SR Therapies

How to care for your nails when you get Shellac on a regular basis 

Shellac manicures and gel nails are great but if you're a fan of a professional mani, you're probably more than familiar with the less-than-desirable side effects that can come along with a salon manicure – especially if the proper removal techniques aren't followed.

• From brittleness and breakage to soft peeling nails, if you don't show you nails enough TLC between salon visits, you could risk harming your natural nail.

Luckily, there are easy ways to avoid this. We asked celebrity nail expert Jenni Draper for her best tips for caring for your nails in between salon visits.

• How to care for your nails if you regularly get gel or shellac 

1/ Always use a cuticle oil

'Use cuticle oil at least once a day, preferable twice and if possible – more,' suggests Draper. Cuticle oil helps to hydrate both the skin and nails, preventing dryness and in turn warding off splitting, chipping and peeling.

• 'Massaging an oil into the cuticles also helps to stimulate the area which encourages nail growth and strength. I like using Dadi’ oil daily to keep nails moisturised and hydrated.'

2/ Put gloves on in bed

This might seem like a strange suggestion, but it actually works. 'Apply a generous amount of moisturiser [or hand cream] and cuticle oil and then pop a pair of cotton gloves on before you go to sleep,' suggests Draper. The cotton gloves will warm the lotion and help the skin to penetrate the moisture more effectively.

• 'This is also a good tip when washing up', Draper continues. 'Apply your creams, pop your washing up gloves on and the hot water will warm the creams creating the same heated hand treatment effect.'

3/ Protect from the inside and out

• Supplements are great for strengthening your hair, skin and nails – so they are a great option for keeping your nails in tip-top shape, if you're a regular gel wearer. 'I would suggest taking a good multivitamin such as Perfectil Plus Nails to benefit the health of your nails,' advises Draper. 

• 'It is a good idea to take the approach that everything starts from a healthy balanced diet, which in today’s busy modern lifestyle can be tricky. A good multivitamin containing biotin, magnesium, vitamin A and zinc are great for nail health, strengthening your nails from within.' 

Reference: Women's Health Uk; Chloe Burcham -