Finally, a Cure for Damaged Nails

By Suzanne Roberta-Meyer, MBA

We’ve all been there, the love-hate relationship and the vicious cycle of gels, dips and acrylics. We love how they make our nails look, long, sexy, sophisticated and the confidence that comes with that. Priceless!

But then we get them removed and literally, the princess is Cinderella again in the blink of an eye.

We promise ourselves each time as we sit through the acetone soaking and the painful grinding off process that this is it. This is the last time I’m doing this. We take our bloody stumps home slather on cuticle oil and hope for a miracle that never comes. Why? Here’s why.

When we use gels, acrylics and other products that require curing under an LED or UV lamp, the product bonds to our natural nail surface and prohibits the nails from “breathing”. This form of nail suffocation causes the nails to weaken, split and become thin.

The removal process is equally damaging as it requires grinding the product off the nails at the proximal edge near the cuticle. This part of the nail has newly emerged from the nail matrix and is the youngest, thinnest and most fragile part of the nail surface. Once this part is damaged by grinding, it becomes weak and unstable, leading to poor nail quality, breakage and over time, difficulty growing.

So what’s a girl to do?

If you’re committed to healing your damaged nails, you must refrain from harmful products that damage the nails. Cut them short and use a nail strengthening treatment such as Nail Defense Serum or W3 Peptide Serum. 

All of these will start the healing process by protecting the nails from further environmental damage and create the perfect condition for nails to heal and start growing again. They also double as a base coat, so you can put polish right over them. Use a cuticle treatment such as Sweet Almond Cuticle Oil, or Nail & Cuticle Energizer every morning and reapply throughout the day to keep cuticles hydrated and supple. Use Marine Algae Hydration Serum at night for intensive overnight hydration therapy.

With a little time and dedication, you can reverse the signs of aging and have nails that are youthful, natural, healthy and beautiful again.