How to restore nails after acrylic: expert advice and best methods

If you've ever had acrylic extensions done, you probably remember how spectacular and strong your nails look immediately after the procedure. But over time, especially after acrylic removal, natural nails can appear weak, thin and brittle. So you're faced with a choice: should you book in for a new manicure or give your nails time to recover?

If you are leaning towards the second option, don't worry - it is quite realistic to return your nails to a healthy and well-groomed look. The main thing is to know how to properly care for them during this period.

In this material we have collected professional recommendations on the restoration of nails after acrylic. Learn how to help your nails to recover and strengthen, so that they once again delight you with their natural beauty.

1. Proper removal

Acrylic nails often get a bad reputation for causing damage to natural nails. However, the problem lies not in the material itself, but in the incorrect method of removal.
Acrylics are formed by a chemical reaction between a liquid monomer and a powdered polymer. The mixture is applied to the nail plate and hardens, creating a durable coating. Sometimes acrylic does not bond evenly to the nail around the edges, which can cause it to peel off. When this happens, many people start ripping the material off by hand - and that's a big mistake. By tearing off the acrylic, you damage the top layer of your nail, making it brittle, thin and vulnerable.

To minimise the damage, experts recommend starting the removal process by carefully filing off the top layer of acrylic - as far as possible, without reaching the nail plate. Then a cotton disc moistened with acetone should be placed on each nail and wrapped in foil. Acrylic takes much longer to remove than gel, so patience will be required - sometimes it takes quite a while.

Following the correct removal technique will help keep your nails healthy. However, if your nails are naturally thin or you wear acrylics frequently, restoring and strengthening the nail plate becomes especially important. The following are proven methods to help restore your nails to a strong and well-groomed appearance.

2. Treat your nails with care

Even with the most careful removal of acrylics, your nails still need to be restored and nourished to stay healthy and well-groomed. The nail plate is like a canvas and it's important to restore its strength, smoothness and natural shape to enjoy the perfect manicure again.
To recover from acrylics, it's especially important to regularly use strengthening products to help your nails regain strength, protect them from brittleness and keep them looking well-groomed until your next visit to the salon.

3. Give up acrylics for a while

Although acrylic nails are prized for their length, strength and durability - and sometimes for all of these qualities at once - experts warn that it's easy to overdo it. Acrylic molecules are larger than those of gel, so a reliable bond with the natural nail plate requires more aggressive creation of microcracks on its surface. This is why acid primers are often used when applying acrylic. If you notice that your nails ache even a day or two after the procedure, this is most likely the reason.

However, problems after acrylic extensions are not limited to soreness. Frequent and too aggressive removal of acrylics can damage the nail matrix - the anatomical part responsible for the formation of the nail plate. Specifically, the matrix includes the crescent at the base of the nail. Damage to this area can cause various defects: surface irregularities, white spots, bumps and grooves. Moreover, experts note that improper acrylic removal often traumatises the cuticle, which worsens the appearance of the nail and increases the risk of infections.

4. Consider another type of nail extension

If your nails are thin, weak or painful after acrylic extensions, you should not give up on your dream of beautiful and long nails. Fortunately, there is a great solution - gel extensions.
The gel system is much gentler: the gel molecules are smaller, and the preparation of the natural nail plate requires a more gentle etching. In addition, gel extensions use a primer on a non-acid base, which is gentler on the nails. The process of gel removal is also much easier and faster compared to acrylic.
Gel extensions are a great way to strengthen and protect natural nails during their growth and recovery, without sacrificing the beauty and aesthetics of the manicure. It is a convenient and modern alternative to acrylics, which is suitable even for sensitive nails.