis, has left many of us with noticeably stronger, healthier and natural, (or if you’ve attempted an at home job.., then, an ok-at-best left hand and a dodgy right) nails.
Day by day we seem to (*hopefully*) be flattening the curve enough that life will slowly go back to normal, meaning nail salons around the country will soon be able to open their doors again. For some of us this may be as soon as, well... today.
To find out when your local salon may be reopening, check out our state by state guide to to salon restrictions around the country.
But once gels and arcylics do become an option again, what does that mean for our newborn, untouched set of nails?
Here's how to get back to shellac without compromising your fresh set....
Here are a few tips to assist for when you go back to shellac:
1. One on, one off
If this period has made you realise that you can actually live without a manicure 24/7, then try for one shellac session on, and then go a week or two without. Back-to-back shellac is where you will begin to see damage to your nails. For the love of God let them breathe!
2. Invest in a cuticle oil
Keeping your cuticles nourished and hydrated by applying an oil will help to promote growth and prevent dryness, which reduces any chipping and splitting of nails. Keep your eyes out for ones containing vitamin E. bh loves: Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil.
3. Incorporate a collagen supplement into your diet
We’ve all heard it before, beauty starts from the inside. Collagen will fight brittle nails by promoting growth and decreasing breakage. We love this one by SUP as it also includes Biotin, a B vitamin which contributes to nail health.
4. Don't cheat on the removal
We know how tempting it can be to pick away at a chipped nail while you’re sitting on the couch watching TV. But please, don’t.
Instead, always have your shellac removed correctly (or at least follow these at home tips) to prevent any further damage.
Because when you peel the gel off yourself, you’re not only peeling away the polish but you are also ripping off the surface layers of the nail.
5. Abide by the 2-3 week rule
Sometimes life gets in the way, and we can’t make a nail appointment in time. But letting your shellac grow out too much may actually be doing more damage than you realise.
Over-extending your manicures will lead to weakened nails and potential exposure to harmful bacteria. As the gel wears, it can begin to lift and form air bubbles, allowing liquids to seep in.
6. Invest in a nail hardener
Since we know you’ve taken our advice in step one, you can use a nail hardener in your ‘off period’. A couple of coats will help reinforce the natural nail and promote growth so you’re in the best position for your next mani appointment. We recommend Revitanail Nail Strengthener.
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
62 Member Comments
I don't use tips, gel nails or anything like that.
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I've always had very fragile nails so I don't think that shellac is suitable for them.
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Haven't seen my nails healthy in a very long time. Definitely could be all the stress and crap thats in my diet atm
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I don't really have time to invest in nails :(
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Cute picture and advise I will use these next time I get my nails done!
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came here for the picture. The nails are sooo cute.
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I don't spent time on my nail. Clean cut and that's it.
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I wish I could say that my nails are the real winners of self-iso but these have not had much attention! I seem to cut my baby's nails more than my own!
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I've never had a salon manicure. I'd rather buy a new bottle of nail polish & DIY.
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My friend always has these beautiful nail done at the beautician, but I do wonder how she ever keeps them like that and it must cost a fortune to do so.
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When my nails aren't in my mouth, I prefer to save $$$$ and do them my self with normal polish not that fancy stuff.
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My own nails are quite good, so I’ve never had shellac.
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I love the look of shellac but I just can't have it, my nail beds are quite oily and no matter how the shellac is applied it begins to peel after 4 or so days. Even worse I can't help but pick at things and ended up peeling extra layers of nail off. Bare nails for me from now on!
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I DIY manis & pedis, but haven't painted my nails for a while as I've been on the hunt for another fast-drying top coat (which I have found). Kinda itching to paint my nails again now! I will agree that adding cuticle oil into your hand care arsenal is a great addition - I notice the difference when I don't use the stuff as opposed to when I do.
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I m giving my nails rest...only oil massages!!
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I love gel/shellac nails but they take a huge toll on my nails when removed. I just stick to ordinary nail polish
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I agree it weakens the nails. Looks good while it lasts
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I also do my own nails and now that I have had time off from housework generally, they have grown back beautifully. Nail hardener is an enemy for my nails. They end up being flaky and dry and then split so just using a good nail varnish and top coat works best for me. Having nail polish on also protects them much more as they do tend to get damaged without any polish.
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I have strong, healthy natural nails and prefer to do my own manicures. I can't remember the last time I wore nail polish.
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I do my own nails most of the time. I have an array of nail polish, cuticle oil and nail strengthener. I do not wear nail polish all the time, I give my nails breaks in-between.
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I think it is important to give your nails a break from nail polish. It really helps your nails
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My toenails and fingernails are horrendous!! My salon just opened bookings though for mid June so I'm booked in! Yay!!
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I've been painting my nails more often now i'm at home.
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I have been painting my nails too but its never the same as getting them professionally done.
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I have not painted my nails in so long but recently bought a lot of polish to play with at home. They are still getting a lot of nourishing love from cuticle oils and such.
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