Do Your Nails Need a Break? We Asked an Expert and Share Products That Help Repair
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Let's be real, who doesn’t love stepping out of the salon with freshly manicured nails?
Whether you’re an avid SNS’er, shellac loyalist or gel lover, there’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly polished nails.
But, have you ever wondered if your nails need a breather? Or why you couldn’t possibly skip an appointment for fear of your natural nails making an unsolicited cameo? Yikes.
We all love that flawless finish, but while we’re tuning out and into whatever daytime television program is playing in the salon, our nails are undergoing quite the ordeal.
Just like our skin and hair, our nails need a little TLC to stay healthy and strong.
Recently on Adore’s Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast, we spoke to Melbourne Dermatologist Dr Shammi Theesan who gave us the lowdown on all things nail care (which you can listen to here!).
So, let’s dive into why your nails might need a break, how to spot the signs, and the best ways to pamper them during their downtime.
Why Your Nails Need A Break.
First, let's talk about the potential risks of our beloved nail treatments.
Sure, the removal process might feel like just another part of the routine, but according to Dr Shammi Theesan, it's actually where most of the damage happens.
The combination of acetone and mechanical removal—think electrical files and scrappers—can be harsh on your nails. Acetone is particularly dehydrating, and using solvents along with electricals can traumatise your nail bed.
So can a home-job removal (guilty), especially if it’s gel you’re peeling off as it can strip away layers of the nail.
Over time, this can lead to weakened, brittle nails that are more prone to breaking.
Then there's the issue of allergens.
Some chemicals in shellac and gel polishes can cause contact dermatitis, especially for those with sensitivities.
This may look like redness, swelling, itching, or blistering of the fingertips, nail folds and areas that come in contact with your nails like eyelids, face, neck, etc.
That said, it should go without saying that it’s best to seek professional help if you suspect you may have contact dermatitis or are experiencing any nail issues that can’t be remedied at home.
Continuous exposure to UV light used in curing gel and shellac also isn't doing any favours to our skin either.
Prolonged exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and can cause premature aging of your hands. That 20 minutes under the lamp might seem harmless, but according to research, is all it takes for cells to die.
Imagine how these sessions can add up only time…
Take it from someone who already has rather mature-looking hands (ta Mum), there’s nothing cute about papery palms.
How To Tell If Your Nails Need A Break.
So, how can you tell if your nails are crying out for help?
Look out for things like white spots on your nails (known as Keratin Granulations).
Dr Shammi Theesan says it's not uncommon for her patients to think this is an indicator of a vitamin deficiency, but it’s often a telltale sign of acetone dehydrating the nail plate.
If your nail plate starts to lift off, it could be that you don’t have a good seal between the nail plate and bed, creating a breeding ground for fungal infections.
Moisture and debris getting trapped underneath can lead to infections that are just as uncomfortable as they are unsightly.
Six telltale signs of nail damage according to a dermatologist.
@dermguru Lets play a game called is it fungus or something else? 👀 stop what youre doing and look at your nails. Do you have any of these? #nailfungus how to tell if you have nail fungus #nailproblems what does nail fungus look like #fungalnails #nailtok how to treat toenail fungus #toenailfungus #toenailfunguscure #nailfungustreatment #dermtok #nailtok ♬ Blue Blood - Heinz Kiessling
All of this considered, again, if you’re not sure what’s causing your nail issues or if they aren't improving with time, it's best to get checked out by an expert.
How To Care For Nails On A Break.
If your nails are showing signs of distress, it’s time to give them a break.
According to Dr Shammi Theesan, you ideally need to give them 1-3 months for the new nail cells to rejuvenate.
In the interim, use a gentle nail file to smooth out any jagged edges without causing further damage.
Invest in a thick moisturiser like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ 40ml to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated.
Dr Shammi Theesan also suggests avoiding wet work like doing dishes (don’t have to tell me twice), or if you can’t, ensure you’re wearing gloves to reduce the risk of infection.
Strengthening your nails from the inside out is also important.
Dr Shammi Theesan suggests supplements like biotin (great for hair and nails), folate, a mega B complex, omega-3s (which are anti-inflammatory), iron, vitamin D, collagen, and zinc can all help.
Make sure your diet includes plenty of protein as well, it’s what your nails are made of, after all.
Finally, when it comes to the removal process, be meticulous.
It may be scary to give feedback to your nail tech, but ensuring the in-salon process is as gentle as possible is worth the character-building exercise.
If you can, opt for non-acetone-based solvents and avoid UV exposure or at least apply SPF on your hands before your appointment.
Regular use of a cuticle oil like the essie Nail Care Apricot Cuticle Oil can work wonders too.
Products That Can Help Repair Your Nails.
Speaking of miracle workers, we’ve got a few beauties that can aid in nail recovery.
essie good as new - nail perfector is fantastic for rejuvenating tired nails while giving them a natural-looking pink polish.
It also helps even out the look of textured, uneven or discoloured nails, while helping to improve the nail surface over time.
OPI Nail Envy 15mL is another great option that offers strengthening benefits in a variety of classic shades to suit your style. My go-to is Big Apple Red.
For intense repair, OPI Repair Mode 9mL is a serum specifically designed to mend and fortify damaged nails.
You can apply this daily to bare nails, or under or over regular polish for a restorative boost.
Final Thoughts.
By taking a break and investing in the right care, you can ensure that your nails stay strong, healthy, and ready for your next salon visit.
After all, a little break now can mean even more stunning nails in the future.
So, give your nails the love they deserve, and they’ll thank you for it!
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