Have you ever worn acrylic or gel on your nails, loving the look, only to be shocked at the state of your natural nails once removed? You’re not alone. Many women are faced with the ugly truth that their natural nails are left weak, peeling and damaged after removing their enhancements. Even women who might knowingly ignore the condition of their nails under the ‘protection’ of acrylic or gel can have problems with wear and lifting because of the damaged nails beneath.

Fact: When natural nails are strong, healthy, and nourished, they’ll not only look beautiful, but they’ll also allow for the best performance of your nail treatments.

When the pandemic hit, women lost access to their manicurists and were left to their own devices. They discovered that their natural nails were easily damaged and weakened when their enhancements were removed incorrectly, i.e., aggressive filing, acetone removal or even picking and prying off the gel or acrylic. With a little TLC and the right products, you too can bring your damaged nails back to beautiful.

Get started by creating your nail care arsenal:

1. Cuticle Oil: penetrates the natural nail to impart hydration, decrease dryness and work as a lubricant to ensure that the nail remains flexible, keeping breakage at bay. Recommended: Revital-Oil Nail & Cuticle Treatment

2. Nail Hardener Base Coat & Manicure Extender Top Coat: packed with strengthening vitamins and proteins, these leave-on treatments will not only help bring health back to the natural nail, but will extend the life of your manicure. Recommended: Phyto Strong Natural Nail Duo

3. Cuticle Cream: treating the skin around the nail is just as important as the nail plate itself. Massage unto the surrounding skin at least twice a day to achieve healthy and beautiful nails. Recommended: Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail & Cuticle Treatment

Damaged nails will need some time to recover. Give your nails a rest from any kind of color coating for 30 days, focusing on nail treatments instead. Look for vitamin and keratin-infused solutions that work to penetrate the nail. These ingredients contain molecules that are able to move into the layers of the nail plate to help repair rather than just gathering on the surface.