How to Treat Damaged Nail Beds After Acrylics

What happens when you decide to take a break from artificial nails? Many people are dismayed to find their natural nails damaged, weak, and brittle, far from the healthy nails they once had.

The Issue with Acrylic & Gel Nails

While acrylic and gel manicures create stunning, long-lasting results, they can take a significant toll on your natural nails. The application process requires roughening the nail plate to ensure adhesion, while the removal often involves soaking in acetone and mechanical scraping, both of which can damage nail structure.

Over time, the cycle of application and removal can lead to progressive weakening of your natural nails. Additionally, these artificial coverings prevent your nails from "breathing" and receiving natural oils from your fingers, contributing to dryness and brittleness.

Nail Damage from Acrylic and Gel Nails

Uneven Nail Plate, Spots, and Lines

Most nail damage occurs during the removal process. When not performed correctly, the tools and techniques used can damage the nail surface, leaving it rough and uneven after removing gel polish. You might also notice white spots and lines that can take months to grow out completely.

These marks aren't merely cosmetic concerns—they're signs of keratin layer damage. The nail plate consists of approximately 100 layers of keratin cells. When these layers become disrupted or separated, it weakens the entire structure of the nail.

Breaking and Snapping

After removing gel or acrylic nails, you may find your natural nails breaking and snapping easily. This occurs because your nails have become accustomed to the protective coating and may have thinned underneath it. Since nails grow at an average rate of just 3.5mm per month, it can take up to six months for a nail to fully regenerate, making this a frustrating period for many.

Peeling and Flaking

Perhaps the most common complaint after removing artificial nails is the paper-thin, peeling nails that result. The artificial nail process dehydrates your natural nails, stripping them of essential oils and moisture. This leads to brittle nails that flake and peel easily.

Additionally, improper removal techniques that involve peeling off the gel or acrylic can take away layers of your natural nail plate, exacerbating the problem.

How Can I Regain My Nail Strength?

Restoring damaged nails after gel or acrylic manicures requires patience and consistent care. Here's a comprehensive approach to nurse your nails back to health:

1. Deep Hydration and Nourishment

The first step in healing damaged nails is intensive hydration. Artificial nails deplete your natural nails of moisture, so replenishing these essential oils is crucial for recovery.

Dr. M. Bernstein's Nail Care Pro is specifically formulated to address this issue. Drawing from our 120-year legacy in medicinal herbs and pharmaceuticals, this breakthrough solution combines natural ingredients like Sweet Almond Oil, Sesame Oil, Olive Leaf Extract, Jojoba Oil, and Tea Tree Oil to deeply hydrate and restore nail health.

The unique formula penetrates deeply into the nail bed, addressing discoloration and splitting while promoting healthy nail growth. For optimal results, apply Nail Care Pro twice daily to clean, dry nails, massaging it into the nail bed and surrounding cuticles.

2. Protect Your Cuticles

Cuticles play a vital role in nail health—they seal and protect the area where new nail cells form. Damaging your cuticles can impact the quality of new nail growth and leave your nails vulnerable to infection and further damage.

3. Keep Nails Short and Filed Properly

While your nails are in recovery mode, keep them trimmed short to minimize the risk of snagging, breaking, or further damage. Short nails are less likely to experience the leverage force that causes breaks and splits.

Use a glass nail file rather than traditional emery boards. Glass files seal the keratin layers at the nail edge together, preventing peeling and chipping. Always file in one direction rather than using a back-and-forth sawing motion, which can cause layers to separate.

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Limit exposure to harsh chemicals found in cleaning products, detergents, and acetone-based nail polish removers. Wear protective gloves when cleaning or washing dishes to prevent further damage to your recovering nails.

If you choose to use polish during the recovery period, opt for breathable, non-toxic formulations and use a gentle, acetone-free remover when necessary.

5. Support Nail Health from Within

What you put into your body affects your nail health as much as what you apply externally. Ensure your diet includes sufficient protein, biotin, iron, and zinc—all essential nutrients for healthy nail growth.

Many people find that taking a biotin supplement (Vitamin B7) helps strengthen their nails during the recovery process. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial, as dehydration can make nails more brittle and prone to breaking.

How Long Does It Take for Nails to Recover from Gel?

Patience is essential when healing nails after gel or acrylic manicures. Complete nail renewal takes time, as nails grow slowly, with the average fingernail taking 4-6 months to grow out completely from base to tip.

Most people begin to see noticeable improvements within 2-4 weeks of following a consistent nail care regimen. By the 8-week mark, significant strengthening and improved appearance are typically visible, with flaking and peeling dramatically reduced.

However, for severely damaged nails, complete restoration may take longer—sometimes up to six months for the nail to fully regenerate. The key is consistency with your nail care routine and protection from further damage during this healing period.

A Comprehensive Approach to Nail Restoration

For the most effective recovery from damaged nails after gel polish or acrylics, consider this weekly regimen:

Apply Dr. M. Bernstein's Nail Care Pro twice daily, massaging into nails and cuticles
Keep nails protected from water and chemicals with gloves when necessary
Gently file nails (in one direction only) as needed to prevent snagging
Avoid using nails as tools to prevent further damage
Have a professional evaluate your progress and recommend adjustments to your care routine if needed

Remember that transforming brittle, thin nails into strong, healthy ones takes time and consistency. With proper care and the right products, you can achieve stronger, more resilient nails that resist breaking and splitting.

When to Seek Professional Help

While most nail damage can be addressed with proper at-home care, some situations warrant professional attention. Consult a dermatologist if you experience:

Nail separation from the nail bed
Signs of fungal infection (yellowing, thickening, or distortion)
Persistent pain or inflammation
No improvement after several months of dedicated care
Severe brittleness or splitting that doesn't respond to treatment

Conclusion

The journey from damaged nails after gel or acrylic treatments to healthy, strong natural nails requires patience, consistency, and the right products. By understanding the nature of nail damage and following a comprehensive care regimen centered on hydration, protection, and nourishment, you can restore your nails to their natural beauty.

We offer a science-backed solution that combines the wisdom of traditional herbal remedies with modern pharmaceutical expertise. Its unique blend of natural oils and extracts provides exactly what damaged nails need to recover: deep hydration, structural support, and protection against further damage.