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How to strengthen nails after gel: 5 expert tips
As a nail tech if you had a new TGB gel polish every time a client asked you how to get stronger and healthier looking nails — you’d have the whole collection of shades by now! The answer — it all starts with the perfect prep.
We’ve got 5 expert tips to share, so you can keep your clients — and their nails — happy and looking gorgeous.
Does gel polish damage nails?
No! Contrary to popular belief, gel polish doesn’t damage nails. Some people may experience damage to their natural nails but this is due to incorrect product application and removal techniques. That’s why we always recommend going to a professional nail tech to ensure the best results.
5 expert tips on how to strengthen nails after gel
Whether it’s preventing or repairing damage, we gathered some advice from an expert nail tech who tells us all about what really strengthens nails and why.
1. Prep and protect the nail
The best way to protect nails starts with the perfect prep.
Harsh or incorrect prep can cause damage to the nail surface, ultimately weakening the nail.
How can you prep nails without causing damage?
Been taught that the nail plate needs to be etched? ‘Etching’ refers to the filing process with a heavy grit file in order to remove surface shine from the nails. This is often done excessively which can cause damage, so we recommend a buffer is used to remove the shine (due to natural oils). The oils can cause product to lift so we need to remove this BUT without removing any layers of the nail plate.
Always choose a file suitable for use on natural nails — TGB 100/180 Buffer is gentle enough to lightly buff the nail surface and TGB 220/240 is great to shape the free edge.
Don’t forget to wipe the nail with two pumps of acetone on a TGB Lint-Free Wipe. This can remove any excess dust, debris and oils that may be left on the surface to help prevent your gel from lifting.
Which tools should I use as part of nail preparation?
TGB Tools Range helps you prep like a boss — a collection of durable tools, finished with a luxurious champagne gold finish.
Each tool has been carefully crafted, featuring an ergonomic design and hygienic titanium coating.
ProPrep — the only dual-ended cuticle pusher you will ever need — gives you complete control. The scoop end is curved to conform to the nail shape, making it easy to push cuticles back. The straight bladed end expertly removes tissue from the nail and sidewalls.
Cuticle nippers are the magic wand in any nail tech’s kit. ProNip nippers have a pointed tip and 5mm blade for precise work.
TGB makes clipping and cutting simple — ProClip nail clippers have sharp blades for smooth cuts, and ProTrim scissors are sleek and stylish — and can be used on cuticles and natural nails!
2. Bring in additional strength with a base coat
When applied directly to the natural nail, selected base coats can work wonders in providing additional strength to support your client’s nails — whether that’s natural nails or extensions.
What’s the best base coat for weak nails?
While our 2-in-1 Base is ideal for already healthy nails, our Rubber Base provides an option for those with weaker and brittle nails — flexing and bending with the natural nail for better resistance to breakages.
Whether they’re prone to flaking, splitting, weakening, or all of the above, Rubber Base is the big saviour in a small bottle for your client’s nails. It provides an extra strengthening layer to the nail plate due to its viscosity.
As a 2-in-1 base coat and primer, Rubber Base is the ultimate solution to half the application effort but double the practicality.
3. Lock in the essentials with Cuticle Oil
Once you’ve sealed in your nail design with a top coat, cuticle oil is a must-have!
Sp-oil your clients with our ultra-nourishing Cuticle Essence. Six nutritious oils moisturise and condition, leaving cuticles soft to touch — lengthening the life of manicures. Plus, with a luxurious and aromatic scent, it’s the perfect finishing touch to a new manicure.
How does cuticle oil help nails grow?
Using cuticle oil regularly helps to increase circulation which stimulates nail growth. Rich in oils and vitamins, it can improve the general health and appearance of your nails and protect your manicure for better and long-lasting results. Instead of being brittle and prone to breakages — nails feel stronger and healthier.
Expert top tip: Soak a TGB Lint-Free Wipe in IPA and remove any excess oil on the nail to avoid the gel top coat from going dull.
For those who aren’t always using gel, PEACCI Cuticle Oil is compatible with normal polish.
4. Safe gel removal
Your gel removal process can impact the condition of your client’s nail plate, and therefore their overall nail health. To avoid damage to your client’s nails, gel polish should always be removed with caution by a professional only.
How can you safely remove gel nails without adding stress?
Begin by buffing the surface of the nail plate using our 100/180 buffer before using acetone and our removal foils to soak each nail for 10-15 minutes. If the polish remains stubborn, re-soak. Do not try to force off the product.
The first step in safely removing gel comes from the right nail file and knowing how to use it. We recommend a TGB 100/180 buffer to remove the top coat.
Expert top tip: Pay close attention to keeping the file parallel to the surface and avoid contact with the natural nail.
From there, you can follow removals as standard by placing acetone-soaked TGB Lint Free Wipes into TGB Removal Foils and clipping over your client’s fingers to soak for 10 minutes.
Once this is complete, use ProPrep to scrape away the soft gel — be mindful not to scrape into the nail plate as this can cause irreversible damage.
5. Prevent breakages with the original BIAB™
If you’re wondering how to strengthen nails naturally, learning how to do BIAB™ nails could be for you!
With a formula that not only looks good but does good too, TGB are proud to be the original creators of Builder In A Bottle™, or BIAB™ for short. An alternative to standard gel that features a thicker consistency that can be applied directly to the natural nail.
How does builder gel strengthen nails?
BIAB™ is a medium viscosity gel used following specific application techniques that encourage recreation of the nail's apex to create and maintain strength.
BIAB™ is an alternative to standard gel polish. Thicker in consistency, BIAB™ is loved by many for its super-hero strengthening application technique that can be applied to the natural nail.
This self-levelling formula provides support across the nail (including problem areas such as the apex), which allows the nail to flex to lower the chances of splitting and snapping.
Strengthening, shaping, styling and more — do it all with TGB
From the vital prepping process to the final strokes of perfection, TGB’s full range provides the essentials for every gel nail design.
Our new-and-improved Salon Starter Kit has everything you need to care for your clients’ nails, from start to finish. Create over 75 manicures with files, Rubber Base, eight 20ml colours of your choice, Extreme Shine Top Coat and more!
If you want to learn how to do gel nails professionally and learn more about nail health, TGB Academy courses are here to help you with best practices.
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