How to Reverse Nail Damage Caused by Gel Manicures, According to Dermatologists

Once you’ve treated yourself to a gel manicure, finding an escape route can become a bit of a tricky endeavor. Your nails look great, for starters, but there’s also the little issue of removing the gel polish and dealing with the less-than-healthy-looking nails underneath. 

“Back-to-back gel manicures can stain fingernails so that they acquire a tarnished color and appearance,” says Brendan Camp, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. “Multiple gel manicures can also desiccate or dry the nail plate, predisposing it to chipping and splitting.”

The good news is, your body is resilient and your natural nails will come back to life—and there are even steps you can take to revive brittle nails from the gel cycle more quickly.

Step 1: Gently Remove Existing Gels 

Mistake numero uno when leaving the gel nail life is not removing them properly. Peeling them off or not using the right tools can result in damage real quickly. 

“When you peel off the gel or scrape it off, you're actually stripping away layers of your nail, which can leave them thin, brittle, and more prone to breaking,” warns Hannah Kopelman, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.  

Try soaking your nails in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the gel, then apply a gel remover and wrap your nails with foil and cotton for another 10 minutes. Gently lift and push off the gel with a cuticle pusher. (Nail professionals can do this quickly and safely as well.) 

Step 2: Moisturize Often 

This step may feel tempting to skip, but Dr. Kopelman says it’s one of the best things you can do to revive brittle nails after gel manis. Her favorite product is CND SolarOil because “it’s a blend that really penetrates deep and helps restore flexibility to your nails.”

Dr. Camp likes L'Occitane Shea Nail & Cuticle Oil. “Shea, sweet almond, and sunflower oils are featured in this nail and cuticle treatment that is designed with a built-in brush for easy application," he says.

Step 3: Apply a Strengthening Top Coat 

Dr. Kopelman suggests working a strengthener into your routine to help revive brittle nails. “I often recommend products that contain keratin or biotin, as they help rebuild and protect your nails as they grow out,” she says.

Pro Tip: If your nails are really bent out of shape—and you’re feeling self-conscious about it—you could also try applying a gentle stick-on manicure that doesn’t damage the actual nail. A great one to try is imPress; they’re glue-free, safe on natural nails, easy to remove, and come in lots of designs and colors. 

Step 4: Practice Patience 

You’ll probably start seeing an improvement in your nail health within a month or two following the above advice, but note that it can take around three to six months for your nails to grow out completely, Dr. Camp says. Keep up with TLC and practice patience, and your previously gnarly nails will be but a memory of the past.