- Picking at your gel
manicure is really bad for your nails. - It not only peels away the polish, but the top layer of your nail too.
- This damages it, weakening the nails, so they are more prone to rough textures and white patches.
- It also makes them more susceptible to cracking and breaking.
- The best thing to do is always visit a professional who can remove them with minimal damage.
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A fresh gel manicure looks great. One that's two weeks old ... not so much.
But although it can be tempting to pick at the bits of old polish that are grown out and peeling away, that's actually really bad for your nails.
As Charlotte Every, the founding
Every told Insider that picking at gels not only peels away the polish, but the top layer of your nail too. This damages and weakens the nails.
Damaging the top layer means nails are more prone to rough textures and white patches. It also makes them more susceptible to cracking and breaking.
And if nails are dry, brittle, and flaky, regular polish may not be enough to cover it up.
"If this happens, gently buff the nail to make it smooth again and treat it to a nourishing nail oil," Every said. "Next time use the correct method for varnish removal or call in an expert."
If you want to reverse the damage, it can take months for healthy new nails to regrow. So if you want to resist temptation by keeping a manicure looking fresh, you should always wear gloves when doing chores like washing up, cleaning, or gardening, said Every.
"This stops the hands and nails from becoming dry and chipping," she said.
"Use a nail oil/cuticle oil at least every other day in between treatments to nourish the nail and keep the polish from drying out and keep it looking fresh."
Avocado oil is also great for hands and nails because it is enriched with natural vitamin E, she said.
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