COVID-19 has affected how we spend our day to day lives. With staying home and avoiding non essential places of business and activities, many -if not all- of the niceties we once had the privilege of peppering throughout our weeks are no longer an option. Esthetic services in particular are out of the question. It’s an interaction that cannot be done from a distance of six feet. Your nail tech literally needs to hold your hand!

The current situation we are facing is challenging and scary. We have to do what we can to help. While we are staying safe at home and forgoing our normal lives for now, we can take this time of living simpler to appreciate what we do have. While a much needed fill from your nail tech isn’t possible, you still have the nails you were born with. So let’s give them some love...

Here’s how to care for your natural nails after removal

Hopefully you didn’t just peel or pull at your fake nails to get them off. But if you did, you wouldn’t be the first- and I’m not here to judge, I’m here to help. If you’re experiencing any tenderness or soreness, it’s likely that you didn’t remove your nails properly. Your natural nails are delicate, so you have to be careful. Don’t worry though, the damage is not irreversible; they will heal.

It’s also important to know that even with a proper removal, your nails will feel weaker. And that’s because they are. They have been covered up for a while, preventing air contact which helps harden them. Basically, you’ve removed their outer shell. Once your natural nails are exposed to air again, they’ll begin to harden. They will never be as strong as acrylic or gel is, but they will return to their normal.

Allow your natural nails to completely grow out

The only thing that will bring your nails back to their original state is allowing them to grow out completely. This means all the way from your cuticle to the free edge, which takes on average about 3-4 months. While initial air exposure will harden your nails a little and help them to not be as sensitive, they will still be thinner after removal. It isn’t until you let your nails completely grow back and replace the old nail that they will be strong again.

Keep them short

While you are growing your natural nails out, the old nail that the new ones are replacing will still be thin and damaged. So during this process keep your nails short by using a gentle nail file on them every few days. Shortening them gradually and gently like this will keep the ends from fraying, splitting and generally annoying you!

Polish is perfect!

One of the more fun tips for caring for your natural nails is to wear a couple layers of nail polish. Protecting them with a less damaging shell to wear while they’re growing back can help them feel a bit more solid and keep them from fraying as much. Two layers of polish plus a top coat will help them feel more comfortable. You don’t have to remove any of the nail plate to adhere polish, so you can apply it directly to the natural nail without affecting it. Polish will also protect sensitive nails from hot and cold water and from drying out further.

Oils, oils, oils

If your nails are dry then they are brittle. If they are brittle they can fray, crack- you name it. A hydrated nail is a happy nail! So when caring for your natural nails, think oil. Especially if you are removing and reapplying nail polish often. Depending on the brand, nail polish removers can dry out your nails. Also we’re keeping extra sanitary these days and washing our hands over and over can dry out our nails too. Your nails will always benefit from a cuticle oil. Apply it to your cuticles and even your nail beds and let it soak in. It will do your natural nails wonders!

Give them time

Above all, give your natural nails time to heal themselves. Your nails are a part of your body, and the body wants to heal. Use these tips to provide more comfort during the process, but be patient! With enough time, they will be oh so beautiful au naturel!

After Removal: How to Care for your Natural Nails